# Emma (2009)

> A meddling young woman in the English countryside matches her friends while failing to see her own heart.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/16818

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 4
- Episode runtime: 58 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: drama, comedy, romance
- Created by: Jim O'Hanlon
- Network: BBC One
- Cast: Romola Garai, Michael Gambon, Jonny Lee Miller, Tamsin Greig, Jodhi May, Robert Bathurst, Louise Dylan, Valerie Lilley
- TMDB rating: 8.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1366312/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Tone: witty, warm, gently satirical, romantic, genteel

## What critics say

Viewers broadly praise this faithful, witty and well-acted BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, with its ensemble cast and comic warmth.

## Synopsis

Emma (2009) is a British BBC One period drama miniseries created by Jim O'Hanlon, adapted from Jane Austen's novel. Romola Garai plays Emma Woodhouse, a congenial young woman in the English countryside who delights in meddling in other people's affairs, perpetually trying to pair up men and women who are utterly wrong for each other. Her blind spot is her own heart, particularly her relationship with the gentle Mr. Knightley, played by Jonny Lee Miller. Michael Gambon plays her fussy father, and Tamsin Greig plays the chatty Miss Bates, both of whom are played for comic effect while retaining enough depth to be cared about. The engine is social maneuvering: small village gossip, misjudged courtships, and well-meant schemes that backfire over four hour-long episodes. Set in early nineteenth century rural England, the story unfolds with genteel manners, polished costume, and sunlit country estates. The tone is witty, warm, and gently satirical, with romantic tension building slowly. Fans of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Clueless will find resonance in its comedy of manners and matchmaking romance.

## Shows like Emma

- [Pride and Prejudice (1995)](https://ember.film/tv/1373)
- [Sense and Sensibility (2008)](https://ember.film/tv/12945)
- [Wives and Daughters (1999)](https://ember.film/tv/9016)
- [Lost in Austen (2008)](https://ember.film/tv/14103)
- [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996)](https://ember.film/tv/36169)
- [Pride and Prejudice (1980)](https://ember.film/tv/4191)
- [One Day (2024)](https://ember.film/tv/157140)
- [The Pursuit of Love (2021)](https://ember.film/tv/98890)
- [Jeeves and Wooster (1990)](https://ember.film/tv/997)
- [David Copperfield (1999)](https://ember.film/tv/16533)

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