A three-part BBC drama based on P.D. James' novel is now streaming, earning praise from Pride and Prejudice fans15:09, 19 Jul 2026Some Pride and Prejudice fans might have already devoured streaming services' period drama catalogues, but if you're one of those hunting for your next fix, there's a spin-off you may well have overlooked.‌In 2013, the BBC launched a three-part drama adaptation of P. D. James' 2011 bestseller of the same name, which continues Austen's tale six years beyond the novel's conclusion. But with a less romantic, way darker twist.‌The story begins in June 1803, when Mr and Mrs Darcy are throwing a ball at their estate, Pemberley Manor, before pandemonium breaks out with the appearance of Lydia Wickham, who insists her husband George has clashed with his travelling companion Captain Denny, resulting in the latter's murder.‌That's the point where Death Comes to Pemberley trades Austen's trademark romance for homicide, as a gripping whodunit narrative uncovers secrets, familial connections, and brings in excitement with courtroom scenes, alongside the fallout's effect on Darcy and Elizabeth's union, reports Wales Online.The programme has been widely likened to Agatha Christie's books, but as if they were set within Austen's fictional world.‌If you're still not convinced, the ensemble might do the job. Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin portray Darcy and Elizabeth, with Matthew Goode as Wickham and a young Jenna Coleman as Lydia.Additional highlights include Eleanor Tomlinson as Georgiana Darcy, James Norton as her admirer Henry Alveston, and Penelope Keith as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.There's even a Pride and Prejudice (1995) veteran amongst the cast - Tom Ward, who takes on Colonel Fitzwilliam, had a minor role in the TV adaptation.‌Nearly 8 million viewers tuned into When Death Comes to Pemberley when it first aired over Christmas 2013. Critics at the time were equally enthusiastic, hailing it as "perfect" festive television.Over on IMDb, one reviewer applauded the way it handles Austen's source material with considerable care and respect.Some of the other reviews focus on the cast. One fan argued that "while Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle will always be the definitive Darcy and Elizabeth," this adaptation actually has a better supporting cast, singling out Mr and Mrs Bennet, Lydia, Sir Selwyn Hardcastle, Georgiana Darcy and Alveston as standout performances.Article continues belowA third one gave it the simplest, but also perhaps the highest, praise: “Jane Austen would approve.”All three episodes of Death Comes to Pemberley are streaming on Channel 4 now.