BBC Greenlights Pride and Prejudice Spin-Off

The BBC has commissioned The Other Bennet Sister, looking at Mary Bennet, the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The ten-part drama is written by Sarah Quintrell (The Power, Ellen) in her first drama series commission for television. It is based on the hit novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow.

The series takes as its premise that, when it comes to the Bennet sisters, while we dream of being Lizzy, in reality, most of us are more like Mary. The Other Bennet Sister gives Mary the epic love story nobody predicted for her, taking her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District—all in search of independence, romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance.

Cardiff-based indie Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials, Industry) is producing for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Quintrell said: “I’m thrilled to be telling the story of Mary—the other Bennet sister—exploring what it is to come of age when you’re the odd one out. It’s a joy to be adapting Janice Hadlow’s brilliant take on such a beloved classic with the team at Bad Wolf and to have found our home at the BBC. I grew up (an awkward, anxious teen, getting everything wrong…) watching the BBC’s wonderful Austen adaptations. It’s the stuff every writer dreams of, and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to screen— not least for all the Marys out there.”

Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter said: “Jane Austen created exactly the kind of smart, subtly subversive and groundbreaking women that Bad Wolf is proud to be associated with. Sarah’s dazzling scripts explore what hides beneath the surface of the overlooked Bennet sister, bringing her vividly to life for a television audience. The BBC’s long relationship with Jane Austen is unsurpassed and it’s particularly meaningful to be partnering with them on this next iteration of her life on screen.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: “The BBC’s Pride and Prejudice will forever be a classic moment in television history, and it’s incredibly exciting to return to Jane Austen’s irresistible world and go even further than before – this time in the footsteps of The Other Bennet Sister, Mary. We fell in love with Sarah’s adaptation because it’s a true underdog story packed full of heart, wit and charm, and a chance to explore Austen in a playful, original and heartfelt way.”