BBC's 10 best Victorian dramas based on classic novels

The BBC has cranked out some incredible period dramas set in the Victorian era. We're talking about shows from Queen Victoria's reign—1837 to 1901—packed with amazing acting, memorable characters, and stories that aren't afraid to dig into some heavy social issues. There are tons of Victorian dramas out there, but еhese are the ones you have to watch—the ones that really nail the storytelling and capture what that era was all about.

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0:00 - Intro
0:20 - Bleak House (2005)
1:10 - Little Dorrit (2008)
2:09 - The Barchester Chronicles (1982)
3:09 - Cranford / Return to Cranford (2007–2009)
4:03 - North and South (2004)
5:02 - David Copperfield (1999)
5:58 - Daniel Deronda (2002)
6:44 - Wives and Daughters (1999)
7:32 - Jane Eyre (2006)
8:15 - Tess of the D’Urbervilles (2008)

#VictorianEra #perioddramas #BBCseries #BBCperioddramas #JaneAusten

[annaine]

‘You’re coming with me … with me?’ has to be the best line in any adaptation of a Victorian novel ever. North and South is my favourite 19th century drama and Elizabeth Gaskell was a great writer.

[maineclayton]

"North and South" 2004 version is fantastic! It made me bought the novel version which was hard to find.

[sheilagibson]

All of my favorites. People ask me “you watch the entire four hours, (North and South), for the last 15 minutes”? Yep

[jenniferwood]

North and South is the best, hands down. I don’t think I’ve actually swooned but I did during this series. “Look back. Look back at me.” Oh goodness.

[lucycat]

I think a lot of folks don’t know about Wives & Daughters 1999. Great list!

[marthaculver]

The 2006 BBC Jane Eyre, My vote for the best adaptation and Jane/Rochester with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. Love it so much.

[Maedi]

North & South, one of the few times a film adaptation of a beloved book is PERFECT 🥰

[moonlight]

I adore all of them but always my fav :

_ pride and prejudice 1995
_ North and south 2004
_ jane eyre 2006
_ little dorrit 2008
_ the bleak house 2005
_ wives and daughters 1999
_ Persuasion 2007

[eternalxchannel]

Bleak House is a delight! Great adaptation, setting and magnificent performances.

[rebeccag]

I'd add the 1996 BBC miniseries The Tenant of Wildfell Hall to your list :) It falls during the Victorian period and it's one of my favorite mini-series. It's a fantastic drama, and the novel was so groundbreaking for its time. Tara Fitzgerald, Toby Stephens and Rupert Graves are phenomenal.

I love Little Dorrit- this was my introduction to Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen! These adaptations of North and South and Jane Eyre are other favorites.

I haven't heard of Cranford but you sold me- I've added it to my watch list.

[Vesnicie]

The Granada/WGBH 1998 production of Hardy's "Far from the Madding Crowd" is absolutely solid, with a very talented cast and a deeply evocative feeling that's just right.

[marcelapicoli]

I absolutely loooove North & South!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[artistinvoice]

I grew up watching, rewatching and absolutely loving all of these series. Wives and Daughters, North and South, Jane Eyre and Tess of the D'Urbervilles. MiddleMarch is brilliant too <3

[LA]

Lark Rise to Candleford is also amazing, 4 series.

I have most of these on DVD along with others. I love revisiting them.

Tess of the D'Urvervilles is so tragic. I studied that at school.
Under the Greenwood Tree is a more positive Thomas Hardy novel, and that was adapted into a TV show too.

[paulamoreshead]

I’ve watched all of these multiple times. They’re fantastic and in my opinion, much better than some of the newer adaptations.

[thatgirlintheglasses]

Tess was so well done and it GUTTED me. So magnificent to see the unjust world of a woman vs a man

[lydia]

I love these. But "Our Mutual Friend" (1998) is absolutely my favorite, tied closely with Wives and Daughters.

[claudiasc]

I love Daniel Deronda! I think the cast was amazing. After watching the mini series. I bought the book in English. It was my first book that I read in another language. I love it and made me want to read more of George Elliot's books.

[tuppyjo]

Don’t forget “The Pallisers”. 26 episodes long but so worth it. Another Anthony Trollope masterpiece!!

[readandcoffee]

Also please make a video on "Lark rise to candleford" . It is the most beautiful british period drama Such a heartwarming and beautiful drama with likable and strong characters. It was so ahead of its time and it breaks my heart that not enough people talk about it.