Netflix is developing a series version of Jane Austen’s most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice. Published in 1813, the popular novel follows the sharp-witted yet headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, who comes to realize that love can overcome both pride and prejudice through her evolving relationship with the wealthy but initially aloof Mr. Darcy. Pride and Prejudice has been adapted to the screen several times, most famously in the 1995 BBC miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth and the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

Now, Jane Austen’s most famous novel is getting another adaptation. According to Variety, Netflix is developing a series version of Pride and Prejudice with Everything I Know About Love author Dolly Alderton penning the scripts. The project hasn’t officially been greenlit by the streaming platform yet, and there are no cast members currently attached.

What Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice Series Means For Jane Austen Adaptations

It’s Been A Big Week For Jane Austen Adaptations

The news that Netflix is developing a series version of Pride and Prejudice means that Jane Austen adaptations are alive and well, especially adaptations of her iconic 1813 novel. It was also recently revealed that a Pride and Prejudice spinoff series centered on Elizabeth Bennet’s sister, Mary, is in development at the BBC. The series, titled The Other Bennet Sister, is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name and is being produced by Doctor Who‘s production company, Bad Wolf.

Netflix has prior experience with Jane Austen’s work, having adapted her 1817 novel Persuasion into the 2022 movie of the same name starring Dakota Johnson. A few years later, Netflix is now tackling the author’s most famous work, which is a much riskier endeavor since it already had two iconic adaptations, the 1995 BBC miniseries and the 2005 film. In turn, the Netflix series will be tasked with setting itself apart but, in the process, could also risk straying too far from the beloved book.

Our Take On Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice Series

Dolly Alderton Is A Great Choice

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Author Dolly Alderton, who is penning the scripts for Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice series, gained widespread recognition for Everything I Know About Love, which she also adapted into a seven-episode series for BBC and Peacock. Her bestselling memoir reflects on her experiences navigating her 20s and has become a cultural touchstone for Millennial and Gen Z women. Overall, Alderton is a great fit for Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice since her memoir and its series adaptation showcase her talent for capturing the complexities of love, relationships, and self-discovery – themes that are central to Jane Austen’s timeless novel.