The Other Bennet Sister

The Other Bennet Sister

6.9/10
BBC iPlayer To Be Determined Drama • Romance • History

1 Season · 10 Episodes · Premiered March 15, 2026

The Other Bennet Sister is a fresh spin around the ballroom for one of Jane Austen's most unassuming characters: Mary Bennet – the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The series takes as its premise that - when it comes to the Bennet sisters - while we dream of being Lizzy, in reality most us are more like Mary...Unlike her sisters, Mary isn't your typical period drama heroine. She is awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, a terrible singer… overlooked by her mother and seemingly destined to an empty dance card for the rest of her life… until Mary takes matters into her own hands.The Other Bennet Sister gives Mary Bennet the epic love story nobody predicted for her, taking her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District - all in search of independence, romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance.

Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer

Official Site

Next Air Time: No upcoming air date

Seasons & Episodes

Season 1

10 episodes
E01
Chapter 1
Sun, Mar 15 2026 6:00 AM GMT+0000 29 min
Seemingly unremarkable and often overlooked, Mary Bennet longs to win her family's approval. The Meryton assembly brings with it an opportunity to shine – and Mary's first taste of romance. But when Mary's behaviour at the ball attracts attention, she must decide between trying to please her family and forging a path of her own.
E02
Chapter 2
Sun, Mar 15 2026 6:00 AM GMT+0000 29 min
After disappointment at the ball, Mary sets aside hopes of finding a match and devotes herself to more serious pursuits. But Mary's resolve is tested when Mr Bennet's distant cousin Mr Collins visits Longbourn with a surprising proposal. Mary contemplates a decision that could save her family from ruin – but is she really willing to suppress her true feelings to secure her family's future?
E03
Chapter 3
Sun, Mar 15 2026 6:00 AM GMT+0000 29 min
In the wake of a family tragedy, the Bennet household is thrown into disarray. Mary faces an uncertain future, until her aunt and uncle offer her the chance of a fresh start. At first, Mary struggles to adjust to her new life, but she begins to realise that there's a world away from the watchful eye of Mrs Bennet.
E04
Chapter 4
Sun, Mar 15 2026 6:00 AM GMT+0000 28 min
As Mary is finding her footing in London, she overhears something which knocks her newfound confidence. Mr Hayward opens up Mary's mind – and her heart – by introducing her to poetry. But their budding connection is complicated by Mr Hayward's engagement. As Mary wrestles with troubling new feelings, she finds herself caught between duty, a new friendship and the possibility of love.
E05
Chapter 5
Sun, Mar 15 2026 6:00 AM GMT+0000 29 min
Mary prepares for her official debut in London society, buoyed by her friendship with Ann and the attentions of Mr Ryder. But a run-in with her old rival Caroline Bingley threatens Mary's growing confidence. Mary faces up to her old rival at a dinner party, but just as things seem to be shifting for Mary, an urgent message from home throws everything into uncertainty.
E06
Chapter 6
Sun, Mar 29 2026 5:00 AM GMT+0000 29 min
Mary rushes to Pemberley, fearing her mother is gravely ill, only to be thrown back into the demands of family life. Mary begins to lose hope of ever returning to London – until Mr Ryder unexpectedly turns up. His clear admiration for Mary helps her family recognise how much she has changed. As excitement mounts over Mr Ryder's visit, Mary finds herself on the brink of a momentous decision.
E07
Chapter 7
Sun, Mar 29 2026 5:00 AM GMT+0000 29 min
Under pressure from her mother, Mary weighs up an unconventional offer from Mr Ryder. As Mary grapples with what she truly wants, Lizzy and Mr Collins help Mary chart her own course. And just as Mary thinks she's taken her future into her own hands, a surprise visit from her aunt and uncle leaves everyone reeling.
E08
Chapter 8
Sun, Mar 29 2026 5:00 AM GMT+0000 27 min
Mary joins the Gardiners in the Lake District, hoping for clarity and calm. She reconnects with Mr Hayward, and they bond over poetry and nature. But just as it seems as though they might finally declare their feelings for one another, Mr Ryder arrives to disrupt proceedings, with Caroline Bingley in tow. Once again, Mary's hopes hang in the balance.
E09
Chapter 9
Sun, Mar 29 2026 5:00 AM GMT+0000 26 min
A group hike up Scafell Pike brings buried emotions and romantic confusion to the surface. During an unforeseen storm, Mary finds herself caught in the middle of rising tensions between Mr Hayward and Mr Ryder. As their expedition takes a turn for the worse, Mary is faced with real danger. The events of the day leave Mary feeling more conflicted than ever before.
E10
Chapter 10
Sun, Mar 29 2026 5:00 AM GMT+0000 30 min
After Mr Hayward's sudden departure from the Lake District, Mary returns to London, where she receives an unexpected offer and faces renewed pressure from Mrs Bennet to find a match. After a run-in with an old friend, and with Mr Hayward absent from London, Mary wonders what happiness could look like for her. Can she find the courage to finally stand up to her mother and forge a path of her own?

Cast

Ella Bruccoleri
Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet
Indira Varma
Indira Varma as Mrs Gardiner
Ruth Jones
Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet
Richard Coyle
Richard Coyle as Mr Gardiner
Laurie Davidson
Laurie Davidson as Mr Ryder
Dónal Finn
Dónal Finn as Mr Hayward
Tanya Reynolds
Tanya Reynolds as Miss Caroline Bingley
Maddie Close
Maddie Close as Jane Bennet / Bingley
Poppy Gilbert
Poppy Gilbert as Elizabeth Bennet / Darcy
Grace Hogg-Robinson
Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Bennet / Wickham
Molly Wright
Molly Wright as Kitty Bennet / Buncock
Varada Sethu
Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter

Similar Shows

User Reviews

Rate this show

Your star rating (required)