The Other Bennet Sister
Release poster
Genre Period drama
Based on The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
Written by
  • Sarah Quintrell
  • Maddie Dai
Directed by
  • Jennifer Sheridan
  • Asim Abbasi
Starring Ella Bruccoleri
Composer Anne Chmelewsky
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language English
No. of series 1
No. of episodes 10
Production
Executive producers
  • Janice Hadlow
  • Sarah Quintrell
  • Dan McCulloch
  • Kate Crowther
  • Becca Kinder
  • Jane Tranter
  • Rebecca Ferguson
  • Jess O'Riordan
Producer John Pocock
Cinematography
  • Luke Bryant
  • Simona Susnea
Editors
  • Sara Jones
  • Rebecca Trotman
  • Lucy Harris
  • Emily Lawrence
Running time 30 mins.
Production companies
  • Bad Wolf
  • Sony Pictures Television
Original release
Network BBC One
Release 15 March 2026 (2026-03-15) –
present

The Other Bennet Sister is a British period drama television series produced by Bad Wolf for BBC One. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow, a continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and follows Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet. The series premiered on 15 March 2026.

Premise

The first two episodes of the series detail the events of Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of Mary Bennet, the overlooked sister from the large Bennet family. The rest of the story follows Mary as she travels to London and the Lake District on a journey of self-discovery and romance.[1][2]

Cast and characters

Main

  • Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet
  • Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet
  • Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet
  • Maddie Close as Jane Bingley (née Bennet)
  • Poppy Gilbert as Elizabeth Darcy (née Bennet)
  • Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Wickham (née Bennet)
  • Molly Wright as Kitty Buncock (née Bennet)
  • Indira Varma as Mrs Gardiner
  • Richard Coyle as Mr Gardiner
  • Dónal Finn as Tom Hayward
  • Laurie Davidson as William Ryder
  • Lucy Briers as Mrs Hill
  • Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley
  • Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter

Recurring

  • Victor Pilard as Fitzwilliam Darcy
  • Aled Owens as Charles Bingley
  • Aaron Gill as John Sparrow
  • Ryan Sampson as Mr Collins
  • Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Collins (née Lucas)
  • Lucinda Dryzek as Louisa Hurst (née Bingley)
  • Róisín Bhalla as Marianne Gardiner
  • Reggie Absolom as George Gardiner
  • Jasmine Sharp as Rebecca Gardiner
  • Fergus Craig as Mr Hurst
  • Seán Carlsen as Sir William Lucas
  • Jethro Weyman as Gardiner Servant

Production

Development

The ten-part series is adapted by Sarah Quintrell from the 2020 novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow, based around the character Mary Bennet from the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, with Maddie Dai also writing an episode.[3] It is lead directed by Jennifer Sheridan.[4]

It is produced by Bad Wolf, for whom Dan McCulloch developed the project. Quintrell and Hadlow are executive producers with Kate Crowther, Becca Kinder and Jane Tranter as executive producers for Bad Wolf, and Rebecca Ferguson as executive producer for the BBC. Sony Pictures Television has global rights.[5] In May 2025, BritBox was announced as co-producer, with broadcasting rights in the U.S. and Canada.[6]

Casting

In May 2025, Ella Bruccoleri was announced as leading the cast in the role of Mary Bennet.[7] The following month, Ruth Jones, Richard E. Grant, Richard Coyle and Indira Varma joined the cast, as well as Roisin Bhalla, Reggie Absolom and Jasmine Sharp, Laurie Davidson, Dónal Finn and Varada Sethu with Aaron Gill, Maddie Close, Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Tanya Reynolds, Anna Fenton-Garvey and Ryan Sampson.[8] The cast also includes Lucy Briers, who had played Mary Bennet in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.[9]

Filming

Principal photography took place in Bristol and Wales in June 2025.[10][11] Newport, particularly its Market Arcade, was used to film several London scenes. The outdoors Lake District scenes were instead filmed in Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. Other filming locations included Dyffryn House and Gardens and St Fagans Folk Museum in Wales[12] and Berkeley Square, Brandon Hill, Orchard Street and Frog Lane in Bristol.[13] The Pemberley scenes were filmed at Badminton House.[14]

