The History of Tom Jones: a Foundling (TV series)

The History of Tom Jones: a Foundling is a British historical drama television series based on Henry Fielding's 1749 novel of the same name. There have been multiple adaptations of the novel, but this entry specifically refers to television series adaptations.

Multiple television series adaptations exist. The earliest, in 1976, was a five-part BBC adaptation starring Tom Bell as Tom Jones. A more recent four-part adaptation aired on ITVX and Masterpiece (PBS) in 2023, starring Solly McLeod in the titular role. These adaptations generally follow the picaresque narrative of the novel, tracing the life and adventures of Tom Jones, an orphaned foundling in 18th-century England. They typically depict his romantic entanglements, his encounters with various social classes, and his eventual discovery of his true parentage and fortune.

Critical reception to the various television series has varied, with some adaptations receiving praise for their fidelity to the source material and performances, while others have been criticized for deviations or pacing issues. The 2023 series generated discussion regarding its modern sensibilities applied to a classic text.

Key elements commonly adapted for television include the complex plot, the large cast of characters, the satirical tone of the original novel, and the exploration of themes such as social class, morality, and love.