As richly layered literary adaptations continue to thrive on streaming charts, MASTERPIECE on PBS has long been a top destination for thoughtfully crafted interpretations of beloved books to screen.
To help keep this site running: Willow and Thatch may receive a commission when you click on any of the links on our site and make a purchase after doing so.
From revenge-fueled drama to sprawling family intrigue, some of the latest book adaptations on the platform include “The Count of Monte Cristo” (starring Sam Claflin and currently quietly topping charts) and “The Forsytes.” These timeless works are reimagined with unforgettable characters and attracting exciting new talent, offering viewers a fresh take on these beloved narratives.
Susanne Simpson, Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer at MASTERPIECE on PBS, has been responsible for such programs as “Wolf Hall” and “Victoria” — and oversaw all aspects of the US broadcast of “Downton Abbey” — the most watched drama in PBS history. For 12 years, she worked closely with Rebecca Eaton, Executive Producer of MASTERPIECE for 35 years, before stepping into the role herself in late 2019.
Below, we talk with Simpson about period dramas and literary adaptations and then share some page-to-screen suggestions to stream on PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
WAT: Hi Susanne – thanks for talking with us. Why do period dramas continue to attract PBS audience members?
Susanne: The themes in period dramas are timeless – falling in love, overcoming challenges and chasing your dreams to mention a few. I think audiences enjoy relating to these characters who are living in different times but having universal experiences.
WAT: How does MASTERPIECE choose what titles to show?
Susanne: It almost always starts with the writing. An excellent script is a must-have for MASTERPIECE titles. We also look to work with the best producers, actors and craftspeople. I look for stories that our audience will find joy in – whether that is by escaping to a stunning location or seeing a beautiful love story unfold.
WAT: What are some of the challenges in adapting a classic?
Susanne: Striking a balance between being true to the classic text but making the updates that make it relatable to a modern-day audience can be tricky. And condensing some very long novels into just 6 or so hours of drama can be a very big challenge!
WAT: Is fidelity to the original work more important to viewers these days, or original interpretations?
Susanne: I think for the most part that audiences care that our adaptations are true to the emotions and takeaways from the original work rather than replicating every single thing perfectly. The classics hold a special place in many people’s hearts and we try to feature adaptations that capture what makes them so special.
WAT: Does MASTERPIECE take a particular interest in showing new versions of adaptations the program has shown before? (All Creatures, The Forsytes)
Susanne: “All Creatures Great and Small” was not a MASTERPIECE title in its earlier form, but we do see value in bringing a reimagined new life to a property that has proven itself to be successful with viewers. Again it all comes back to the writing – if a new version of a previously adapted title has scripts that are moving, we think it has a home with MASTERPIECE.
WAT: Are there any adaptations MASTERPIECE hasn’t done/shown, that they’d love to?
Susanne: There are 2 projects we’re working on now, but I can’t say what they are yet!
WAT: What is the page-to-book process usually like for series shown on MASTERPIECE?
Susanne: Every writer has their own process so it really depends on the title and the writer adapting it. We’ve seen a variety of methods across our programs that lead to wonderful dramas.
Literary Adaptations to Stream on PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video
The Count of Monte Cristo: Starring Sam Claflin, this epic adaptation of Dumas’ iconic French novel presents one of the greatest revenge stories ever told. Edmond Dantès, falsely accused of treason, is imprisoned without trial in a grim island fortress. After many years, Dantès finally escapes and discovers treasure. Under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who wrongly accused him. Read more about it. Add to your WATCHLIST
The Forsytes: Desire, ambition and betrayal simmer at the heart of the sumptuous costume drama, “The Forsytes.” The series chronicles the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian era stockbroking family, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the pursuit of love. Inspired by John Galsworthy’s celebrated Forsyte Saga novels, starring Stephen Moyer and Jack Davenport, “The Forsytes” portrays events that take place before those covered in Galsworthy’s books. Read more about it. Add to your WATCHLIST
The Forsyte Saga: Starring Damian Lewis, “The Forsyte Saga” is an epic drama spanning three generations of the powerful Forsyte family at the turn of the 20th century. Beneath the family’s imposing veneer lies a festering core of unhappy and brutal relationships. Read our REVIEW. Add to your WATCHLIST
All Creatures Great and Small: At Skeldale House, new veterinarian James Herriot gets to know his newly formed dysfunctional family; his chaotic and erratic boss Siegfried Farnon, his wayward brother Tristan and the shrewd housekeeper Mrs. Hall who is endlessly steering the ship. When local farmer’s daughter Helen Alderson attracts James’ attention, he finds another, more enduring reason to stay in the Dales. Starring Nicholas Ralph, Samuel West, and Anna Madeley. Read Adapting All Creatures Great and Small. Add to your WATCHLIST
Miss Austen: Based on Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel and starring Keeley Hawes, this is a fascinating, witty and heartbreaking story of sisterly love. Cassandra Austen races to see her friend Isabella, who is about to lose her home. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which could destroy her beloved sister Jane’s reputation. Add to your WATCHLIST
Wolf Hall: Tony Award-winning actor Mark Rylance and Emmy Award-winner Damian Lewis star as Thomas Cromwell and King Henry VIII in this adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novels. A historical drama for a modern audience, “Wolf Hall” charts Cromwell’s meteoric rise in the Tudor court – from blacksmith’s son to Henry VIII’s closest advisor, trapped between his desire to do what is right and his instinct to survive. Add to your WATCHLIST
Sanditon: Emmy Award®-winning writer Andrew Davies brings Jane Austen’s unfinished last novel vividly to life. The once-sleepy fishing village of Sanditon is transforming into a fashionable spa resort full of intrigues and dalliances. Changing alongside it is the impulsive and unconventional Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), who journeys to discover herself–and find love on her own terms. Add to your WATCHLIST
Magpie Murders: A successful author dies under suspicious circumstances, his last book unfinished. What happened to him? And how does his latest potboiler end? Susan Ryeland assumes the role of detective. Based on Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling novel and starring Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan, and Conleth Hill. (Followed by Season 2 – Moonflower Murders & Season 3 – Marble Hall Murders) Read more about it. Add to your WATCHLIST
PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video consists of binge-worthy British and international drama series and movies from MASTERPIECE, Walter Presents and other critically acclaimed producers. Every purchase helps support public television for all. See what’s streaming here.
For a list of the period dramas that have aired on MASTERPIECE on PBS, season by season, see this page.
You’ll also want to read our articles about MASTERPIECE by Nancy West, author of Masterpiece: America’s 50-Year-Old Love Affair with British Television Drama (Rowman & Littlefield, November 2020). Hers is a fascinating book that focuses not just on the long-running show, and its series that have been especially popular, but also why MASTERPIECE has been significant to Americans in particular, which she speaks about in MASTERPIECE: 50 Fabulous Years!
West’s articles for Willow and Thatch include Masterpiece Characters Who Inspire Us, Masterpiece Theatre: Host Alistair Cooke, PBS Masterpiece Mystery! Series, Masterpiece Theatre: Upstairs, Downstairs, Masterpiece & Smart Viewers Like You, and PBS Masterpiece Theatre: In Short.
Also see our list of Best British TV Period Mystery Adaptations, and read Musings on the Choice of Adaptations.