The BBC has announced that its new period drama The Other Bennet Sister will premiere on 15 March. The 10-part series, adapted from Janice Hadlow's novel, explores the story of Mary Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. A trailer for the show has also been released.
The Other Bennet Sister offers a fresh perspective on Jane Austen's classic novel by focusing on Mary Bennet, the middle sister often overlooked in Pride and Prejudice. Described as "true to the spirit of Pride and Prejudice," the series follows Mary as she leaves the Bennet family home at Longbourn and travels to London to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, on Gracechurch Street. There, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, stepping out of the shadows while her sisters pursue romance and social success.
The 10-part drama premieres on Sunday, 15 March, at 8pm on BBC One, with the first five episodes available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that day. A double bill will air weekly, and the remaining five episodes will launch on iPlayer on 29 March. The series stars Ella Bruccoleri, known from Bridgerton, as Mary Bennet. Ruth Jones portrays Mrs Bennet, while Richard E Grant plays Mr Bennet. The cast also includes Indira Varma from Game of Thrones, Richard Coyle from The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Laurie Davidson from The Girlfriend, and Dónal Finn from The Wheel of Time.
Co-writer Sarah Quintrell commented: "Our story is set in a familiar and much-loved world, but we’re coming at it from a completely new angle. Mary’s story is about coming of age when you’re the odd one out – how do you find your place in the world?" She added that the adaptation captures the universality of Austen's work and aims to surprise and delight fans. The series arrives ahead of Netflix's upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation, featuring Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman.
This project highlights ongoing interest in Austen's enduring tales, bringing the Bennet family to a new audience through Mary's viewpoint.
