Martin Clunes might be best known for his turn as the grumpy Doctor Martin Ellingham in ITV’s beloved series Doc Martin, but according to Rotten Tomatoes, his highest-rated TV drama (when decided by the critics) is actually an historical miniseries.
From 2018, Vanity Fair boasts a brilliant cast and remains a standout adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic 1848 novel. While Clunes delivered a memorable supporting performance as the crude yet lively Sir Pitt Crawley, the series shines brightest through Olivia Cooke’s captivating lead as Becky Sharp.
Martin Clunes as Sir Pitt Crawley in Vanity Fair (2018). His portrayal brought humor and vitality to the miserly baronet.
The Enduring Appeal of Thackeray’s Satire
Vanity Fair is a sweeping historical drama that captures the social climbing, ambition, and hypocrisies of early 19th-century English society amid the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Thackeray’s novel, subtitled “A Novel without a Hero,” subverts traditional storytelling by presenting a world driven by vanity, where characters pursue wealth, status, and pleasure with varying degrees of success and moral compromise.
The 2018 ITV/Amazon miniseries, consisting of seven episodes, adapts this rich source material with lavish production values, sharp writing by Gwyneth Hughes, and direction primarily by James Strong. It premiered in the UK on ITV in September 2018 and became available on Prime Video in the US, offering viewers a visually stunning journey through Regency-era England.
At its core, the story follows Becky Sharp, a clever and ambitious orphan determined to rise above her impoverished beginnings. Unlike the more passive, virtuous heroines of many period dramas, Becky is a complex anti-heroine—charming, manipulative, and relentlessly resourceful. Her friendship with the kind-hearted Amelia Sedley provides a contrasting lens through which the audience views the rigid class structures and societal expectations of the time.
Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp with Tom Bateman as Rawdon Crawley. Cooke’s sparkling performance anchors the series.
A Brilliant Ensemble Cast
The series features an impressive array of British talent. Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon, Slow Horses) delivers what many critics call one of the best portrayals of Becky Sharp, bringing modern relatability to the character’s feisty scheming while maintaining the period authenticity.
Claudia Jessie (Bridgerton) plays Amelia Sedley with genuine warmth and naivety, providing emotional grounding to the more satirical elements. Johnny Flynn (Ripley) portrays Captain William Dobbin, the steadfast and often overlooked hero figure, with quiet intensity. Tom Bateman appears as the dashing yet flawed Rawdon Crawley, Becky’s husband.
Martin Clunes shines in his role as Sir Pitt Crawley, the miserly and eccentric baronet. His performance injects humor and earthy realism into the Crawley household scenes, making the character both repulsive and oddly endearing. Clunes’ comedic timing, honed from years in Doc Martin and other comedies, adds levity to the drama.
Other standout cast members include:
- Suranne Jones as the snobbish Miss Pinkerton
- Frances de la Tour as the wealthy Lady Matilda Crawley
- Simon Russell Beale as Mr. Sedley
- Charlie Rowe as George Osborne
- Anthony Head as the powerful Lord Steyne
- Michael Palin (Monty Python) in a delightful cameo as the narrator/author William Makepeace Thackeray
The ensemble brings depth to Thackeray’s sprawling narrative, populating the world with memorable personalities.
A lavish group scene from Vanity Fair (2018), highlighting the opulent costumes and production design.
Production and Visual Splendor
Filmed across various historic locations in Kent, including Chevening House Estate, Squerryes Court, and Chatham Historic Dockyard, the series boasts breathtaking visuals. The costumes, sets, and cinematography by Ed Rutherford transport viewers convincingly to the Regency period, with grand balls, military encampments, and intimate domestic scenes all rendered with care.
The soundtrack, featuring a cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” in the opening, adds a contemporary edge that underscores the timeless themes of ambition and societal critique. Isobel Waller-Bridge’s score complements the action beautifully.
The miniseries format allows for a more faithful and detailed adaptation than a feature film could achieve, balancing plot progression with character development across the seven episodes.
Critical Reception: An 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
While viewership figures were somewhat modest compared to other ITV hits at the time, critics largely praised Vanity Fair. It holds an impressive 88-89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on dozens of reviews, making it Clunes’ highest-rated project in this metric.
