techxly@gmail.com
Look, if you finished reading Janice Hadlow’s ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ and felt like your soul left your body, I totally get it. We all need that specific brand of Regency-era longing, social anxiety, and ‘why am I the weird sibling’ energy. Since we are all lowkey obsessed with Mary Bennet’s glow-up, I’ve rounded up 10 shows that will keep that period-drama obsession alive. Grab your tea, find a blanket, and let’s get into it.
1. Bridgerton: The Gossip and the Gowns
Okay, obviously we have to start here. Netflix’s flagship Regency smash is pure chaos and we are living for it. While it’s definitely more ‘glam’ than Mary Bennet’s quiet life, the social maneuvering is top-tier. If you want high-stakes balls, secret romances, and enough pastel lace to make your head spin, this is your jam. It’s a total mood shift, but honestly, who doesn’t want to see the ton lose their minds over a scandalous pamphlet?
2. Sanditon: The Unfinished Business
Related Reading
If you loved the Austen vibes but want something a bit more coastal and messy, Sanditon is it. Based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished manuscript, it gives us that classic ‘will-they-won’t-they’ tension. It’s got that same literary DNA as The Other Bennet Sister, but with a bit more salt air and dramatic cliffside walks. Trust me, the romantic tension here is literally off the charts. You will be screaming at your TV by episode three, no cap.
3. The Buccaneers: For the Drama Lovers
Apple TV+ really came through with this one. It’s like Gossip Girl went back to the 1870s and decided to start a revolution. It’s all about American girls crashing into the British aristocracy, and the culture clash is everything. It’s fun, it’s loud, and the soundtrack is surprisingly modern. If you felt Mary Bennet’s frustration with the status quo, you’re going to be obsessed with these women breaking every rule in the book.
4. Pride and Prejudice (1995): The OG
Look, we have to respect the classics. If you’re a real one, you’ve already seen the Colin Firth lake scene, but have you watched it recently? It is the gold standard for a reason. Watching the Bennet sisters navigate their lives in this version is like a warm hug for your brain. It’s slow, it’s witty, and it’s basically the blueprint for every single show on this list. Honestly, it’s a total vibe.
5. Belgravia: The Secrets You Can’t Keep
If you want something a bit more ‘secrets and lies’ and less ‘marriage market,’ Belgravia is your best friend. From the mind of Julian Fellowes (yes, the Downton guy), this show is all about hidden histories and social climbers. It’s got that dark, moody period drama aesthetic that makes you want to sit by a fire and plot your revenge. It’s sophisticated, it’s intense, and it’s definitely not your average ballroom drama.
6. Dickinson: The Anarchist Energy
Real talk: Emily Dickinson was an icon and this show proves it. It takes the period-piece format and completely wrecks it in the best way possible. It’s funny, weird, and features modern music that somehow fits perfectly. If you felt like Mary Bennet was the ‘misunderstood’ sister, you will relate so hard to Hailee Steinfeld’s portrayal of Emily. It’s chaotic, it’s brilliant, and honestly? It’s probably the most relatable show on this entire list.
7. Poldark: The Cornish Coast Vibe
Need a little bit of rugged scenery to distract you from the drawing-room drama? Poldark is waiting for you. It’s set in the 18th century, it’s got intense family feuds, and the scenery is just stunning. It’s got that ‘I’m brooding on a cliff’ energy that we all secretly love. Plus, the chemistry is absolutely electric. It’s a bit grittier than a standard Austen adaptation, but you’ll be hooked within ten minutes, I promise.
8. Gentleman Jack: The Trailblazer
Anne Lister is the character we didn’t know we needed. She’s confident, she’s smart, and she doesn’t care what the neighbors think. Watching her navigate 19th-century society while being completely unapologetic is such a power move. If you loved the character growth in The Other Bennet Sister, this is going to be your new favorite obsession. It’s funny, it’s sharp, and it’s based on real diaries, which makes it even cooler.
9. The Gilded Age: High Society Chaos
Welcome to New York in the 1880s, where the only thing that matters is who is invited to the party. The costumes are literally insane—the budget for hats alone must be millions. It’s all about ‘old money’ versus ‘new money,’ and the shade being thrown is legendary. It’s perfect if you love the social hierarchy stuff in Austen books but want a bit more Gilded Age glitz and glamour. You won’t be able to stop watching, trust me.
10. Emma (2020): The Ultimate Comfort Watch
Okay, this is a movie, but it feels like a show because you’ll want to rewatch it 50 times. It’s vibrant, it’s hilarious, and Anya Taylor-Joy is perfect as Emma. It captures that specific ‘Regency life is actually kind of funny’ energy that made The Other Bennet Sister so good. It’s colorful, it’s witty, and the ending is just so satisfying. If you’re having a bad day, just put this on and let the drama wash over you.
FAQs
Is The Other Bennet Sister a true story?
No, it is a work of historical fiction by Janice Hadlow. It reimagines the life of Mary Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, giving her a voice and a backstory that weren’t in the original novel.
What should I watch if I love Jane Austen adaptations?
You should definitely start with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries, the 2020 Emma film, and Sanditon. These capture the wit, the romance, and the social anxiety that make Austen’s work so timeless and binge-worthy.
Are these shows available on Netflix?
Most of these are available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Max. Availability can shift depending on your region, so definitely check your local apps to see which ones are ready to stream right now!
There you have it! Your watchlist is officially stacked for the next few months. Whether you’re looking for high-stakes drama or just some beautiful costumes to stare at, these shows have you covered. Which one are you starting tonight? Let me know in the comments because I need someone to talk to about the season finales! Don’t forget to share this with your fellow period-drama bestie.
