Wives and Daughters (1999 TV series)

Wives and Daughters is a four-part British television drama serial, adapted by Andrew Davies from the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Gaskell. It was originally broadcast on BBC One in November and December 1999.

The series is a coming-of-age story set in the 1830s in rural England. It follows the life of Molly Gibson, the only daughter of the widowed Doctor Gibson. Molly's relatively peaceful existence is disrupted by the arrival of a new stepmother, Hyacinth Clare, a beautiful but superficial woman, and her sophisticated step-sister, Cynthia. The series explores themes of love, social class, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships in a provincial setting.

The cast includes Justine Waddell as Molly Gibson, Bill Paterson as Doctor Gibson, Francesca Annis as Hyacinth Clare, and Keeley Hawes as Cynthia Kirkpatrick. Michael Gambon also appears as Squire Hamley, and Iain Glen as Mr. Preston.

Wives and Daughters was well-received by critics and audiences, praised for its faithful adaptation of Gaskell's novel, strong performances, and evocative portrayal of Victorian society. It won several awards, including the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Serial.