3 'masterpiece' period dramas to watch if you loved The Other Bennet Sister

The Other Bennet Sister, inspired by Jane Austen's iconic Pride and Prejudice, made its debut on BBC One earlier this month.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister shifts the focus on Mary Bennet, the seemingly unremarkable middle sister in Pride and Prejudice.

Set in early 19th Century Regency, England, the official synopsis teases: "The series follows Mary as she steps out of her sisters' shadows in search of her own identity and purpose, finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way.

"Her journey will see her leave her family home in Meryton for the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love, and reinvention."

The Other Bennet Sister has had rave reviews so far, scoring an impressive 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. One person said: "Perfectly cast and incredibly watchable!", a different viewer wrote: "Lovely Sunday evening watch. I've binge watched the 5 episodes that are currently available on BBC iPlayer and look forward to seeing how the story progresses" while another fan added: "Costume drama at its finest."

As fans wait for the next instalment of the show, which has 10 episodes in total, here's a look at some other 'masterpiece' period dramas available to watch now...

The BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice saw Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth take on the lead roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy in the six-part series.

The series also saw stars such as Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennet, Emilia Fox as Georgiana Darcy and Roger Barclay as Captain Carter.

Colin's emergence from a lake in dripping breeches and a clinging white shirt as Mr Darcy was once voted the most memorable British TV drama moment of all time.

The series has an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. One person said of the show: "A classic! Witty and charming with great performances, loved this!", a different viewer put: "Best version adaptation of the book and just gets it correctly!!", another fan said: "Other versions have been made. This one is the best, in my opinion" while a different viewer added: "Yearly autumn rewatch. Absolute classic."

The BBC's 2008 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility saw Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield star as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. The series is an adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, which portrays the life and loves of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne.

Other stars in the series include David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon, Linda Bassett as Mrs Jennings, Lucy Boynton as Margaret Dashwood and Dominic Cooper as John Willoughby.

The series has an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. One person said of the show: "Having read "Pride and Prejudice" and having thoroughly enjoyed the BBC version of that title, this version of "Sense and Sensibility" certainly captures the wit, humor, and spirit of Austen", a different viewer put: "By far the most accurate and best adaptation. The casting is brilliant" while another fan added: "The best adaptation of this book."

The BBC's 2025 four-part historical drama television series, Miss Austen, is an adaptation by Andrea Gibb of the novel Miss Austen by Gill Hornby.

A synopsis teases of the show: "Secrets unfold one letter at a time. Will Cassandra expose the most private details of her life, or send her sister Jane's legacy up in flames?"

It stars Keeley Hawes as Cassandra Austen, Patsy Ferran as Jane Austen, Rose Leslie as Isabella Fowle and Max Irons as Henry Hobday.

The show has an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. One person said of the series: "I enjoyed the story, the scenery and the costumes", a different fan put: "I found it beautiful and fun, like sitting next to a glow of a candle in the dark" while another viewer added: "This is a really good adaptation of the novel by Gill Hornby."