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A Woman of Substance

A Woman of Substance
★ 7.8/10•2026•15•Drama
Similars

A rags-to-riches tale of ambition, power, and revenge.

The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years, she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds.

StatusReturning Series
LanguageEN
First Air DateMar 11, 2026

Episodes

Episode 1 - Episode 1E147m

Episode 1

Set in early 1900s Yorkshire, ambitious maid Emma Harte is torn between her dreams of a better life and a forbidden romance with Edwin Fairley. Meanwhile, in 1970s New York, a plot threatens the empire she's built.

Mar 11, 2026

Episode 2 - Episode 2E247m

Episode 2

As young Emma and Edwin fall deeper in love, Emma struggles to picture their future together. Adam and Olivia embark on an affair. And in the 1970s, Emma reckons with her children’s plan to oust her.

Mar 12, 2026

Episode 3 - Episode 3E346m

Episode 3

When Mac announces that he's leaving Fairley, Emma has an opportunity to escape too... but can she leave Edwin? Meanwhile, Adele’s sobriety re-ignites her marriage with Adam.

Mar 18, 2026

Episode 4 - Episode 4E448m

Episode 4

A heavily pregnant Emma starts a new life in Armley, while Edwin’s fiancée Priya begins to ask questions. In the 1970s, Emma confronts Edwina and discovers Paula’s secret romance.

Mar 19, 2026

Episode 5 - Episode 5E547m

Episode 5

Emma's tempted by romance for the first time since Edwin. But love has let her down before... A sober Adele threatens everything for Adam and Olivia. And Paula faces an impossible choice.

Mar 25, 2026

Episode 6 - Episode 6E647m

Episode 6

Emma prepares the perfect Christmas for her family, but her obsession with work and revenge brings danger to her door. In the 1970s, as Emma recovers, an oblivious Paula doubles down on her romance.

Mar 26, 2026

Episode 7 - Episode 7E747m

Episode 7

Britain is at war. To stay afloat, Emma takes a huge gamble that could cost her far more than her business...

Apr 1, 2026

Episode 8 - Episode 8E847m

Episode 8

As the war rages on, young Emma fights to keep her empire afloat. Is an unlikely alliance her only lifeline? And Emma returns home to Yorkshire for her 80th birthday, armed with a cunning plan.

Apr 2, 2026

Actors

Jessica Reynolds

Jessica Reynolds

Young Emma Harte

Brenda Blethyn

Brenda Blethyn

Older Emma Harte

Emmett J. Scanlan

Emmett J. Scanlan

Adam Fairley

Lydia Leonard

Lydia Leonard

Olivia Wainwright

Toby Regbo

Toby Regbo

Jim Fairley

Leanne Best

Leanne Best

Adele Fairley

Ewan Horrocks

Ewan Horrocks

Edwin Fairley

Lenny Rush

Lenny Rush

Frank Harte

Will Mellor

Will Mellor

Jack Harte

Jo Joyner

Jo Joyner

Elizabeth Harte Ainsley

Harry Cadby

Harry Cadby

Gerald Fairley

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Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Days of Our Lives
The Winds of War
North & South
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
Carl Weber's The Family Business

Similars

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
The Flatshare
Rough Cut
Lies Hidden in My Garden
Glue
The End of Love
Cilla
The Little Murders of Agatha Christie
The Driver
Pride and Prejudice
Tales from the Neverending Story
Father Brown
Murder Call
Gossip Girl
The Sopranos
Game of Thrones
Sons of Anarchy
Boyfriend on Demand
The Passing Bells
Olive Kitteridge