‘The Other Bennet Sister’: Everything to Know About the New Series
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Jane Austen fans are well-acquainted with the romantic entanglements of Pride & Prejudice, particularly the iconic love story between Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet and Mr. Darcy. However, a new series, The Other Bennet Sister, shifts the spotlight to a character often relegated to the background: Mary Bennet. Based on the novel by Janice Hadlow, the series offers a fresh, relatable perspective on the “oft-overlooked” middle sister.
A New Perspective on a Classic Tale
While her sisters are preoccupied with the societal pressures of marriage in Regency England, Mary Bennet finds herself on a different path. The series follows her journey as she leaves Longbourn for London, moving in with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. This transition marks the beginning of a profound journey of self-discovery, allowing Mary to step out of the shadows and define her own narrative.
Speaking on the character’s appeal, star Ella Bruccoleri describes Mary as a modern heroine. “She’s kind of existing in this world where she doesn’t understand the social protocol or the rules of the game,” Bruccoleri noted. “The more she’s in touch with who she really is, rather than trying to change herself to appeal to other people, the more people are drawn to her.”
Meet the Cast
The series features a stellar ensemble, with Ella Bruccoleri leading as Mary Bennet. She is joined by Dónal Finn as Tom Hayward and Laurie Davidson as William Ryder. The supporting cast includes industry veterans such as Ruth Jones as Mrs. Bennet, Richard E. Grant as Mr. Bennet, Indira Varma as Mrs. Gardiner, and Richard Coyle as Mr. Gardiner.
The Bennet sisters are portrayed by Maddie Close (Jane Bingley), Poppy Gilbert (Elizabeth Darcy), Grace Hogg-Robinson (Lydia Wickham), and Molly Wright (Kitty Buncock). Reflecting on the show’s themes, Laurie Davidson emphasized that the core of the story is ultimately about self-love, stating, “The greatest love story in our show is with Mary and herself.”
How to Watch
For viewers eager to dive into this Regency-era journey, The Other Bennet Sister will be available to stream on BritBox. The first season is set to premiere in the U.S. on May 6, 2026, with the first three episodes dropping on launch day, followed by weekly releases.