WORLD magazine described it as “a deliciously entertaining and edifying place,” highlighting its blend of fun and social commentary. The Hollywood Reporter noted the solid storytelling and capable cast. Den of Geek and others lauded Cooke’s central performance as “sparkling,” while the Boston Globe appreciated the brisk pacing and strong acting.
Some critics pointed to occasional faithfulness issues or a softening of the novel’s sharper satire, but the consensus celebrates it as an engaging, well-acted adaptation that makes the classic accessible to contemporary audiences.
Audience reactions echo this, with many praising the drama, humor, costumes, and Cooke’s magnetic presence. The Battle of Waterloo episode stands out for its thrilling intensity.
Plot Overview (Spoiler-Light)
The series opens with Becky and Amelia graduating from Miss Pinkerton’s Academy. Becky, lacking fortune or connections, secures a governess position at Queen’s Crawley but quickly sets her sights higher. Through charm, wit, and strategic alliances, she navigates the Crawley family dynamics, forms romantic entanglements, and maneuvers through London society.
Parallel to Becky’s ascent is Amelia’s more conventional path, marked by love, loss, and family struggles amid the Napoleonic Wars. The story explores themes of class mobility, marriage as a transaction, wartime opportunism, and the fleeting nature of fame and fortune—all while delivering witty narration and period spectacle.
Without spoiling key twists, the miniseries captures the novel’s essence: a panoramic view of society where few characters emerge as true heroes, but many provide entertainment and insight.
Martin Clunes’ Contribution and Legacy
Clunes’ Sir Pitt Crawley is a highlight for fans of his work. The character—a crude, profligate baronet obsessed with money and lawsuits—allows Clunes to showcase a different side of his acting range. His scenes with Becky and the Crawley daughters are filled with comedic energy and pathos, enriching the series’ exploration of flawed aristocracy.
While Doc Martin remains Clunes’ signature role, Vanity Fair demonstrates his versatility in prestige drama. It’s a reminder that supporting performances in strong ensembles can leave lasting impressions.
Where to Watch in 2026
If you missed Vanity Fair upon its original release, it’s an excellent time to dive in. The series is currently streaming on Apple TV+ in select regions and available to purchase or rent on Prime Video. Its timeless appeal, combined with high production values, makes it perfect for period drama enthusiasts, fans of literary adaptations, or anyone seeking a “deliciously entertaining” binge.
Why It Still Resonates
In an era of social media influencers and rapid status-seeking, Becky Sharp’s story feels remarkably modern. The series critiques ambition without fully condemning it, showing how societal structures shape personal choices. Themes of female agency, economic insecurity, and performative morality remain relevant.
The chemistry among the cast, lush visuals, and balanced tone of drama, romance, and satire elevate it above many adaptations. It’s not flawless—some subplots move briskly, and certain characters could have more depth—but it succeeds as engaging television that honors its source while appealing to new viewers.
Expanding the Conversation: Comparisons and Cultural Impact
Compared to other adaptations—like the 2004 Reese Witherspoon film or earlier BBC versions— the 2018 miniseries stands out for its length, allowing fuller character arcs, and Cooke’s nuanced Becky. It avoids overly romanticizing the era, embracing Thackeray’s cynicism more effectively in parts.
Its release coincided with a boom in prestige period dramas (The Crown, Bridgerton later), helping pave the way for more ambitious literary adaptations. Clunes’ involvement also drew in audiences who might not typically seek out classic literature on screen.
For those new to Thackeray, the series serves as an accessible gateway. Readers can then explore the novel’s deeper satirical layers, where the author’s voice is even more acerbic.
Final Thoughts
Vanity Fair (2018) proves that quality period dramas endure. With Martin Clunes contributing a memorable turn alongside a stellar cast led by Olivia Cooke, it offers seven hours of compelling storytelling, visual beauty, and sharp social observation. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, this “deliciously entertaining” adaptation deserves a spot on your watchlist.
In a television landscape often dominated by reboots and franchises, thoughtful literary adaptations like this remind us of the power of great stories well-told. Stream it now and immerse yourself in the world of ambition, love, and vanity—Thackeray’s fair still has much to show us.
