TV Shows Jane Austen Would Watch

Cortland Jacoby
Updated October 19, 2023
Help shape these rankings by voting on this list of Shows Jane Austen Would Really Watch
Voting Rules

Vote up the shows you think Jane Austen would be most proud she influenced.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen did not own a television when she wrote Pride & Prejudice. Despite this setback, Austen's body of work has inspired millions of writers, characters, troupes, and TV couples to grace the small screen. Without Britain's most famous writer, we wouldn't have shows like New Girl, Friends, and even Sex and the City. 

With this list, we literally asked ourselves “Would Jane Austen watch that?” Would she like the will they/won't they romance of Sam and Diane on Cheers? What about the themes of classism and mystery in Veronica Mars a la Northanger Abbey? Maybe she would find solace from modern life in period dramas like Bridgerton or the female friendships in shows like Golden Girls or Tuca & Birdie.

If you too are feeling like you want an Austen-like story without watching a straight retelling or adaption, this list has all your desired qualifications. And if you are feeling like enjoying some of her actual work, we've included a few of our favorite adaptations too. 

Latest additions: Friends, Cheers, Sex and the City
Ranked by
  • Gilmore Girls
    1

    Gilmore Girls

    Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy
    33 votes
    • Premiered: October 5, 2000
    • Number of Seasons: 7
    • Genres: Comedy,Drama
    Set in the quaint, picturesque town of Stars Hollow, this heartwarming dramedy follows the lives and relationships of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). With its witty, fast-paced dialogue and an ensemble of eccentric characters, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base. Throughout its seven-season run, Gilmore Girls was lauded for its relatable, well-rounded portrayal of female relationships, particularly the unique bond between a single mother and her daughter. The series also earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, proving its lasting impact on the television landscape.
  • Downton Abbey
    2

    Downton Abbey

    Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern
    31 votes
    • Premiered: September 26, 2010
    • Number of Seasons: 6
    • Genres: Drama,Drama
    Set against the backdrop of post-Edwardian England, Downton Abbey unfolds as a beautifully crafted period drama that captivates its audience with the interwoven lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants. With its sharp wit and engaging plotlines, the show has garnered numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. The ensemble cast features memorable performances from Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, Hugh Bonneville as Lord Robert Crawley, and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley. The series expertly balances the intricate dynamics of social hierarchy, love, and ambition, keeping viewers enthralled throughout its six-season run.
  • New Girl
    3

    New Girl

    Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield
    26 votes
    • Premiered: September 20, 2011
    • Number of Seasons: 7
    • Genres: Comedy
    In a refreshing take on the classic sitcom formula, New Girl showcases the comedic prowess and undeniable chemistry of its ensemble cast. The series follows Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel), an endearing and quirky teacher who moves in with three single men after a messy breakup. As the characters navigate the complexities of modern relationships and career challenges, viewers are treated to a perfect balance of heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud humor. The show's success is further bolstered by notable guest appearances and accolades, including five Primetime Emmy Award nominations. With a genuine charm that resonates with audiences, New Girl stands out as a memorable addition to the television landscape.
  • Bridgerton
    4

    Bridgerton

    Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker, Harriet Cains
    31 votes
    • Premiered: December 25, 2020
    • Number of Seasons: 2
    • Genres: Drama,Romance
    Set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, this period drama weaves an enchanting narrative centered on the lives of the esteemed Bridgerton family. The series, which has garnered numerous award nominations, skillfully combines romance and societal intrigue with a fresh, modern twist. Each season follows another of the Bridgerton clan as they navigate London's elite for love and marriage. With Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne, Regé-Jean Page as Simon, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Simone Ashley as Kate, and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown, Bridgerton displays an array of lavish costumes, grandiose settings, and memorable performances from the talented ensemble cast, making this show a must-watch for fans of historical fiction and romance alike.
  • Cougar Town
    5

    Cougar Town

    Courteney Cox, Christa Miller, Busy Philipps
    15 votes
    • Premiered: September 23, 2009
    • Number of Seasons: 6
    • Genres: Comedy
    Set in the sun-drenched fictional town of Gulfhaven, Florida, this refreshing comedy series follows the daily exploits and close-knit relationships of a group of friends with a penchant for wine and camaraderie. Cougar Town's lighthearted humor centers around Jules Cobb (Courteney Cox), a recently divorced woman navigating the challenges of single life and parenthood, while seeking solace in her quirky circle of companions. The ensemble cast, boasting a diverse array of personalities, has garnered critical acclaim for their chemistry and comedic timing. Throughout its six-season run, the show earned a loyal fan base and a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Courteney Cox's engaging portrayal of Jules.
  • Sanditon
    6

    Sanditon

    Rose Williams, Anne Reid, Kris Marshall
    15 votes
    • Premiered: August 25, 2019
    • Number of Seasons: 3
    • Genres: Drama,Romance
    Sanditon, a period drama adapted from Jane Austen's unfinished novel, deftly explores the complexities of society and human relationships in an idyllic seaside town during the Regency era. The series, which earned BAFTA nominations for its remarkable costume design and original score, follows the spirited Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she navigates love, friendship, and ambition amidst the colorful characters that inhabit Sanditon. With a touch of wit and an air of elegance, the show masterfully captures the essence of Austen's world while carving out its own distinct narrative. From its lush cinematography to the nuanced performances, Sanditon remains a delightful addition to the realm of period dramas.