It is a truth universally acknowledged that the BBC knows its way around an iconic period drama, and its upcoming ten-part series The Other Bennet Sister is set to be a must-watch for Jane Austen fans, judging by the new trailer.

Inspired by Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and based on Janice Hadlow’s 2020 novel of the same name, The Other Bennet Sister reimagines the world first created by Austen – this time through the eyes of the often-overlooked middle sister, Mary.

Promising to bring a “fresh” perspective to the enduring literary story, the new series stars Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Bridgerton) in the leading role as Mary, who finds her way both in society and within her own complex family.

What happens in the trailer?

The BBC released the new trailer on Thursday, which opens with the introduction of the Bennet family as they walk through the doors of what appears to be a ball.

With a perfect instrumental rendition of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club playing in the background, we hear Mary narrate: “If you’re not the beautiful one, the quick-witted one or the one full of youthful energy, then who are you?”

Later, a man comments: “Miss Bennet is a radical thinker,” while Mary’s mother berates her: “I told you no one would marry you if you wore spectacles!”

With a montage of Mary gradually finding her feet, we see Indira Varma’s Mrs Gardiner offer some wise words: “The most important thing is to be yourself.”

Five women in bonnets walk down a path© BBC/Bad Wolf
The new show lands in March in the UK and in May in the US and Canada

What to expect from The Other Bennet Sister

The period drama begins at the Bennet family home in Longbourn, where we’re introduced to the five sisters who make up one of the most famous families in Regency England.

The BBC synopsis continues: “Mary’s journey sees her leave her family home for the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love and reinvention.

A man and woman stand holding glasses© BBC/Bad Wolf
Mr Bennet (Richard E Grant) and Mrs Bennet (Ruth Jones)

“The series follows Mary as she steps out of her sisters’ shadows in search of her own identity and purpose, finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way.”

Who stars in The Other Bennet Sister?

Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Bridgerton) leads the series as Mary Bennet, while Richard E. Grant (Withnail & I, Can You Ever Forgive Me?) and Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey, Stella) play her on-screen parents, Mr and Mrs Bennet.

As for the Bennet sisters, Poppy Gilbert (My Oxford Year) plays Lizzie, Maddie Close is Jane, Grace Hogg-Robinson (The Coroner) plays Lydia and Molly Wright (Our Girl) is Kitty.

Other cast members include Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Night Manager) and Richard Coyle (Heads of State, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Mr and Mrs Gardiner.

A man and woman sit in a garden and clap© BBC/Bad Wolf
Indira Varma and Richard Coyle as Mr and Mrs Gardiner

Rounding out the cast are Laurie Davidson (A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, The Girlfriend) and Dónal Finn (The Wheel of Time, SAS Rogue Heroes) as Mary’s potential suitors, Mr Ryder and Mr Hayward.

A man points to something in the distance with a woman© BBC/Bad Wolf
Laurie Davidson plays Mr Ryder

Alongside some new faces, Pride and Prejudice fans can also expect to see the return of beloved characters including Caroline Bingley, Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins.

The first five episodes of The Other Bennet Sister land on BBC iPlayer on Sunday 15 March, with a weekly double bill on BBC One at 8pm. Episodes six to ten will be available on BBC iPlayer on Sunday 29 March at 6am. BritBox will premiere the series exclusively in the US and Canada on 6 May.