BBC to premiere Miss Austen drama series exploring Jane Austen’s letters on 2nd February 2025

The BBC has confirmed that the new drama series Miss Austen, starring Keeley Hawes, will premiere on Sunday 2^nd February 2025. The series, which will be available from 6am on BBC iPlayer and commence its weekly broadcast on BBC One the same evening, is adapted from Gill Hornby’s acclaimed novel. This adaptation, crafted by BAFTA-winning writer Andrea Gibb, explores the historical mystery of Cassandra Austen burning her sister Jane Austen’s letters, presenting a narrative steeped in sisterly love and literary intrigue.

Miss Austen examines the life of Cassandra Austen years after the death of her famous sister Jane. The plot follows Cassandra as she visits Isabella, the niece of her late fiancé, who faces the loss of her home following her father’s death. While appearing to aid Isabella, Cassandra’s true intent is to locate and safeguard private letters of Jane that could potentially tarnish the revered author’s reputation if made public. The series promises to offer a mix of emotional and narrative depth, exploring themes of loyalty, love and the complexities of familial bonds.

The newly released trailer provides a glimpse into the series, showcasing Keeley Hawes in her role as Cassandra. It also features flashbacks with Young Cassy, played by Synnøve Karlsen, and Jane, portrayed by Patsy Ferran, depicting their early life experiences of romantic pursuits and friendships that influenced Jane Austen’s iconic works.

The series boasts a notable cast including Phyllis Logan, Max Irons, Alfred Enoch, Jessica Hynes, Mirren Mack, Kevin McNally, Calam Lynch and Liv Hill. Directed by BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Aisling Walsh and produced by Stella Merz, Miss Austen is a collaborative production by Bonnie Productions and MASTERPIECE, in association with the BBC and Federation Stories.

This year is particularly significant as it marks the 250^th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, adding a celebratory backdrop to the series release. Following its debut in the UK, Miss Austen will air in the United States on MASTERPIECE on PBS from Sunday 4^th May.

The series not only aims to entertain but also to provide a fresh perspective on the lives of the Austen sisters, enriching the audience’s understanding of one of the most studied figures in English literature. With its rich narrative and strong performances, the BBC hopes Miss Austen will resonate deeply with both fans of Jane Austen and lovers of historical drama.

The editorial unit

Miss Austen is released on BBC iPlayer on 2^nd February 2025.

Watch the trailer for Miss Austen here: