5. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-)
No list of P&P adaptations would be complete without mentioning the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, even if it doesn't qualify as a TV or film adaptation (I mean, the internet is our future and all that). The web series, a loose modernization of Austen's novel, was created in April of 2012 and consists of twice-weekly videos that run less than 5 minutes. This series is told in v-log style by a modern day Lizzie Bennet as she narrates to the audience her challenges with family life. As a graduate student with a boatload of student debt, she shares the original Lizzie's disdain for her mother's enthusiasm about marriage and men, and, like her original counterpart, believes women should be educated and do more with their lives than simply pursue husbands. When the handsome Bing Lee moves into town with his snobby (and rich) friend Darcy, Lizzie's life turns into a circus as her family desperately tries to attract his attention. Her best friend Charlotte happens to be great with cameras and editing, making it possible to document this story as it unfolds. These short videos are filmed by Charlotte, and all the events that take place are recounted by Lizzie, Charlotte, Jane and Lydia within the realm of Lizzie's bedroom which offers a new experience compared to previous adaptations. Starting with the 25th episode, the series began moving locations and introducing new characters, such as Caroline, Bing, and Mr. Collins. Additionally, all the characters have social media accounts which they use to interact and reveal portions of their stories that are not always represented in Lizzie's blogs. I like this format - the narrative is quirky (sometimes too quirky) and original. It gives the Pride And Prejudice fandom a chance to gush over new material on the web and be interactive at the same time. You can watch the first episode
here.