Episode 1

This three-part miniseries based on Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel about the end of slavery in Jamaica follows July (Tamara Lawrance), an indomitable, young slave who works on a sugarcane plantation with her detestable mistress, Caroline Mortimer (Hayley Atwell). Their lives change with the arrival of a new overseer, Robert Goodwin (Jack Lowden) who sets out to improve life on the plantation.

RMPBS Passport

Please log in to your PBS Passport account to watch this video

Become a Member

Episode 1

The Long Song Episode 1 | 58m 23s | CC

In early 1800s Jamaica, Caroline adopts the child slave July as her maid. July grows up to witness the Christmas Rebellion and the radical transformation of her world.

The Long Song

Watch more episodes

The overseer Robert sparks a rivalry between July and Caroline.

55:24

The Long Song

Episode 3

Robert’s sanity starts to unravel, with devastating effects on July.

Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking and Raymond James with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust, created to help ensure the series’ future.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >