Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Delightful 90s retelling of Austen's classic tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
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Where to Watch
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Pride and Prejudice
What's the Story?
This series is an adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice.The series follows Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle), a witty and headstrong young woman navigating love, societal expectations, and family pressures. When the proud and brooding Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) enters her life, initial misunderstandings and class prejudices create tension. As the story unfolds, both Elizabeth and Darcy undergo personal growth, challenging their assumptions about themselves and each other.
Is It Any Good?
This outstanding adaptation is often regarded as the definitive version of Jane Austen's novel for TV or film. In this BBC mini-series, Colin Firth establishes himself as the quintessential Mr. Darcy (a role he later continues in a modern context in Bridget Jones's Diary). His brooding intensity and character development are captivating, making this a must-watch for period drama lovers. The humor in the series, particularly from Mrs. Bennet's dramatic antics, does a perfect job of adding the intended humor to the love stories. Despite being written over 200 years ago, the characters remain relatable, and the themes of personal growth, social critique, and romance continue to resonate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about judging others. The title Pride and Prejudice highlights the dangers of making snap judgments. How do Elizabeth and Darcy's opinions of each other evolve over time? What role does empathy play in their changing feelings?
Talk about what qualities make for a strong and healthy relationship. How do different marriages in the story illustrate different ideas about love and partnership?
Women in this time period had very few choices outside of marriage. How does that compare to today? What do you think about the choices the various female characters made about their futures?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 1, 1995
- Cast : Colin Firth , Jennifer Ehle
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- TV rating :
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Winner
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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