When it comes to stories, I love old-fashioned storytelling. That’s probably why period dramas have a permanent place in my home, and why celebrating them on The Silver Petticoat Review is such a pleasure. The period drama genre has an endless library of titles. From numerous Jane Austen retellings to the works of the Brontë sisters, and other underrated dramas, there are many stories to discover. Despite this variety, there are a few literary classics I’d love to see adapted into proper period dramas for the small screen.
This list primarily includes classics that have yet to be adapted, but I’ve also included a few that deserve a more definitive or contemporary remake. From romances to Gothic dramas, here’s a list of 12 literary classics I’d like to see on TV. Maybe you’d like them too.
12 Literary Classics We Need on the Small Screen
1: Agnes Grey
Written by Anne Brontë
This story, by one of the three Brontë sisters, centers on Agnes Grey, a woman working as a governess for wealthy families. Although I haven’t read the book, I suspect it shares similarities with her sisters’ works. It’s high time Anne’s novels were adapted for the small screen!
2 & 3: An Old-Fashioned Girl and The Inheritance
Written by Louisa May Alcott
“An Old-Fashioned Girl” might be a serialized story, but the right storyteller could craft a wonderful adaptation. It’s about a girl named Polly who gets caught up in her wealthy friend Fanny’s world.
The 90’s had a 2-hour TV adaptation of “The Inheritance,” which is an underrated but charming story. While I still love the film, it would be great to see someone like ITV or BBC adapt it into a 3-5 part series.
4: The Blue Castle
Written by L.M. Montgomery
I’ve heard a lot of praise for this novel and have been told to read it often. Although I own a copy, I haven’t read it yet. Its promise of a swoon-worthy hero and intellectual heroine has piqued my curiosity. This story definitely needs a quality production and a talented cast.
5: The Buccaneers
Written by Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton’s novels often have bittersweet endings, as seen in BBC’s early 90s adaptation of this story. Despite its sorrows, I’d be eager to see a remake. The novel follows American heiresses navigating Dukes and Lords during an English season—an excellent plot for a TV series. A less melodramatic approach could highlight Wharton’s brilliant writing.
6: Martin Chuzzlewit
Written by Charles Dickens
There are countless Dickens adaptations, mostly of “Oliver Twist” or “A Christmas Carol.” In 1994, the BBC adapted “Martin Chuzzlewit” into a miniseries. The story involves a wealthy man whose inheritance is coveted by several family members. Though the BBC version is enjoyable, it feels dated and deserves to be retold for a modern audience.
7: Mary Barton
Written by Elizabeth Gaskell
Set in 1848 Manchester, this novel was initially published anonymously. It follows Mary Barton and the impoverished industrial world she lives in. Much like Gaskell’s “North and South,” “Mary Barton” deals with themes of romance amid struggles, making it perfect for period drama treatment.
8: Our Mutual Friend
Written by Charles Dickens
Although I enjoyed the 90s adaptation featuring Keeley Hawes, I believe it’s time for another network like ITV or BBC to tackle this story again. Despite the phenomenal 90s cast, an updated version would be fantastic.
9: Pat of Silver Bush and Mistress Pat
Written by L.M. Montgomery
These stories might have a bittersweet tone similar to “Persuasion,” but they also have the charm typical of L.M. Montgomery. With the right creative team, these tales could shine on screen, just like “Anne of Green Gables.”
10: Persuasion
Written by Jane Austen
There have been several adaptations of this Jane Austen classic. Though somewhat recent versions exist, I’m yet to see one that feels definitive. This one remains a personal favorite that I’d like to see done perfectly.
11: Sanditon
Written by Jane Austen
Although this has an upcoming adaptation, I couldn’t help but include it. I’m thrilled to see Austen’s unfinished novel brought to life by the talented Andrew Davies. Austen fans are in for a treat!
12: Villette
Written by Charlotte Brontë
I’m not very familiar with “Villette,” but it follows Lucy, who travels from England to France and experiences adventure and romance as a teacher. Virginia Woolf called it Charlotte’s “finest novel,” so it’s a mystery why it hasn’t been adapted into a proper film or series.
This is a brief overview of literary classics I’d love to see adapted into visionary masterpieces. Of course, there are many other works by authors like Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, Dodie Smith, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, L.M. Montgomery, and more. These are the literary stories currently on my mind.
Which of these 12 literary classics, or any other classic literature, would you like to see adapted for the screen? Share your thoughts below.
