In the series opener, a business man (Matthew Macfadyen) returns to England after many years abroad, and is intrigued by a young seamstress (Claire Foy) working in his mother's house.

Arthur becomes friendly with Amy Dorrit and gets involved in her family's affairs.

John proposes to Amy; Rigaud arrives in London; Any introduces Fanny to Mrs. Merdle, the queen bee of London society.

John Chivery is recruited by Pancks to help solve the Dorrit family mystery; Rigaud introduces himself to the House of Clennam; Arthur serves as best man at Pet's wedding.

Mr. Dorrit is released from prison and takes his family to Venice, where they aim to reinvent themselves as members of society.

Edmund Sparkler falls for Fanny, despite his mother's protests. Meanwhile, Mrs. General attempts to woo Mr. Dorrit.

Mr. Dorrit returns to London with Fanny and Sparkler, leaving Amy behind in Venice. Meanwhile, Arthur believes his mother is in danger.

Thousands of Londoners face financial ruin after the collapse of Merdle's Bank.

After the Dorrits arrive in Venice, Fanny renews an old acquaintance with Edmund Sparkler.

Fanny has stolen the heart of Edmund Sparkler, whose mother is determined to separate them. Meanwhile, Merdle's Bank is besieged by investors, and Arthur is worried when he sees a suspicious French stranger, the villainous Rigaud, at his mother's house.