British Period Drama · BBC / PBS · 2017
Little Women
This lovingly mounted three-part adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic follows the March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy — from girlhood to adulthood while their father is away at war. Under Marmee's guidance they navigate first love, loss, sibling rivalry, and the question of what it means to become a young woman. With Maya Hawke, Emily Watson, and Angela Lansbury, it's comfort wrapped in nostalgia and kindness — keep the tissues handy. Little Women airs on PBS.
About the show
Heidi Thomas — the same writer who created Call the Midwife — adapted this three-part Little Women for BBC One and PBS Masterpiece, casting Emily Watson as Marmee opposite an ensemble of rising actresses as the March sisters. The production marked one of the first major roles for Maya Hawke, daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, as the willful Jo March, alongside Angela Lansbury and Michael Gambon in supporting roles as Aunt March and Mr. Laurence. It was filmed in Ireland and first broadcast over three consecutive nights around Christmas 2017.
Where to watch in the US
PBS Masterpiece
All 3 episodes · Free via local PBS station · full library with PBS Passport
Watch on PBS →Already Have Prime?
BritBox, Acorn TV and PBS Masterpiece can all be added as Prime Video channels, so every series sits on one watchlist.
📚 Love Little Women? Join The Ultimate British Bookshelf for more classic literary adaptations →
If you like Little Women, try these
Sanditon
PBS Passport
Victoria
PBS Passport
Call the Midwife
PBS Passport
All Creatures Great and Small
PBS Passport
Related guides
Five British TV Picks. Every Sunday.
Your weekly guide to what to watch next, plus what’s new on BritBox and Acorn TV.