Gwyneth Hughes adapted the upcoming four-part series from one of the first novels of English literature, ‘The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling,’ by Henry Fielding, one of the first English novelists.
The story is based on an illegitimate young man who falls in love with an heiress. Tom and Sophia in the upcoming series will be played by British actor Solly McLeod and Australian actress Sophie Wilde. It will be broadcast on PBS on April 30, 2023.
Below is a list of other television series that have been adapted from various British classics.
David Copperfield – Number of Seasons: 1 (A Journey Through Life, Love, and Loss)
This two-part BBC drama was adapted by Adrian Hodges from Charles Dickens’s 1850 novel of the same name. This series, directed by Simon Curtis, is based on the author’s semi-autobiography.
The series aired two episodes on December 25th and 26th, 1999. Daniel Radcliffe makes his acting debut as a young David Copperfield, later rising to prominence as the titular character in the Harry Potter film series, in which he collaborated with five of his ‘David Copperfield co-stars: Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Zo Wanamaker, Dawn French, and Paul Whitehouse.
A Tale of Love, Identity, and Self-Discovery: Daniel Deronda: The One-Season Wonder
Tom Hooper directed this British television serial drama based on George Eliot’s 1876 novel of the same name, which was adapted by Andrew Davies and depicts the life path of an intelligent man of obscure origin.
Hugh Dancy played the title character, and Romola Garai played the heroine Gwendolen Harleth. It aired on BBC1 from November 23rd to December 7th, 2002.
Pride and Prejudice – Number of Seasons: 1
Andrew Davies adapted this British television drama from Jane Austen’s popular 1813 novel of the same name. In the series, Jennifer Ehle played Elizabeth Bennet, and Colin Firth played Fitzwilliam Darcy.
It received a lot of awards, including a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actress for Ehle. It ran from September 24th to October 29th, 1995.
Brideshead Revisited – Number of Seasons: 1
This British television serial is based on English author Evelyn Waugh’s novel ‘Brideshead Revisited,’ and is mostly directed by Charles Sturridge.
In the series, Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews played Charles Ryder and Lord Sebastian Flyte, respectively. It ran from October 12th to December 22nd, 1981.
Jane Eyre – Number of Seasons: 1 (A Timeless Tale of Love and Redemption)
Julian Amyes directs this BBC1 adaptation of Charlotte Bront’s 1847 novel of the same name. The plot focuses on an orphan woman’s journey from childhood to adulthood through school, love, and life in general.
In the series, Zelah Clarke and Timothy Dalton played Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester, respectively. It ran from October 9th through December 18th, 1983.
Sanditon – Number of Seasons: 3
Andrew Davies adapted Jane Austen’s famous unfinished manuscript for this British historical drama series. It is set in the Regency era and follows a naive young woman as she explores the namesake coastal town.
Charlotte Heywood, the series’ protagonist, was played by Rose Williams. It debuted on August 25, 2019.
Great Expectations – Number of Seasons: 1 (Drama and Intrigue of Great Expectations in this Unforgettable Series)
Pip, Estella, and Miss Havisham were played by Gary Bond, Francesca Annis, and Maxine Audley, respectively. It ran from January 22nd to March 26th, 1967.
Lady Chatterley – Number of Seasons: 1
This is a BBC1 version of D. H. Lawrence’s famous novel ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ published in 1928. The plot centers around a woman’s affair with a groundskeeper after her husband becomes s*xually inactive after returning from the First World War wounded.
The narrative is about sexual taboos and the British class system at the time. Joely Richardson played the titular role in the 1993 series, which aired from June 6th to June 27th.
Emma – Number of Seasons: 1
This is a four-part dramatization of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma. Emma Woodhouse, played by Romola Garai, was a well-known character in the series. Sandy Welch, a BAFTA award-winning writer, is in charge of the adaptation.
It received four Primetime Emmy nominations, including one win. It aired on BBC1 from October 4th to October 25th, 2009.
Oliver Twist – Number of Seasons: 1
This challenging version of Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel of the same name adds a two-hour history, much of which is fabricated by scriptwriter Alan Bleasdale.
In addition, the plot alters practically every aspect while keeping the core idea the same. Sam Smith played the title role in the series, which aired from November 28th through December 19th, 1999.
Finally, if you liked Tom Jones, you’ll adore any of these 10 fantastic TV series. They will keep you fascinated for hours on end with their blend of romance, drama, and adventure.