Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago

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Earlier this year I watched lots of English period dramas ranging from brilliant to barely watchable, and this mini series was the one that stole my heart. I became obsessed for weeks, made my family watch it with me, and I even came out of retirement to make a video.

The basic premise: Jane, an orphan who has lived a cold, loveless life, becomes the governess of the ward of Mr. Rochester, a brooding, troubled man with a dark past that could consume the both of them. Despite their positions as employer and employee, Jane and Rochester develop an intimate friendship, as Rochester can't seem to keep away from Jane and Jane finds herself relishing his company. But all is not what it seems in Rochester's world and when his past catches up to him, the two may be forced to part forever.

I read the classic in college and really liked it, but this series made me love Jane Eyre even more. Watching Jane and Rochester develop this friendship, this mysterious bond that turns to romance and left my heart overflowing was the most magical experience. These two are brilliant on screen together. They play off each other so well, and Rochester has such a fun personality. He's so cheeky! And despite his sometimes-rude and overbearing nature, Jane is unfazed by him and even indulges in his antics. And the way he looks at her! By the way, Toby Stephens IS AMAZING, I can't believe I was never aware of this actor before. He pours himself into every word, at times hilarious, at other times heart breaking. As much as I loved Ruth Wilson as Jane, Toby was the MVP of this production. And it's even better on the rewatch--once you have the full context of Rochester's story you will see him in a whole different light. Since I went in already knowing the ending, I was cautious to see how they would pull it off. But my gosh, they nailed it. The ending made me fall in love even more.
If you like period dramas, don't sleep on this one, seriously. I watched multiple romance series this year and this one was so good it ended my watch streak. Once I found the gem I'd been looking for, I didn't need to watch any more! (Lol) I recommend the two-part series on Hulu, NOT the 4-part series because it's missing scenes.

Editing this made me feel so nostalgic. And it was such an experience getting to edit with this song, it's been waiting in the wings for over a decade.

Footage: Jane Eyre (2006)
Song: Wish That You Were Here
Artist: Florence + The Machine