BBC and BritBox Unveil First Look at The Other Bennet Sister Ahead of 2026 Debut
The BBC and streaming service BritBox have released first-look images for their upcoming Pride and Prejudice, inspired drama series, The Other Bennet Sister, offering audiences an early glimpse of the highly anticipated adaptation ahead of its release in 2026.
Set to air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and on BritBox internationally next year, the ten-episode period drama re-imagines Jane Austen’s beloved world by centering on Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked middle sister of the Bennet family. The series is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow, with The Power writer Sarah Quintrell adapting the story for television.
At the heart of the series is Ella Bruccoleri, known for her work on Call the Midwife and Bridgerton, who takes on the role of Mary Bennet as she steps out from her sisters’ shadows and embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery.
The newly released stills feature the Bennet family in Regency-era costume, capturing the rich visual style of the era. Richard E. Grant and Ruth Jones portray Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, while Indira Varma and Richard Coyle are cast as Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, the aunt and uncle with whom Mary stays in London. Potential suitors for Mary, Mr. Ryder and Mr. Hayward, are played by Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn, respectively.
Other familiar faces from Austen’s universe also appear, including Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley, Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Lucas, and Ryan Sampson as Mr. Collins.
The narrative begins at the Bennets’ home of Longbourn, where five unmarried sisters, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia, contend with the stringent social expectations of Regency England. While her sisters focus on courtship and social success, Mary’s path diverges as she seeks identity and purpose beyond traditional roles.
Production was filmed primarily in Wales, and the show is a co-production between the BBC and BritBox, with Bad Wolf (producers of His Dark Materials) at the helm.
The timing of this early release of images coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, observed on December 16, 2025.
As anticipation builds, fans of Austen’s work can look forward to seeing Mary Bennet take centre stage in what promises to be a fresh and engaging spin on a classic tale.