Sense and Sensibility is a 2008 British television drama, based on Jane Austen's 1811 novel of the same name. The screenplay was written by Andrew Davies, who said that the aim of the series was to make viewers forget Ang Lee's 1995 film version. As such, this series was more overtly sexual than previous Austen adaptations, and Davies included scenes featuring a seduction and a duel that are suggested in Austen's novel but absent from the feature film.
A story of two sisters attempting to find happiness in the tightly structured society of 18th century England. Elinor, disciplined, restrained and very conscious of the manners of the day, represents sense. Outspoken, impetuous, emotional Marianne represents sensibility.
Episode Ratings Grid
Every episode at a glance, color-coded by rating. Rows are episode numbers within each season, columns are seasons.
The best and worst episodes at a glance. Use this to find must-watch episodes or ones you might want to skip.
🏆 Top Episodes
#1 8.1
S1E3Episode #1.3
In London, Willoughby acknowledges no connection to Marianne and marries wealthy heiress Grey. Elinor must hide her heartbreak when she learns Edward is engaged to Miss Lucy Steel; but when his mother learns of the engagement, she disinherits him. Fortune ultimately smiles unexpectedly on both Dashwood sisters.
#2
S1E1 7.8
Episode #1.1
When Mr Dashwood dies, he leaves his Sussex estate Norland – undivided, as the law requires – to his first marriage son John. John's wife, Fanny, convinces him to deny, in the name of their only son Henry's inheritance, his widowed stepmother and her three daughters the generosity understood at his father's deathbed. When the heiress-in-law's brother Edward Ferrars visits, he proves a perfect, understanding gentleman mutually drawn to eldest daughter Elinor.
#3
S1E2 7.8
Episode #1.2
Marianne attracts the attention of stoic war hero Colonel Brandon, but herself is only interested in charming and glamorous rival Willoughby; their exclusive mutual attentions convinces most that they are engaged—until Willoughby suddenly departs for London. Edward keeps his promise to visit, but seems troubled and guarded.
📉 Bottom Episodes
#3
S1E2 7.8
Episode #1.2
Marianne attracts the attention of stoic war hero Colonel Brandon, but herself is only interested in charming and glamorous rival Willoughby; their exclusive mutual attentions convinces most that they are engaged—until Willoughby suddenly departs for London. Edward keeps his promise to visit, but seems troubled and guarded.
2. S1E1 "Episode #1.1" 7.8
1. S1E3 "Episode #1.3" 8.1
The Quality Arc
Each point is an episode, plotted chronologically. The colored bands mark season boundaries. Look for upward or downward trends to see if quality improved or declined over time.
Episode Engagement
Vote count shows how many people cared enough to rate. High votes + high rating = beloved classic. High votes + low rating = notorious stinker. Low votes + high rating = hidden gem.
Rating threshold:
2Standouts
0Infamous
1Hidden Gems
0Forgettable
Top Standout:S1E3Episode #1.3
Best Hidden Gem:S1E2Episode #1.2
Episodes plotted by rating vs. vote count. The vertical line marks the rating threshold (7.5).
More votes = more engagement. Toggle above to compare against global or show-specific median.