World Book Day may have come and gone in 2026, but PBS Masterpiece is proving that the love for great literature never goes out of style. For over five decades, the beloved PBS banner has been the go-to destination for U.S. audiences craving top-tier British television and timeless novel adaptations. Now, with the power of streaming on Prime Video, these stories are reaching a whole new generation of viewers—and the lineup for 2026 is nothing short of spectacular.
Among the most buzzed-about titles is The Count of Monte Cristo, an eight-episode miniseries that brings Alexandre Dumas's classic revenge tale into the modern era while staying true to its 19th-century roots. Starring Hunger Games fan-favorite Sam Claflin as the wrongfully imprisoned Edmond Dantès, and directed by Emmy nominee Bille August, the series has already earned a stellar 97% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. It follows Dantès as he escapes from a brutal island fortress, discovers a hidden treasure, and reinvents himself as the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo to systematically dismantle the lives of those who betrayed him. The series was the #1 most-streamed season on PBS Masterpiece via Prime Video in March 2026, proving that vengeance—and great storytelling—never gets old.
But Masterpiece isn't just revisiting old favorites; it's also expanding beloved universes. The Forsytes, a prequel to the acclaimed The Forsyte Saga, dives into the early loves, trials, and triumphs of the multi-generational Forsyte family. Based on John Galsworthy's Nobel Prize-winning novels, this new series stars Stephen Moyer and Jack Davenport, and has already been renewed for two more seasons. Where the original saga focused on the simmering tensions beneath the family's polished surface, The Forsytes explores the clash between tradition and personal happiness, offering a fresh perspective on a classic story.
Masterpiece's literary adaptations don't stop there. The Golden Globe-winning Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel's novels, returns viewers to the treacherous Tudor court, with Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and Damian Lewis as Henry VIII. Meanwhile, Sanditon, adapted from Jane Austen's unfinished final novel, ran for three seasons and remains a fan favorite, following Charlotte Haywood (Rose Williams) as she navigates romance and self-discovery in a sleepy fishing town turned spa resort. For those curious about Austen herself, Miss Austen—starring Keeley Hawes as the author's sister Cassandra—offers a poignant look at sisterly love and the secrets that could destroy a reputation. A follow-up based on Gill Hornby's novel The Elopement is already in the works.
Of course, no discussion of Masterpiece would be complete without All Creatures Great and Small, the heartwarming adaptation of James Herriot's veterinary memoirs. Now secured for Seasons 7 and 8, the series stars Nicholas Ralph as the young vet navigating life in the Yorkshire Dales. Based on the real-life experiences of James Alfred Wright, the books have sold over 60 million copies worldwide, and the current series—created by Ben Vanstone—has introduced a new generation to the charm of Skeldale House and its lovable, dysfunctional found family.
Masterpiece has also long been defined by its mystery series, which continues to deliver gripping whodunits and period crime dramas. But the real secret weapon in Masterpiece's arsenal is its partnership with Prime Video, which allows these literary gems to reach audiences far beyond traditional PBS viewers. Whether you're a fan of classic revenge tales, family sagas, or cozy period dramas, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of PBS Masterpiece.
For more on Prime Video's growing slate of adaptations, check out our coverage of 'The House of the Spirits' and Netflix's literary goldmine.
