BBC viewers have been left utterly captivated by the brand-new Pride And Prejudice spin-off, with many admitting they couldn’t stop themselves from binge-watching episode after episode.
The series, The Other Bennet Sister, inspired by The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow, reimagines the beloved Austen world through the overlooked perspective of Mary Bennet — and fans are already calling it a triumph.
Fronted by Ruth Jones, best known for Gavin & Stacey, the period drama debuted with a double bill on Sunday. While episodes will roll out weekly, eager fans have already devoured the first five instalments on BBC iPlayer.
And the reaction? Overwhelmingly glowing.
Taking to Reddit, one thrilled viewer gushed: Loved it! Read the book years ago and loved it too. They’ve taken out quite a chunk in the middle but I remember that part being quite depressing so perhaps that was on purpose. I love everything about it – the casting, the production design, the score, the subtle and evocative storytelling.
Others echoed the excitement, with comments like: I just binged the first 5 episodes! Really enjoying it!! and Absolutely loved it!!!, while another fan summed it up simply: Loving it! I ended up binge watching the first 5 episodes last night. An absolute delight.
Over on Instagram, the praise continued to pour in. One viewer wrote: I’ve binged 5 episodes and I LOVE IT SO MUCH!, while another added: This is just perfect… it could have been written by Austen herself! Spot on casting.
The series boasts a stellar ensemble, including Richard E Grant alongside Ruth Jones as Mr and Mrs Bennet, with Indira Varma and Richard Coyle portraying the worldly Gardiners.
Meanwhile, Ella Bruccoleri takes centre stage as Mary Bennet, joined by Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn in key roles.
Rather than following the traditional romantic arcs, the story charts Mary’s bold move to London, where she becomes a governess to her aunt and uncle’s children — Marianne, George and Rebecca — and steps into a far wider, more complex social world.
Fans of Pride and Prejudice will recognise iconic elements like Netherfield balls and the Meryton Assembly, cleverly woven into this fresh retelling.
Author Janice Hadlow shared her excitement, saying it’s very exciting to think that Mary Bennet will soon be coming to our screens, taking centre stage at last in the story Jane Austen never gave her, brought to life so beautifully by Ella Bruccoleri and a wonderfully empathetic cast.
Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell added that exploring Austen’s world through Mary’s eyes for the first time has been a joyful experience, with the cast bringing a whole new layer of life to these beloved characters.
