Brideshead Revisited is a television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel of the same name. The story is narrated by Charles Ryder, a middle-class man who becomes entwined with the wealthy and aristocratic Flyte family. Charles meets Sebastian Flyte, one of the Flyte siblings, at Oxford University and quickly becomes enamored with his charm and eccentricity. Sebastian introduces Charles to his family, including his mother Lady Marchmain, his sister Julia, and his brother Bridey. Despite being agnostic, Charles is fascinated by the family's devout Catholicism and their grand estate, Brideshead.
Over the years, Charles becomes increasingly involved in the Flytes' lives and relationships. He witnesses Sebastian's descent into alcoholism and Lady Marchmain's attempts to control her children's faith and future. Charles also develops romantic feelings for Julia, despite her engagement to another man. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, religion, and social class, as Charles struggles to reconcile his own beliefs with those of the Flytes.
The miniseries was produced by Granada Television and aired on ITV in the UK in 1981. It starred Jeremy Irons as Charles Ryder, Anthony Andrews as Sebastian Flyte, Diana Quick as Julia Flyte, and Laurence Olivier as Lord Marchmain. The series was critically acclaimed and won several BAFTA awards, including Best Drama Series. It has since become a classic and is considered one of the greatest literary adaptations in television history.