A new reality dating show from Peacock is heading to the streaming service with a special twist — this one will be inspired byJane Austen’s classic novelPride and Prejudice. If you’re a fan of her novels, the British Regency period, or the Shondaland hitBridgerton, then you’ll eat up the series entitledPride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romance. Endemol Shine North America developed and will produce the series in association with Shine TV. The creative team behind the series includesAnthony Dominicias the executive producer, joined bySharon Levy,DJ Nurre,Michael Heyerman, andSusy Price.
Taking a few cues fromThe Bachelorette, a group of eligible suitors will compete to win the heart of an Austen-like heroine and her ton. The contestants will be housed in a remote castle and experience romantic dates like carriage and boat rides, while learning archery and writing besotted handwritten letters. I’m also hopeful that the contestants will don a posh affect to their old-timey accents.
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Drawing fromPride and Prejudiceis a smart idea in the reality dating field, as Austen’s novel has long inspired other content likeBridget Jones' Diary,Lost in Austen,andPride and Prejudice and Zombies. The opportunities are endless with Austen IP, as her classic romantic comedies serve as the basis for significant others for many women. To be fair, Austen made her male love interests far too swoonworthy for anyone to resist.
Unscripted TV has seen a boom in the streaming age, so much so that creatives have nearly run out of standard ideas to present (although I very much suggest bringing back MTV’sNext). Executives are turning to out-of-the-box ideas likePride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romanceto excite viewers and continue innovating the field. For example, Netflix just released theirfirst trailer forSexy Beasts, an almost terrifyingly weird dating show where the contestants are dressed in animal heads for their dates. But, at least, there’s something for everyone now (even furries)!
Pride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romancewas just announced at Peacock and is still in pre-production, so no release date has yet been announced. But we’ll keep you up-to-date on future announcements.
