Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (TV series)

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a six-episode British historical fantasy television series. Peter Harness adapted it from Susanna Clarke's 2004 novel, which was a bestseller. The show aired on BBC One from 17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015, with Toby Haynes directing. It received four BAFTA nominations and was named by the British Film Institute as one of the ten most important television programmes of 2015.

The story takes place in an alternate version of England during the Napoleonic Wars, early in the 19th century. In this world, magic is widely known about but seldom performed. In 1806, Mr Norrell, a reclusive magician living at Hurtfew Abbey in northern England, demonstrates his abilities by making the statues of York Minster speak and move. His assistant, John Childermass, convinces him to go to London to offer his services to Sir Walter Pole, the Secretary of State for War, hoping to make magic respectable and aid the war against France.

Initially rejected, Norrell meets Vinculus, a street magician Norrell despises. Vinculus gives him a prophecy from the Raven King, stating Norrell is one of two men destined to become great magicians. Reconsidering his opposition to amateur magicians, Norrell learns of the recent death of Sir Walter's fiancée, Emma Wintertowne. He offers to resurrect her, but to do so he summons a fairy called the Gentleman with Thistledown Hair, striking a dangerous bargain with this ancient, wild magic.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Strange, a rakish and somewhat dissolute young man, is pressured by his love Arabella to find a respectable career. He encounters Vinculus sleeping under a bush, who tells Strange he is also destined for greatness. Strange buys two of Norrell's spells that Vinculus had pickpocketed from Childermass and begins studying magic.