Hallmark Puts Its Own Spin on Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility'

When Hallmark Media decided to extend their popular Mahogany brand to content on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, they hoped to bring more diversity to their projects and networks. Over the last couple of years, they sure have delivered. In their most recent endeavor, Mahogany presents a straightforward take on a Jane Austen classic with a diverse cast.

Here's everything we know about Sense and Sensibility including a Parade exclusive sneak peek. Take a look.

What is Sense and Sensibility about?

Following the loss of their family patriarch, the Dashwood women’s financial circumstances drastically change and they are forced to leave their home for a modest cottage in Devonshire. Soon, practical eldest daughter Elinor (Deborah Ayorinde) falls for the equally pragmatic gentleman Edward Ferrars (Dan Jeannotte). Her passionate sister Marianne (Bethany Antonia) meanwhile spurns the advances of their steadfast new neighbor Colonel Brandon (Akil Largie) for the much more exciting John Willoughby (Victor Hugo). When Elinor and Marianne’s romantic prospects do not turn out as hoped, each sister learns to embrace the other’s approach to matters of the heart.

What is the Mahogany brand?

Mahogany is a brand of cards and gifts launched by Hallmark almost 40 years ago and is geared toward the African-American community. It features themes of family, community, human connection, and positivity.

Hallmark Media decided to parlay the iconic brand into a series of films that touches upon the Mahogany brand's themes.

Related: Hallmark Media Doubles Down on Diversity With Launch of Mahogany Brand of Movies

Who is the costume designer on Sense and Sensibility?

Kara Saun, a Los Angeles-based fashion designer and contestant on the first season and season 20 (All Stars) of Project Runway served as Costume Designer and created original outfits for Sense and Sensibility.

Related: Will Kemp Takes On Jane Austen in Hallmark Channel's Paging Mr. Darcy

Meet the cast of Sense and Sensibility

Deborah Ayorinde (Elinor)

The British-born Nigerian actress has appeared in multiple series including True Lies, Them, and Luke Cage. This is her first project with Hallmark Media.

Dan Jeannotte (Edward)

Award-winning actor Dan Jeannotte is best known to TV viewers for his role as James Stuart, the Earl of Moray in The CW's Reign and more recently recurring as Sam Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Hallmark Channel viewers will recognize him as Brandon Russell from The Good Witch series.

Bethany Antonia (Marianne)

Bethany Antonia is best known to American audiences for her role as Lady Baela Targaryen on HBO’s House of the Dragon, as well as on the Netflix series Stay Close and Get Even. Her feature films include 2017’s Pin Cushion and 2021’s There’s Always Hope.

Akil Largie (Colonel Brandon)

Akil Largie is best known for his roles in The Sandman, Pennyworth, and Boy in the Corner.

Related: Hallmark Heads Back to the 19th Century With Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers

Martina Laird (Mrs. Jennings)

Martina Laird is best known for her roles in 2023's The Little Mermaid and in Hallmark Channel's A Pinch of Portugal. She also appeared in Dreamland, Unforgotten, and Boxing Day.

Edward Bennett (Sir John Middleton)

Bennett has appeared in several series including Pennyworth, Cobra, and Poldark.

Beth Angus (Meg)

Angus' only other credit is for a kids series called Princess Mirror-Belle.

Victoria Ekanoye (Lucy)

Ekanoye is best known for her roles on Coronation Street, The Royals, and the 2022 movie, Christmas in Paradise with Kelsey Grammar.

When does Sense and Sensibility premiere?

Sense and Sensibility premieres on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.

When can I watch Sense and Sensibility again?

Sunday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. ET
Thursday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. ET
Saturday, Mar. 9 at 2 p.m. ET
Monday, Mar. 25 at 12 p.m. ET

Does Parade have a sneak peek of Sense and Sensibility?

We sure do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Sense and Sensibility.

Take a look at some images from Sense and Sensibility

Check out some select images from Sense and Sensibility in the gallery below and watch the premiere on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.

View the 30 images of this gallery on the original article

Next, February Becomes Jane-uary as Hallmark Channel Celebrates Jane Austen