'Masterpiece' BBC period drama based on beloved book is 'best Jane Austen adaptation'

One of the BBC's Jane Austen adaptations has been highlighted by fans and critics alike. Emma is a four-part BBC television drama serial adaptation of Austen's 1815 novel Emma.

The episodes were written by Sandy Welch, writer of previous BBC costume dramas Jane Eyre and North & South, and directed by Jim O'Hanlon. The serial stars Romola Garai as the titular heroine Emma Woodhouse, Jonny Lee Miller as her loyal lifelong friend Mr Knightley, and Michael Gambon as Emma's father, Mr Woodhouse. The serial originally ran weekly on BBC One in 2009.

The series synopsis reads: "The BBC's Emma is a four-part adaptation of the Jane Austen novel about the wealthy and well-meaning but meddling Emma Woodhouse. Believing she is a skilled matchmaker, she takes on Harriet Smith as a protégé to help her find a suitable husband, which leads to a series of romantic misadventures and the realisation of her own true feelings, often with the disapproval of family friend Mr Knightley."

Critical reception to the series was generally positive, especially the first episode, with praise for many of the main actors; however, the series has gained even more acclaim in the years following its release.

Emma has an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a near-perfect 4.9 rating on Google reviews.

One Google reviewer wrote: "Of the many film and TV adaptations of Jane Austen novels, this production is, in my opinion, the best. The acting, especially by the main characters, is faultless. The Director has captured the essence of the story, and the cinematography is just wonderful. It can't be faulted on any level. Four hours of magnificent entertainment. Bravo to everyone involved."

A second said the series was "one of the most underrated TV series of all time," while a third said it was "my favourite Emma adaptation... watched it so many times".

On IMDb, a reviewer said the four-parter was "a heart-warming masterpiece".

"Absolutely love this mini series. I've watched it several times and everytime I am as easily entertained and flawed by the actors/actresses portraying the beloved characters of the famed book Emma. Haven't watched another interpretation of Emma that has yet to beat this 2009 one," another user added.

Emma is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.