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by Original release date Viewers
(millions)
1 "Chapter 1" Jennifer Sheridan Sarah Quintrell 15 March 2026 (2026-03-15) N/A
Plain and overlooked Mary Bennet lives at Longbourn with her sisters and her parents, from whom she longs for approval. A ball at Netherfield seems to provide a chance for her to prove herself, and gives her a taste of romance. However, her hopes are soon dashed after her mother's interference.
2 "Chapter 2" Jennifer Sheridan Sarah Quintrell 15 March 2026 (2026-03-15) N/A
With her romantic interests dashed after the ball at Netherfield, Mary decides to pursue more academic and serious interests, and devotes herself to learning. But when Mr Collins arrives at Longbourn, things are soon thrown into disarray. After sabotage and a disastrous performance at Netherfield, Mary is left humiliated. And when Mr Collins' advances towards Lizzy are spurned, Mrs Bennet urges Mary to pursue him, despite having warned her off earlier. However, it is all for naught in the end, as he becomes engaged to Charlotte instead.
3 "Chapter 3" Jennifer Sheridan Sarah Quintrell 22 March 2026 (2026-03-22) N/A
After the sudden death of Mr Bennet, Mary and Mrs Bennet find themselves precisely in the situation they had dreaded. Mrs Bennet is invited to stay with Jane and Mr Bingley, while Mary receives an unexpected offer to stay with the Gardiners as their new governess. Reluctant at first, Mary finds a certain freedom and joy living with the Gardiners. She also meets Tom Hayward, a kindred spirit and a new friend. She also makes friends with Ann Baxter, with whom Tom has a 'marriage understanding'.
4 "Chapter 4" Jennifer Sheridan Maddie Dai 22 March 2026 (2026-03-22) N/A
Just as Mary is finding her footing and confidence in London, she overhears a conversation which knocks her back. Mary's mother summons her to Pemberley, and, upset by Tom's attachment to Ann, she considers going. Tom Hayward invites the Gardiners and Mary to a poetry recital in a secret garden. After organising a poetry lesson for the children and being encouraged by Mrs Gardiner, Mary decides to stay. At a games evening organised by the Gardiners, Mary meets Mr Ryder and wins the game of riddles.
5 "Chapter 5" Jennifer Sheridan Sarah Quintrell 29 March 2026 (2026-03-29) N/A
Ann helps Mary get ready for a ball. At the ball, she dances with Tom Hayward, and then with Mr Ryder. However, Tom seems unhappy with the interest Ryder shows in Mary, despite how well the two seem to get on. Caroline Bingley appears, flirts with Ryder, and upsets Mary at the ball. Mr Ryder invites Mary to a supper at his house. The next day, Mrs Gardiner encourages Mary not to take Caroline Bingley's meanness to heart. Mr Ryder continues to show interest in Mary at the dinner, while Caroline Bingley meddles to thwart any sort of relationship between the two. Mary shows her kindness at dinner, as she shows interest in her other dinner guests, as Ryder and Hayward look on, enchanted. Caroline Bingley warns Mary off pursuing Mr Ryder romantically. Tom shows concern for Mary regarding Ryder's interest. Before Caroline Bingley can manoeuvre Mary into being forced to sing in front of everyone, she receives news from Pemberley that her mother is ill.
6 "Chapter 6" Asim Abbasi Sarah Quintrell 29 March 2026 (2026-03-29) N/A
Mary returns to Pemberley to support her mother but instead finds herself thrown back into the demands of family life. Mary feels she is right back where she started until Mr Ryder turns up. His infatuation with Mary helps her family recognise how much she has changed. Mr Ryder presents Mary with an unconventional opportunity.
7 "Chapter 7" Asim Abbasi Sarah Quintrell 5 April 2026 (2026-04-05) TBD
Mr Ryder's offer leaves Mary in a difficult position - she tries to work out if that is what she is what she truly wants or whether she must disappoint her mother. Lizzy and Mr Collins help her understand that her happiness is in her own hands. Before she can present her decision, the Gardiners unexpectedly arrive at Pemberley and invite Mary to join them in the Lake District.
8 "Chapter 8" Asim Abbasi Sarah Quintrell 5 April 2026 (2026-04-05) TBD
En route to the Lake District, Mary crosses paths with Ann Baxter at an inn who informs her that she and Tom have broken off their 'marriage understanding'. Tom joins Mary and the Gardiners. The group enjoy fishing by Scafell Pike and agree they will climb the mountain during their trip. Mary and Tom continue to reconnect over their shared love of nature and poetry. The following week, Mr Ryder suddenly appears seeking financial advice from Tom, but not urgently. When they return back at the inn, Mary is surprised to find the Caroline Bingley and the Hursts have just arrived to stay. Over dinner, Mr Ryder invites himself and the others to join the climb.
9 "Chapter 9" Asim Abbasi Sarah Quintrell 12 April 2026 (2026-04-12) TBD
The following day, the group hike up Scafell Pike with a guide. The Hursts struggle so the Gardiners offer to accompany them down, while Mary, Tom, Caroline and Mr Ryder continue up the mountain. At the summit, Tom has a private moment with Mary but as he is about to confess his feelings, Mr Ryder insists on talking to Tom privately about his financial affairs. After they conclude their conversation, Tom is stand-offish and closes off from the others. The guide advises they should leave before the coming storm but the group stay despite Tom's protestations. As the storm arrives, they regret their decision and try to make their way down the mountain but lose track of each other. Caroline Bingley slips and traps her foot under a boulder, though Mary comes back to help her down. They return back and call a doctor for Caroline's foot when Mary collapses. Mrs Gardiner tends to an unconscious Mary for days while Tom waits. When Mary begins to recover, Tom leaves without saying goodbye.
10 "Chapter 10" Asim Abbasi Sarah Quintrell 12 April 2026 (2026-04-12) TBD
Mary returns to London. Her mother arrives insisting on finding her a husband but struggles to find a suitable match. One day, Mr Ryder arrives to talk to Mary. He reveals that, during their conversation on Scafell Pike, he told Tom he had been named Lady Catherine de Bourgh's heir and intended to propose to Mary. When he asks Mary, she declines as she does not love him. Her mother admonishes her but a courageous Mary stands up to her and chooses to find happiness on her own terms. Mary enjoys her life in London with the Gardiners and begins working as a governess. One day, Tom returns unannounced after receiving a letter from Miss Bingley, and states his feelings for Mary and they both admit that they love each other. Tom proposes and the two get married.

