WTIU introduces Ardently Austen, a series of new Jane Austen additions to the WTIU PBS Passport library.
Join in hope with the Dashwood sisters in “Sense & Sensibility,” delight in matchmaking with “Emma,” and yearn for lost love in “Persuasion.” Then on Sunday, March 20, revisit your favorite sunny resort town with loveable Charlotte and the Season 2 premiere of “Sanditon.”
Ardently Austen is a chance to rediscover these classic Austen stories, or enjoy them for the first time!
Take the Ardently Austen quiz for a chance to win a Jane Austen inspired prize >
But if you’re unfamiliar with each story, how do you know which you’d enjoy most? Read our summaries and suggestions below for the best place to start. Then grab some tea and queue up these Jane Austen adaptations now with WTIU PBS Passport.
Watch each of these shows – plus more! – now with WTIU PBS Passport, an unlimited streaming benefit available to every WTIU member who contributes at least $5 a month or $60 annually.
Ready to get started? Click any of the links below to sign in and start watching or download the free PBS Video App on your Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, newer Samsung Smart TV or Android TV. You can also watch on your computer, phone or tablet to get lost in incredible documentaries, dramas, and more.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Check to see if you're an eligible member here, activate your account here, or give now to get access to this fantastic member benefit. When you give, you can also select a Roku streaming device to watch WTIU PBS Passport as our thanks with your qualifying donation.
Sense & Sensibility
…for those who love stories of sisters and family, marriage, and societal expectations.
“Sense & Sensibility” is a classic tale of marriage in the Austen era. The Dashwood women are unable to inherit their own home, the possibility of finding a suitable marriage is stressful, and few are showing their true character. It’s a back-and-forth story of heartbreak, hope, and happiness that Austen does so well. This adaptation stars Hattie Morahan as Elinor, Dan Stevens as Edward, and Charity Wakefield as Marianne.
P.S. If you like “Sense & Sensibility,” check out “Little Women” and “Downton Abbey” next on WTIU PBS Passport.
Emma
…for those who love stories of matchmaking, misunderstandings, and friendship.
“Emma” is a lighthearted comic from Jane Austen that explores the more entertaining side of matchmaking. Emma is young, vibrant, and eager to help her friends be happy in love. But her naivety leads her to play a dangerous game when it comes to encouraging a friend to reject a perfectly good marriage proposal. This adaptation stars Romola Garai as Emma, Jonny Lee Miller as George, and Michael Gambon as Emma’s father.
P.S. If you like “Emma,” check out “The Trouble with Maggie Cole” and “Anne of Green Gables” next on WTIU PBS Passport.
Begin or upgrade your WTIU PBS Passport experience with a Roku Express 4K+ streaming device >
Persuasion
…for those who love stories of lost love, “what if” regrets, and hope.
“Persuasion” is the quintessential story of running into your ex and the feelings for them that never really went away. Anne fell deeply in love with handsome naval officer Frederick. But her family was against the match, so she broke off the engagement. Now, he’s returned home with fortune and reputation. But Anne can only watch as every eligible young woman falls at his feet. This adaptation stars Sally Hawkins as Anne and Rupert Penry-Jones as Frederick.
P.S. If you like “Persuasion,” check out “Poldark,” and “Beecham House” next on WTIU PBS Passport.
Take the Ardently Austen quiz for a chance to win a Jane Austen inspired prize >
Sanditon
…for those who love stories of newcomers, sunny towns, and new ways of life.
“Sanditon” is one novel that Jane Austen was never able to finish. But what she did write was enough to inspire this beloved series. Charlotte finds herself at the sunny resort town of Sanditon, where there’s a new and different way of living. She forms friendships with people who match her spirited and unconventional outlook, and, of course, there’s romance in the air. Season 2 of this adaptation premieres Sunday, March 20 with the return of Rose Williams as Charlotte.
P.S. If you like “Sanditon,” check out “Seaside Hotel,” “All Creatures Great and Small,” and “The Durrells in Corfu” next.
All these – plus more! – are at pbs.org/video, or download the free PBS Video App on your Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, newer Samsung Smart TV or Android TV. You can also watch on your computer, phone or tablet.