Netflix’s 6-Part Miniseries Brings One of the Greatest Novels of All Time to Life

Austen’s enduring romance

Netflix is returning to Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen’s second published novel, released in 1813. The platform has also adapted Persuasion and is behind the Bridgerton franchise. The six-part series follows Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet, played by Emma Corrin, and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, played by Jack Lowden. Their path to love is complicated by social standing, pride, misunderstandings, meddling elders, old friendships and rivalries.

A faithful story, seen anew

Writer Dolly Alderton has promised a faithful adaptation while saying the team reconsidered some moments for contemporary audiences. She told Netflix that, at 35, she connected with Lizzy as a woman thinking through what she wants from love and marriage.

Corrin said the series brings modern sensibility into its historical setting. They told Netflix that the combination of modernity and authenticity, alongside the story’s social commentary, felt distinctive.

Mrs. Bennet speaks first

Olivia Colman plays Mrs. Bennet, whose focus on marriage reflects the limited choices women faced in the era, while creating strain in her relationships. In this adaptation, she delivers the novel’s famous opening line, originally presented as narration.

Alderton said the line suits Mrs. Bennet because she sees a wealthy single man as possible security for her daughters and family. Fiona Shaw plays Lady Catherine de Bourgh, following her appearance in another Austen adaptation, Sense and Sensibility.

A large ensemble joins

Rufus Sewell, Freya Mavor, Rhea Norwood, Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery also play members of the Bennet family. Other cast members include Jamie Demetriou, Daryl McCormack, Louis Partridge and Siena Kelly. Netflix executive Mona Qureshi called Pride and Prejudice “the ultimate romantic comedy.” The novel continues to feature on lists of top works, including a Guardian ranking mentioned in the report.