Broadcast

The first five episodes premiered on 15 March 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The remaining five episodes premiered on 29 March 2026.[3][15] In the United States, the show will premiere on 6 May 2026 on BritBox.[16]

Reception

The series became a ratings hit, with episode 1 drawing in a consolidated 28 days figure of 7.3 million viewers. It also marks the BBC's biggest drama launch since May 2025.[17][18]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 12 critics' reviews are positive. The website's consensus reads: "Cozy, charming, and full of heart, The Other Bennet Sister gives Mary her moment to shine, thanks to Ella Bruccoleri's delightful performance and a fresh take on Jane Austen's familiar world."[19] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the series a score of 77 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[20]

In a five-star review for The Telegraph, Anita Singh described it as "a thing of pure delight".[21] In a three-star review for The Guardian, Lucy Mangan found it "too slight a thing even for the pre-watershed Sunday evening slot", but concluded that "the growing charm and heft ... make it one worth sticking with".[22]

Impact

The BBC reported that tourism to historic sites related to Jane Austen, particularly in Bath, had increased following the release of the series.[23]

References

  1. ^ Cormack, Morgan (10 October 2024). "Pride and Prejudice spin-off The Other Bennet Sister announced by BBC". Radio Times. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  2. ^ Singh, Anita (27 May 2025). "BBC Jane Austen drama won't have posh accents, makers say". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b Ritman, Alex (11 December 2025). "'The Other Bennet Sister' First Look: Richard E. Grant and Ruth Jones Play Discerning Parents in 'Pride & Prejudice' Spinoff From BBC, BritBox (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  4. ^ "The Other Bennet Sister Mary causes quite a spectacle in first look clip". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
  5. ^ Yossman, K.J. (9 October 2024). "BBC Revisits 'Pride and Prejudice' With Mary Spinoff Titled 'The Other Bennet Sister'". Variety. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  6. ^ Goldbart, Max (14 May 2025). "BritBox Boards BBC's 'The Other Bennet Sister' As Exec Jane Tranter Says "Creative Solutions" Required To Overcome U.S. Co-Pro Slump". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 14 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  7. ^ Sarrubba, Stefania (22 May 2025). "Call the Midwife star confirmed for Jane Austen role in new "beautiful" BBC period drama". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  8. ^ Kanter, Jake (17 June 2025). "'The Other Bennet Sister': Richard E. Grant, Ruth Jones & Indira Varma Join BBC/BritBox Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  9. ^ Hunt, Julia (15 March 2026). "BBC viewers emotional as they spot familiar face in The Other Bennet Sister". Wales Online. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  10. ^ Kendall, Ellie (12 June 2025). "BBC and Channel 5 period dramas filming just streets from each other in Bristol". Bristol Post. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  11. ^ "The Other Bennet Sister: Filming starts, cast revealed". Televisual. 17 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  12. ^ Jenkins, Megan (6 April 2026). "BBC's The Other Bennet Sister features Newport location". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  13. ^ "Regency Bristol features in The Other Bennet Sister". Bristol Film Office. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  14. ^ "Badminton House Stars in BBC Period Drama The Other Bennet Sister". Visit West. 2 April 2026. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  15. ^ "The Other Bennet Sister first trailer revealed as air dates confirmed" (Press release). BBC. 5 March 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  16. ^ "How to Watch The Other Bennet Sister Online From Anywhere". Marie Claire UK. 31 March 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  17. ^ https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/other-bennet-sister-ratings-milestone-big-launch-newsupdate/
  18. ^ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-other-bennet-sister-bbc-uk-drama-ratings-1236571762/
  19. ^ "The Other Bennet Sister: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  20. ^ "The Other Bennet Sister Reviews - Metacritic". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  21. ^ Singh, Anita (15 March 2026). "The Other Bennet Sister, BBC One review: Proof you don't need to sex up Regency England". The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group Holdings Limited. Retrieved 23 March 2026.
  22. ^ Mangan, Lucy (15 March 2026). "The Other Bennet Sister review – the bookish Pride and Prejudice sister gets her turn in the spotlight". The Guardian. Guardian News & Media Limited. Retrieved 23 March 2026.
  23. ^ Bullock, Clara; Everett, Mel (24 March 2026). "Jane Austen drama increasing hype around author". BBC. Retrieved 8 April 2026.