This Year's Best New Period Drama Officially Returns In 3 Months

Published Sep 19, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT El is a Junior TV Features Editor for ScreenRant, with previous experience as The Mary Sue's UK and Weekend Editor. She holds a Bachelor's in International Media and Entertainment Management, as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Creative Writing. There is little she loves more than discussing her favorite TV shows with fellow fans. One day, she hopes to publish an original fantasy novel. This year's best and most surprising period drama is officially set to return in just three months. With massive shows like Bridgerton, The Buccaneers, and The Gilded Age dominating the period drama genre on the small screen, it's hard for newer, smaller shows to make waves. And yet, one unlikely BBC and BritBox Regency-era dramedy did just that, moving away from its competitors' exciting, dramatic (and steamy) romantic entanglements in favor of a warm, sweet, heartfelt, and genuinely funny journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Based on Janice Hadlow's bestselling, Jane Austen-inspired Pride and Prejudice "sequel," The Other Bennet Sister is one of this decade's most refreshing and moving period dramas. Rather than following beloved literary icon Lizzie Bennet, the story focuses on her dismissed middle sister, Mary (played with disarming charm by Call the Midwife's Ella Bruccoleri), as she distances herself from Longbourn and her overbearing mother to find her place in a world that values marriage and social standing over personal fulfillment. The 10-episode series, which premiered on the BBC and BritBox earlier this year, united viewers and reviewers. The show boasts a near-perfect 98% critics' score and a mightily impressive 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Other Bennet Sister also drove five times more new subscribers to BritBox in its first three months on the platform than any other newly launched original series, with nearly half of all subscribers watching the show during that same period. Thankfully, though the series ended on an undeniable high note, covering the entirety of Hadlow's original novel, the show is confirmed to return for three more episodes this holiday season (based on the author's own ideas and written by Sarah Quintrell, who wrote the majority of the show's first 10 episodes), as Mary and her closest friends and family celebrate the holidays in true, comforting Other Bennet Sister-style. The Other Bennet Sister Is The Ultimate Pride & Prejudice Spinoff Photographer: James Pardon - Courtesy of BritBox It's hard to imagine a better sequel or spinoff for Jane Austen's seminal novel, Pride and Prejudice. Rather than copying Austen's style, Hadlow's and Quintrell's adaptation instead puts its own unique, comedic spin on the Bennet family's experiences. The first hour or so covers the events of Pride and Prejudice from Mary's point of view, as audiences learn how her mother's cruelty and standing in her sisters' shadows have shaped her view of the world. After that, as Mary leaves to stay with her much more loving uncle and his wife in London, she discovers a new side of herself: playful, determined, and witty, charming not one but two wholly eligible bachelors with her sincere personality and newfound zest for life. Crucially, though, the show never lets the love triangle get in the way of Mary's individual development. It is, first and foremost, her story. The romance, while undeniably sweet and memorable, isn't everything. The show honors Austen's most important themes while offering viewers a wholly new experience, too. The Other Bennet Sister's Holiday Return Is Perfect For The Show Credit: Bad Wolf/James Pardon, Courtesy of BritBox The Other Bennet Sister's atmosphere, tone, and themes suit a holiday special. A cozy, heartfelt Christmas story will fit in well with the rest of the series, as Mary settles into her new life and runs her own household while figuring out what she wants her future to look like. Joining Bruccoleri for the festivities are returning stars Dónal Finn as Tom Hayward, Ruth Jones as Mrs. Bennet, Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley, Laurie Davidson as Mr. Ryder, Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie Darcy, and Varada Sethu as Mary's friend, Ann Baxter. Making the show's return a three-part special removes some of the pressure of producing a full second season. It will be a low-stakes chance to catch up with the characters, rather than forcing them into more dramatic situations to up the tension and fill another ten 30-minute episodes. The Other Bennet Sister is incredibly enjoyable as is, but these new holiday episodes are still a most welcome addition to this year's best new period drama. The Other Bennet Sister's Christmas special premieres this holiday season on BritBox. All other episodes are available to stream now. Release Date May 6, 2026 Network BBC One Directors Jennifer Sheridan Cast Ella Bruccoleri Mary Bennet Richard E. Grant Mr. Bennet Writers Sarah Quintrell, Maddie Dai Creator(s) Janice Hadlow