Discover a fresh take on Jane Austen as The Other Bennet Sister follows overlooked Mary on her own romantic journey through Regency England, starring Ella Br...
- May 4, 2026
AceShowbiz - The Other Bennet Sister, the captivating new BBC romantic period drama, is drawing in fans eager to explore a fresh perspective on Jane Austen’s classic world. Based on Janice Hadlow’s novel, the series follows Mary Bennet, played by Ella Bruccoleri, offering a unique viewpoint on the events surrounding the iconic Pride and Prejudice story.
Unlike the original tale, The Other Bennet Sister ventures beyond the familiar narrative to track Mary Bennet’s journey as she leaves her family behind to embark on a romantic adventure in Regency England. Her travels take her from London to the picturesque Lake District, shining a spotlight on the often overlooked Bennet sibling.
Alongside Bruccoleri, the series features a strong ensemble cast including Ruth Jones, Richard E. Grant, Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Róisín Bhalla, Reggie Absolom, and Jasmine Sharp. The show also stars Laurie Davidson, Dónal Finn, Varada Sethu, Aaron Gill, and Maddie Close, with additional performances from Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Tanya Reynolds, Anna Fenton-Garvey, Ryan Sampson, and Lucy Briers.
The series premiered in the U.K. in March and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. For viewers in the U.S. and Canada eager to watch, The Other Bennet Sister will debut on May 6 through BritBox, the streaming service specializing in British television. Amazon Prime also offers access with a weeklong free trial, providing an alternative way to catch the series. Ahead of its U.S. release, BritBox has released the official trailer to entice romance and period drama fans alike.
Ella Bruccoleri shared insights about her character in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She explained that Mary Bennet is often seen as less desirable compared to her sisters, leading Mary to believe she is inherently unlovable. However, once she steps away from her family, her perspective starts to shift as she encounters setbacks but also experiences the transformative power of kindness. Bruccoleri emphasized, "It's disguised as a love story. I personally just don't see it that way. I think it's a love story between Mary and herself."
The actress expressed enthusiasm about delving into Mary’s complex personality, describing her as someone who doesn't understand the social rules governing her world. Mary attempts to be pleasing to others, primarily through extensive study, which she hopes will make her more appealing. Bruccoleri related to Mary’s industrious nature, noting that she herself prepares obsessively through study rather than instinct.
For fans of romantic period dramas, The Other Bennet Sister offers a fresh take that complements popular titles like Netflix’s Bridgerton. While Bridgerton dazzles with steamy romances and lavish settings, The Other Bennet Sister offers a subtler, character-driven narrative exploring self-discovery and emotional growth in the Regency era.
The growing interest in period dramas is evident, with series like Bridgerton and Outlander setting high standards. As fans await the U.S. premiere, The Other Bennet Sister promises to engage viewers with its heartfelt story and rich historical backdrop.
In summary, fans wanting to watch The Other Bennet Sister in the U.S. can stream it beginning May 6 on BritBox or take advantage of Amazon Prime’s free trial offer. The series provides a nuanced and romantic exploration of Mary Bennet’s world, offering a fresh Austen-inspired drama for viewers to enjoy.