Tom Jones Episode 1: Release Date, Spoilers & Where To Watch

PBS will bring back another rendition of Henry Fielding’s classic book with a new, inclusive, and diverse cast. Tom Jones is a British period piece that depicts complex and layered characters in a fun way. This production will tell us a tale of challenges and desire against the backdrop of societal expectations in the Jacobite uprising. With love, integrity, honor, class struggles, and acceptance, Tom Jones will captivate you in its four-episode run with Sophie Wilde and Solly McLeod in the main roles.

As I wrote earlier, this book adaptation isn’t the first of its kind, as it’s been recreated in the past by high-caliber production companies like the BBC in 1997 and turned into an Academy Award-winning film in 1963. Now, it’s PBS’ turn to render us this classic story with a fresh ensemble cast, dazzling costumes, and great production value.

What Is Tom Jones About?

If you’re a bookworm, then you know about Tom Jones by Henry Fielding. If not, no worries, because I’ll explain. Initially published in 1749, it’s a book about a young dude named “Tom Jones” (hence the name, right!?) well, Tom is a passionate dude with a knack for seducing ladies. But Tom always looks to court ladies above his social status. Since Tom’s an orphan, he can’t seem to fit into the social system of Britain in 1745.

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When a young girl named Sophia Western enters Tom’s orbit, he does everything he can to court her and make her fall in love with him. But as it turns out, Sophia is also on the radar of a wealthy dude, Mr. Blifil, which sets off a chain of events that leads to Tom being falsely accused of a crime and losing Sophia’s love.

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Tom Jones Cast

Solly McLeod (House of The Dragon) plays Tom Jones, the main character. Joining him is Sophie Wilde (from You Don’t Know Me) as Sophia Western, the coveted girl that will capture Tom Jones’ heart. Also, Emmy Award-winner Hannah Waddingham (Apple TV’s Ted Lasso) plays Lady Bellaston, one of the main villains of this story, and Squire Allworthy (Bridgerton) is played by James Fleet. Furthermore, Downton Abbey’s Alun Armstrong plays Sophia’s granddaddy, Squire Western. Rounding up the cast we have Shirley Henderson (from The Mandalorian), Tamzin Merchant (from Carnival Row), and Pearl Mackie (from Doctor Who).

What To Expect From Tom Jones?

“Tom Jones” is a hefty novel that has been celebrated for its literary merit and lasting cultural significance. As such, PBS has the challenge to portray its legacy while giving us a diverse cast. Furthermore, Tom Jones is a classic of English literature and a landmark in the development of the English novel.

The novel is widely regarded as Fielding’s masterpiece of a comic novel, and it set the bar for realistic storytelling, controversial since its publication due to the graphic sexual content it describes, the novel’s characters are drawn vividly and realistically, reflecting people from all levels of 18th-century English society. Expect from PBS a tone that’s both satirical and moralistic.

Above all, what sets “Tom Jones” apart is its sheer scope — it is an all-encompassing portrait of life in 18th-century England, full of intricate subplots, social commentary, and philosophical musings on the human condition.

Tom Jones Trailer