Jonah Hauer-King and Philippa Coulthard in the first episode of Howards End (Picture: Playground Television UK Limited/Laurie Sparham)

Are you looking for a new television show to watch on Sunday nights?

Thankfully, the BBC has a brand-new period drama coming soon, with some pretty impressive names attached to it.

5 years on, can we settle the question – is Elementary better than Sherlock?

This is a show that looks like it might be an engaging and compelling series in its own right.

If you’re a fan of Upstairs Downstairs or Downton Abbey, this is definitely a show that will catch your interest.


Here’s everything you need to know about Howards End, the BBC’s latest historical drama:

What is it?

Howards End is a four-part miniseries, adapting the 1910 novel by EM Forster of the same name.



Considered to be Forster’s best novel, Howards End is a romance set against the backdrop of England’s class divisions at the turn of the century.

(Picture: Playground Television UK Limited/Laurie Sparham)

Who’s in it?

Hayley Atwell (Captain America, Agent Carter) will play main character Margaret Schlegel, while love interest Henry Wilcox will be portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen (Spooks, Ripper Street).

Impressionist and comedian Tracey Ullman (Tracey Breaks The News) joins the cast as Aunt Juley Mund, while Alex Lawther (Black Mirror, The End of the F***ing World) plays Schlegel sibling Tibby.

The script was written by Kenneth Lonergan, who wrote and directed last year’s Oscar-winning movie Manchester By The Sea.

On directing duty is Hettie Macdonald, who previously directed episodes of Fortitude, The Tunnel, and Doctor Who’s Blink.

Has this been adapted before?

Yes! Howards End was adapted as a film in 1992, starring famous names like Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham Carter.

It’s also been produced as a radio drama, as well as an opera.

Howards End is an enduring story – the book was named as one of the Top 50 best English language books of the 20th Century.

When’s it on? How can I watch it in the UK?

Howards End starts on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday November 12.

The drama will air on Starz in the US, though an airdate hasn’t yet been set in America.

(Picture: Playground Television UK Limited/Laurie Sparham)

Why should I watch it?

The drama stars Hayley Atwell, a hugely talented actress, and has been adapted by Kenneth Lonergan, a hugely talented writer – and it’s been adapted from the most seminal work of a hugely talented author.

It’s a recipe for success, and definitely worth a watch if you enjoy period dramas.

Alex Moreland is a freelance writer and television critic based in London. You can read more of his work here.

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