Masterpiece BBC period drama with 7m viewers is | UK News

The BBC was widely praised after it revealed that the premiere of The Other Bennett, which hit the screens, drew in an unbelievable 7.3 million viewers. The 10-part drama impressed followers by highlighting a forgotten half of the legendary writer Jane Austen‘s legacy. Branded a “masterpiece,” the sequence is an adaptation of the 2020 historic fiction novel by Janice Hadlow, which focuses on Mary Bennet (performed by Ella Bruccoleri), the missed center sister from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Throughout the episodes, it adopted Mary’s journey of self-discovery and transformation from a socially awkward, educational younger lady to somebody who finds confidence, love, and a place in the world. The Other Bennett Sister was lauded after the broadcaster’s press workplace took to X/Twitter and revealed that its record-breaking viewership, with the caption: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that audiences love Mary Bennet.” Taking to the feedback with settlement, one penned: “Fabulous show, witty and brilliant acting. Really enjoyed it.”

A second fan commented: “I loved and don’t need a second season. Please adapt more books based on Jane with this love and care.”

As a third shared a photograph of Caroline Bingley (Tanya Reynolds) and echoed: “I don’t want a second season cuz the first was too perfect, but give us a spin-off season with this diva.”

“Delightful show. Pitch-perfect tone and performances. Such well-deserved success,” praised one viewer.

The sequence was also admired for its “Great casting, fantastic acting and wonderful script.” While another viewer merely labelled The Other Bennett Sister a “masterpiece.”

The drama’s astonishing viewership makes it the UK’s most profitable drama debut in the past 12 months across all platforms and streamers, while 56% of the viewers, 4.1 million viewers, watched it through BBC iPlayer.

Speaking about the show’s enormous achievement, BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt said: “We’re delighted that The Other Bennet Sister has been taken into the nation’s hearts.

“It appears Mary, introduced superbly to life by Ella Brucolleri, could have been missed by her own household, but she has been embraced with open arms by the viewers. How superb is that!”

Alongside Bruccoleri and Reynolds, The Other Bennett Sister boasts a stellar line-up of expertise, including Richard E Grant, Ruth Jones, Ryan Sampson, Indira Varma, Lucy Briers and Sean Carlsen