Everything we know about the Miss Austen BBC TV series, based on the bestselling book

As a nation, we can't seem to get enough period dramas, and Miss Austen is one of the newest shows to get excited about. It's based on Gill Hornby's bestselling book of the same name and is being adapted by the BBC into a four-part series with a stellar cast of much-loved actors, led by The Durrells and Spooks star Keely Hawes.

Miss Austen plot

For those that haven't read the book, here's the official plot synopsis: "The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died. Cassandra (Keeley Hawes) races to see her young friend Isabella (Rose Leslie) who is about to lose her home following her father’s death. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help her friend, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which, in the wrong hands, could destroy Jane’s reputation.

"On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth. In flashback, we meet Young Cassy and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as they navigate the infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives and laid the foundations for Jane’s unforgettable stories.

"Cassandra’s re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to realise how blind she has been to the real cause of Isabella’s heartache and distress. Finding a way to guide Isabella towards true happiness, Cassandra is finally able to understand and celebrate the sacrifices she chose to make for her brilliant sister, Jane."

Miss Austen cast

Keeley Hawes (Line of Duty, Bodyguard) - plays Cassandra, Jane's sister
Rose Leslie (Vigil, Game of Thrones) - Isabella, Cassandra's friend
Patsy Ferran (Jamestown) - stars as Jane Austen
Jessica Hynes (There She Goes, Years and Years)
Mirren Mack (The Nest, Mary & George)
Phyliss Logan (Shetland, Downton Abbey)
Kevin McNally (Unforgotten, The Crown)
Max Irons (Condor, The Wife)
Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away with Murder, Foundation)
Calam Lynch (Bridgerton, Mrs Wilson)
Liv Hill (Elizabeth Is Missing, Three Girls)

Miss Austen air date

Currently, no release date has been announced for the new TV drama, but filming began in November 2023, so we're hoping it'll be released this year.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV and film. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.