The Other Bennet Sister seems to have won the hearts of viewers as its ratings have steadily grown to become the BBC’s biggest drama launch of the last 12 months.
The declaration is based on consolidated 28-day viewership of the first episode, which has now found an impressive audience of 7.3 million across BBC One and iPlayer.
In fact, more than half of that number comes from iPlayer, providing yet more evidence that consumer habits are shifting away from linear TV towards streaming for many programmes.
Based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, the period drama is a companion piece to Jane Austen’s literary classic Pride & Prejudice, paying particular attention to the overlooked character of Mary Bennet.
Portrayed by Call the Midwife alum Ella Bruccoleri, the story offers fresh insight into what Mary was up to during the events of Pride & Prejudice, before seeing her branch off to forge her own future in London.
BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt commented: “We’re delighted that The Other Bennet Sister has been taken into the nation’s hearts.
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“It seems Mary, brought beautifully to life by Ella Brucolleri, may have been overlooked by her own family, but she has been embraced with open arms by the audience. How glorious is that!”
Meanwhile, Jane Tranter (CEO of production company Bad Wolf) added: “Bringing such a significant new audience to the world of Jane Austen on the BBC has been, from start to finish, a joy.
“Mary Bennet may have begun this journey as a wallflower, but she is now, quite rightfully, on everyone’s dance card. Hugest thanks to the BBC for giving us the chance to make this piece, and to the whole Bad Wolf crew in Cardiff for their talent, commitment, and support.”
Despite the success of the series, fans shouldn’t necessarily raise their hopes for a second season.
The Other Bennet Sister head writer Sarah Quintrell (The Power) told The Radio Times Writers’ Room that she would “love to do more of this”, but clarified that she meant, in a general sense, “taking a different angle into a story”.
The 10-part series offers a complete adaptation of Hadlow’s novel, meaning that any potential continuation would have to forge ahead with an original story. As mentioned, there’s no indication of any such plans just yet.
The Other Bennet Sister cast also includes Gavin & Stacey icon Ruth Jones, The Thursday Murder Club‘s Richard E Grant, The Girlfriend‘s Laurie Davidson and Doctor Who‘s Varada Sethu.
The Other Bennet Sister is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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