"The Other Bennet Sister" could also be billed as "'Pride and Prejudice' reimagined through the lens of often overlooked middle sister, Mary Bennet." You may be surprised how life looks for her. Starts May 6 in the U.S.; all 10 episodes streaming now in the U.K.
Here's how to watch "The Other Bennet Sister" online from anywhere with this VPN — and potentially for free.
"The Other Bennet Sister" premiered on Sunday, March 15 and all 10 episodes are free in the U.K. The first three episodes drop in the U.S. on May 6.
• WATCH FREE — BBC iPlayer (U.K., ALL EPISODES)
• U.S. — Britbox (May 6, Ep 1-3)
• Canada — Britbox (May 6, Ep 1-3))
• Australia — Binge (March 16)
• Watch BBC anywhere — use NordVPN 100% risk-free
Supposedly without the looks and vivacious personalities of her four sisters, Mary has to plot a different course to secure her future (and potentially that of her family). In so doing, and as 'P&P' spin-off adapted from the titular 2020 novel by Janice Hadlow is at pains to demonstrate, this determined young woman (played by Ella Bruccoleri) has many obstacles to overcome to win her independence.
Not least of these are the competing demands of duty, friendship and love - not least a love of self that might turn out to be the hardest won. She leaves the family home and abandons the pressures society places upon her to "marry well" and moves to London to make a life for herself. We find ourselves rooting for her throughout this epic ten-part period drama.
All 10 episodes are streaming in the U.K. now. Read on to find out how to watch "The Other Bennet Sister" online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch 'The Other Bennet Sister' for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch 'The Other Bennet Sister' from anywhere
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "The Other Bennet Sister" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in the U.K. and watch iPlayer for free, as if you were back home.
Not all VPNs works for this – but NordVPN does (we use it daily) and you can get an exclusive offer below:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "The Other Bennet Sister" online and on-demand.
How to watch 'The Other Bennet Sister' around the world
How to watch "The Other Bennet Sister" from the U.S.
Yes. "The Other Bennet Sister" premieres on Britbox in the U.S. on Wednesday, May 6 when the first 3 episodes drop.
New episode drop weekly with Episde 10 – "The Other Bennet Sister" finale – available on Britbox on June 24.
U.K. resident visiting America? Use NordVPN to watch all 10 episodes free now – you'll need a TV licence of course.
Can I watch 'The Other Bennet Sister' online in Canada?
Yes. "The Other Bennet Sister" premieres on Britbox in Canada on Wednesday, May 6. It's the first 3 episodes only, with new episodes dropping weekly thru June 24.
However, Brits in Canada can use NordVPN to watch all 10 episodes now on BBC iPlayer from anywhere. You'lll need a TV licence of course.
Can I watch 'The Other Bennet Sister' online in Australia?
"The Other Bennet Sister" premieres on Monday, March 16 in Australia on Binge.
Prices start at AU$10/month or $79/year.
Remember, If you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under you can catch the show on your usual domestic streamer by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'The Other Bennet Sister' - Cast
Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet
Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet
Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet
Indira Varma as Mrs Gardiner
Richard Coyle as Mr Gardiner
Róisín Bhalla as Marianne
Reggie Absolom as George
Jasmine Sharp as Rebecca
Laurie Davidson as Mr Ryder
Dónal Finn as Mr Hayward
Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter
Aaron Gill as John Sparrow
Maddie Close as Jane
Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie
Molly Wright as Kitty
Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia
Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley
Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Lucas
Ryan Sampson as Mr Collins
Lucy Briers as Mrs Hill
'The Other Bennet Sister' - Episode guide
S01 E01: "Chapter 1" - 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.
S01 E02: "Chapter 2" - 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?
S01 E03: "Chapter 3" - 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.
S01 E04: "Chapter 4" - 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.
S01 E05: "Chapter 5" - 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.
S01 E06: "Chapter 6" - 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.
S01 E07: "Chapter 7" - 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.
S01 E08: "Chapter 8" - 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.
S01 E09: "Chapter 9" - 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.
S01 E10: "Chapter 10" - 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?
What has Ella Bruccoleri (who plays Mary Bennet aka "The Other Bennet Sister") said about the series?
How would you describe your Mary Bennet?
Mary Bennet has been written off by many members of her family, and as a result she’s written herself off too. When we meet her at the beginning of the series, she’s living with her family in a small village and has never really left that world. These are the only people she knows, and she understands herself through the values they impose on her. We know these characters from Pride and Prejudice, but it’s fascinating to see the impact they have on someone like Mary.
What excited you most about telling her story?
Mary’s not your typical period drama heroine. She lives in a world where, particularly for women, appearance is everything, and she doesn’t understand that value system at all. Instead, she turns to literature that offers a different viewpoint. Her favourite book is Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women, because it argues that women shouldn’t have to be beautiful — they should be intelligent and pious.
How do you think this adaptation honours Austen’s legacy while offering something new?
When I read Jane Austen, I’m always struck by how it is so witty, with humour in every line. Sarah Quintrell really brings that into the scripts, and Janice Hadlow’s book does the same. The novel is very different in style from Austen, but it feels like a genuine extension of Pride and Prejudice.
Sarah’s scripts tread the line between comedy and drama better than anything I’ve ever read. It feels like a tragicomedy - it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s also not afraid to delve into emotionally weighty material. That feels very true to Jane Austen.
What was it like filming The Other Bennet Sister?
What was so lovely was having time between being cast and filming starting. Director Jennifer Sheridan and producer John Pocock sent me for piano lessons, calligraphy, horse riding and movement sessions. I was able to ask for what I thought would be helpful before we began.
Is there anything from the Regency era you’d like to see return today?
Quills. Imagine if we were all still writing with quills. I love it when you get a really good one.
Do you have any tips for being a Regency wallflower?
Stick to the outskirts of the room. Stay within touching distance of the wall. Hide in the shadows and observe. A lot of Mary’s behaviour is learned - she’s spent her life watching other people.
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "Ludwig", "Return to Paradise" season 2, "Hope Street", "Once Upon a Time in Space", "Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking", "In My Own Words: Frederick Forsyth" and "The Ridge".
More from Tom's Guide
- How to watch Pride & Prejudice online (all versions)
- How to watch A Woman of Substance online
- The best VPN service
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