What time is A Woman of Substance on TV? Schedule and how to watch 2026 reboot
A brand new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance is set to begin on TV tonight.
The Leeds-born literary icon was recently honoured with a blue plaque at Armley Library. Barbara started out working as a journalist at the Yorkshire Evening Post, before moving to London.
Her debut novel A Woman of Substance was released in 1979 and became a blockbuster success. It has sold over 30 million copies to date and is being adapted for TV once again in 2026.
Lead star Jessica Reynolds, who plays young Emma in the series, spoke to the YEP earlier this month about why it was time to re-adapt the novel. ‘People love an underdog story’, she declared.
But when can you tune in to the new series? Here’s all you need to know:
How to watch the new A Woman of Substance?
The latest adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s titular novel will once again have a home on Channel 4. Her 1979 book was first turned into a TV miniseries in January 1985 and was an enormous hit - drawing over 13 million viewers, which is still a record for the broadcaster.
The 2026 version will be broadcast on the very same channel, more than 40 years later. A Woman of Substance will also be available to watch on demand via Channel 4’s own streaming service (formerly All4/ 4oD).
What time is A Woman of Substance on TV?
Channel 4 has given the show a prime evening spot tonight (March 11), it has been confirmed. A Woman of Substance will premiere at 9pm and the episode will run for around an hour, including adverts.
The preview for episode one, via Radio Times, reads:: “In early 1900s Yorkshire, ambitious maid Emma Harte dreams of escaping Fairley Hall for a better life, but is caught up in a forbidden romance with Edwin Fairley, son of the master of the house.
“In 1970s New York, the world's richest woman is warned that a plot is brewing to take away the empire she has worked so hard to build.”
When is A Woman of Substance on TV next?
The original 1985 adaptation was broadcast across the course of three nights. For the 2026 version, it will also air on back-to-back evenings on Channel 4 with episodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
A Woman of Substance will return for episode two tomorrow (March 12). It will also start at 9pm.
How many episodes will A Woman of Substance have?
The modern take on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel will have eight episodes in total, with each running for around an hour. It will be broadcast across four weeks, so there is plenty left to enjoy.