10 Must-Watch – From sisterhood shadows to social pressure, these period dramas and time-hopping hits match the emotional pull of BritBox’s The Other Bennet Sister—featuring Ella Bruccoleri, Mary Bennet’s self-discovery, and plenty of Regency-adjacent storytelling.
The most heartbreaking feeling in The Other Bennet Sister isn’t the grand ball gowns or the carefully measured compliments—it’s Mary Bennet realizing she’s been living inside someone else’s idea of who she’s “supposed” to be.
That quiet ache drives BritBox’s new triumph. where Ella Bruccoleri plays Mary Bennet. the less popular sister of the vivacious Bennet family from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and strong fan love already building around the Regency-era limited series. it follows Mary as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery beyond the limits and preconceived notions her family has always imposed on her. Dónal Finn stars as Mr. Hayward, and Laurie Davidson plays Mr. Ryder—two performances that help sharpen Mary’s world as it shifts around her.
If you’re already counting down to binge the complete series or waiting for the next episode release. here are 10 shows that hit a similar note—whether you want more Austen itself. the next-door cousin of period drama. or stories built around social pressure. identity. and the complicated way families can shape a life.
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
When you want the Bennet story at its most essential, this one is hard to beat. Pride and Prejudice (1995) is a fan-favorite and critically acclaimed BBC adaptation starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. Spanning over six episodes. it follows the Bennet family—especially Elizabeth—as they worry over suitable marriages for a family with five daughters and no male heir. The foundation matters here: it’s the same world where Mary can feel out of place, literally and figuratively.
Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)
If you love how Austen’s world can turn tense when something goes wrong. Death Comes to Pemberley swings the door open. Based on the novel by P. D. James, the miniseries is set six years after Elizabeth (played by Anna Maxwell Martin) and Darcy (Matthew Rhys) are married. When a murder takes place on the grounds of their estate, the characters begin to question everything. It’s a different kind of Austen offering—mixing romance with a plot device beyond courtship. For many, that’s exactly what makes it such a satisfying watch.
Young Sherlock (2026–Present)
Dónal Finn’s range is part of The Other Bennet Sister’s appeal. and Young Sherlock gives viewers the opposite energy. Finn plays James Moriarty. starring alongside Hero Fiennes Tiffin as a young Sherlock Holmes who is “far from being renowned or respected yet.” In this Prime Video series. a mysterious murder takes place at Oxford. where Sherlock is obliged to work as a scout. From there, clues start stacking—and Sherlock risks everything he holds dear to solve the case.
Miss Austen (2025)
For anyone who connects with sister dynamics—especially the ones where you feel you’re constantly living in another person’s shadow—Miss Austen is a natural pull. The series focuses on Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra (Keeley Hawes), while Patsy Ferran plays Jane Austen. It explores living beside a famous family member, with Hawes and Ferran both described as ideal in their roles. The story includes flashbacks and multiple timelines, adding movement and texture.
A sequel has already been greenlit: Miss Austen Returns. Viewers are still waiting on news about the anticipated follow-up.
Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
Downton Abbey is the kind of show that turned period drama into a mainstream obsession—and it remains one of the genre’s biggest benchmarks. Running from 2010 to 2015, the series won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and helped spark other projects, along with three feature-length films.
Set after the Regency era in England. Downton Abbey follows the wealthy Crawley family and their servants through the early 20th century. The cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, and the late Maggie Smith. The emotional reason it belongs on this list is simple: it delivers family drama across the decades. with class and identity always tugging at the characters.
Bridgerton (2020–Present)
Bridgerton brings Regency-era storytelling with a different kind of heat. Produced by Shonda Rhimes. the series blends Austen-era rigid social etiquette with steamy sex scenes. building a romantic romp with a diverse cast. modern sensibilities. and juicy plotlines. It has earned a passionate fanbase and critical recognition.
Fans of The Other Bennet Sister will be especially interested in Season 3, which features Ella Bruccoleri as Miss Barragan. Bridgerton also helped make household names of actors including Nicola Coughlan, Luke Thompson, and Regé-Jean Page.
Call the Midwife (2012–Present)
Call the Midwife steps away from the drawing rooms and into East London—while keeping the heart. Set during the 1950s to 1970s, the series follows the professional and personal lives of midwives in the area, mixing interpersonal tensions with medical drama.
The show has won two BAFTAs and has continued for 15 seasons. Viewers who want Ella Bruccoleri again can check out Seasons 8–11, where she appears as Sister Frances. Her performance is described as riveting. and Sister Frances is far more passionate and outspoken than Mary Bennet—so the character arc is its own reward.
The English Game (2020)
The English Game shifts the spotlight to class and identity through sport rather than romance. In this Netflix original series, two groups clash over taking part in a new sport. The artistocracy insists that football (soccer) is only a “gentleman’s game. ” while working-class men try to prove their worth and capability—defined by athleticism rather than wealth or rank.
It’s described as love-it-or-hate-it. and the ratings reflect the debate: The English Game has a 53% critics rating and an 83% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Created in part by Julian Fellowes—also behind Downton Abbey—it shares hallmarks with that series: class distinctions. interpersonal drama. and solid character relationships.
Lost in Austen (2008)
For a completely different kind of Austen obsession. Lost in Austen takes the Bennet world and bends it. The premise follows Amanda Price (Jemima Rooper). who’s grown dissatisfied with her life and escapes by reading her favorite book. A supernatural swap sends Elizabeth Bennet (Gemma Arterton) into the real world and Amanda into Pride and Prejudice.
The result is quirky and often awkward-on-purpose. built around culture clashes between centuries and offering unique perspectives on changing social mores and societal expectations for women. It’s also the kind of show where you may enjoy the journey—but have to accept that your favorite characters and story get messed with along the way.
Ugly Betty (2006–2010)
Sometimes. the family drama isn’t about whether you’re “correct” for society—it’s about whether the world will ever take you seriously. Ugly Betty follows the titular character as she tries to build a career for herself in high fashion. dealing with judgmental expectations along the way.
The Emmy Award-winning series stars America Ferrera, runs for four seasons (from 2006 to 2010), and remains described as fresh and relevant. For fans of The Other Bennet Sister. the connection is in determination and survival: Betty. like Mary. must learn how to use her unique strengths to succeed in a society that tends to dismiss her. Viewers who like haute couture references and shows with bite—plus audiences who enjoyed films like The Devil Wears Prada—are pointed straight toward this one.
And when Mary’s story has you wondering who you become when you stop living for other people’s expectations. this list offers a steady reply: there are many ways to fight your way toward yourself. Some come in period costumes. Some in time swaps. Some in hospitals. Some on a football pitch. All of them understand that belonging isn’t handed to you—it’s something you go after.
The Other Bennet Sister BritBox Ella Bruccoleri Mary Bennet Dónal Finn Regency dramas Jane Austen adaptations Pride and Prejudice 1995 Downton Abbey Bridgerton Call the Midwife Lost in Austen Ugly Betty British TV shows
97%?? wow i didn’t even know this was out yet
So it’s like Pride and Prejudice but with Mary’s perspective right? I thought Mary was kinda boring in the original so if this makes her “quiet fight” more interesting then ok.
I watched one trailer and got confused bc it says Regency but also “time-hopping hits”?? Like are they jumping between centuries or is that just their other show list? also the title sounds like a sitcom???
The whole “living inside someone else’s idea” thing feels real but idk why they had to make it a limited series. Regency drama is basically everyone judging everyone, so I’m just waiting for the part where she finally stands up at a ball and embarrasses her family or whatever. is Dónal Finn the husband guy? I can’t keep up with these shows.