Jeremy Clarkson has taken aim at the BBC’s latest period drama, dismissing it as another tedious adaptation of “some god-awful Jane Austen book” that audiences are forced to endure. In a scathing column for The Sun, the presenter expressed frustration that the broadcaster continually opts for predictable, dull Victorian stories instead of exploring fresh narratives, such as his friend Brian Klein’s novel, The Spider Covenant.
Clarkson described the typical opening scene — featuring a horse-drawn carriage arriving at a grand estate — followed by hours of uneventful drama. He lamented that these period pieces often leave viewers disengaged, with “nothing of any great importance” unfolding for long stretches.
Highlighting his admiration for Klein’s book, Clarkson praised it as “a good read” ripe for adaptation into an exciting mini-series. The novel’s gripping plot centers on shadowy businessmen using Nazi-hidden funds after World War II to develop a next-generation AI project designed to reinstall Hitler sympathizers in global power.
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The two authors share a history: Klein directed all of Clarkson’s Top Gear studio segments and followed him to The Grand Tour after Clarkson left the BBC show.
Clarkson further criticized the BBC’s approach to historical accuracy, noting their meticulous attention to detail like period-appropriate bonnets and authentic swords. Yet he condemned their casting decisions, questioning the inclusion of “people in wheelchairs and people with Mexican accents” in stories set in the 17th century, which he implies conflicts with historical reality.
He also expressed exasperation with the insertion of modern themes such as global warming into historical narratives, suggesting it detracts from authentic storytelling.
Despite his harsh critique of period dramas in general, Clarkson reserved praise for one standout production: Heath Ledger’s A Knight’s Tale. He cited it as an example of how to successfully reinvent the genre by blending centuries-old settings with contemporary cultural elements — including a 1970s rock soundtrack — creating an entertaining, fresh take on history.
Clarkson admired how A Knight’s Tale balances clever period details with a compelling story, something he finds rare in typical BBC dramas. “It was brilliant. Mainly because behind all the period cleverness, there was a good story. Which you’re unlikely to get from a book that sends most readers into a deep sleep by page four,” he concluded.