A new television adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel The Other Bennet Sister has captivated British audiences, with 7.3 million viewers tuning in for the first episode. The series reimagines the life of Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked middle sister from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and has sparked particular enthusiasm among younger viewers on TikTok.
In Austen's original novel, Mary is neither beautiful nor silly, but rather an awkward, bookish character who prefers geology to social occasions and wears spectacles. Professor Sandie Byrne of the University of Oxford notes that Mary's role is to show 'the different ways girls can be,' challenging the sentimental and gothic novel conventions of the time. The series explores how Mary might be considered neurodivergent by modern standards, and highlights the unequal love children can receive from parents.
The story begins after the death of Mr Bennet, when Mr Collins inherits the family estate. Mary's aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, invite her to stay with them in London, offering an escape from her critical mother. There, Mary begins to blossom, choosing more colourful fabrics for her dresses as she embraces her authentic self. Writer Sarah Quintrell explains that viewers root for Mary because they recognise a woman held to unattainable societal standards.
The series stars Ella Bruccoleri as Mary, alongside Richard E Grant as Mr Bennet, Ryan Sampson as Mr Collins, and Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet. Lucy Briers, who played Mary in the BBC's 1995 adaptation, appears as housekeeper Mrs Hill. The show is part of a wave of new Austen adaptations, with three major projects expected in 2026 alone.
