‘Masterpiece’ BBC period drama hailed ‘better than Pride and Prejudice’ by fans
The period drama, which has a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.
BBC viewers have been giving a new period drama based on a popular novel glowing reviews after binge-watching all the episodes. The Other Bennet Sister is a drama series adapted from Janice Hadlow’s bestselling novel, and it’s a spin-off of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Instead of focusing on Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, this 10-part adaptation centres on Mary Bennet, who grew up branded the plain, intellectual sister in a family full of extroverts.
The series explores Mary’s journey of self-discovery after her father's sudden death. Protagonist Mary is portrayed by Call The Midwife and Bridgerton star Ella Bruccoleri, and the drama also features some huge names, such as Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet and Ruth Jones as her overbearing mother, Mrs Bennet.
Read more: Josh Widdicombe dodges Strictly Come Dancing hosting question on live TV
Read more: Death in Paradise legend unveils new career move worlds away from Saint Marie
“Everyone across the board was perfectly cast in the show,” Ella told the BBC of the show’s casting. “It just makes your job really easy because you’re playing across from people that are not only really good but who inhabit their characters very fully”.
The drama has a 97 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been hailed as better than Pride and Prejudice. One person penned: “This show is a masterpiece. Can't begin to tell you how heart-wrenching and uplifting this is for me. All of it - the writing, wardrobe, locations. It's truly outstanding.”
A second added: “Refreshing, delightful, lighthearted, all the good feelings you want to feel, all wrapped in this series. Perfect for when you're feeling down and need a getaway. Beautiful atmosphere, nice humour, bubbly romance, you're just in for great things.”
A third penned: “The best series I've watched this year. Just pure gold. The production actually gets what women want. Usually you see men who go to brothels and act hard to get.”
Someone else said: "The Other Bennet Sister might be better than Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton."
Another fan raved: “I didn’t expect to fall so completely in love with this adaptation, but The Other Bennet Sister absolutely charmed me from start to finish.”
A sixth said: “Giving classic Sunday night TV vibes. Really nice to connect with an old story through a new lens. I love Mary so much. I'm rooting for her the whole time.”
The Other Bennet Sister is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
