The first three novels of the Kent Family Chronicles were adapted for television by Operation Prime Time between May, 1978 and December, 1979.

Produced by Universal Studios in 1979, The Seekers, the third novel, included Jakes in a small acting role. It was directed by Sidney Hayers and starred Delta Burke, Rosey Grier, George Hamilton, Barbara Rush, and Hugh O'Brian.

In the 1985-1986 season, an extensive production of North and South appeared as a television miniseries. The miniseries ran twenty-four hours and was divided into two parts: North and South and North and South II. While apparently following the original text, the reproductions were criticized as ridiculous melodramas and were commended more for their effort than for their results. Starring several well-known actors and actresses in stock bit parts, replete with period costumes and elaborate settings, the first series alone took five months to film. Although the sequel fared slightly better...