Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is set in early 19th century England and follows the Bennet family, where Mr and Mrs Bennet worry about finding husbands for their five unmarried daughters. When wealthy Mr Bingley moves into a nearby estate with his reserved friend Mr Darcy, social expectations and romantic interest begin to upset the household. Jane Bennet attracts Bingley's immediate favor, while Elizabeth Bennet finds herself sparring with Darcy over his manners and judgments. Elizabeth's sharp wit and independence sit uneasily against the era's rules about marriage and class, and the Bennet parents add humor and strain. Neighboring families, misunderstandings, and social reputation complicate the road to any match, and expect lively dialogue and shifts in how characters view one another.

This 1995 BBC television adaptation was written by Andrew Davies, produced for television with Jane Austen credited as source, and stars Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth in the leads. It first aired in the UK and was later distributed internationally.

The miniseries earned industry recognition, picking up several awards and nominations across acting, costume, and production categories. Cast and crew received particular praise from television award bodies in the years after its broadcast, and reviewers often singled out Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth for their performances.

The show's visual moments and performances entered popular culture, most famously Colin Firth's lake scene, which became a widely referenced image. The series renewed mainstream interest in Austen and helped set the template for faithful period miniseries, influencing later costume dramas and TV adaptations over time.

Critics and audiences responded strongly, reflected in an 8.2/10 average from 531 votes. Reviewers highlighted sharp dialogue, finely observed period detail, and chemistry between the leads, noting the series' attention to class distinctions, social manners, marriage pressures, and how pride and prejudice shape perceptions, and intimate domestic scenes.