Archive · 22 Jul 2026
BBC Adapts Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady
The BBC is making a six-part TV series based on Henry James's famous book The Portrait of a Lady.
The story is about a young American woman named Isabel Archer who gets a lot of money and goes to Europe.
There, she faces people who try to control her.
The series stars Nell Tiger Free as Isabel Archer, with other actors like Gemma Arterton, Jim Sturgess, and Bill Nighy in important roles.
It is being produced by Number 9 Films TV and Beta Film GmbH and will be shown on PBS Masterpiece in the US and Canada, and on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK.
The series is being filmed in the UK, Hungary, and Croatia.
The BBC is adapting Henry James's novel The Portrait of a Lady into a six-part series.
Nell Tiger Free stars as Isabel Archer, with supporting roles by Gemma Arterton, Jim Sturgess, and Bill Nighy.
The series is written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and directed by Aisling Walsh.
Production is ongoing in the UK, Hungary, and Croatia.
The series will air on PBS Masterpiece in the US and Canada, and on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK.
- Who
- The BBC, along with a cast including Nell Tiger Free, Gemma Arterton, Jim Sturgess, and Bill Nighy.
- What
- A six-part adaptation of Henry James's novel The Portrait of a Lady.
- When
- Production is ongoing; specific air dates not mentioned.
- Where
- Filmed in the UK, Hungary, and Croatia.
- Why
- To bring a classic novel to contemporary audiences through a modern adaptation.
Supporters of Classic Literature Adaptations
Critics of Classic Literature Adaptations
Cultural Preservation
Supporters of Classic Literature Adaptations
Adapting classic literature helps preserve cultural heritage and introduces timeless stories to new audiences.
Critics of Classic Literature Adaptations
Over-adaptation can lead to a loss of original context and artistic integrity.
Accessibility
Supporters of Classic Literature Adaptations
Modern adaptations make classic literature more accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
Critics of Classic Literature Adaptations
Adaptations often oversimplify complex themes and characters, potentially misleading viewers.
- Author
- Henry James
- Adaptation Writer
- Rebecca Lenkiewicz
- Director
- Aisling Walsh
- Lead Actress
- Nell Tiger Free
- Production Companies
- Number 9 Films TV, Beta Film GmbH
- Broadcast Channels
- PBS Masterpiece (US/Canada), BBC iPlayer and BBC One (UK)
- Distribution
- FOX Entertainment Global
- Production Locations
- UK, Hungary, Croatia