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Mary Bennet's Glasses: A Symbol of Self-Acceptance
15 Mar
Summary
- New drama reimagines Pride and Prejudice focusing on Mary Bennet.
- Mary's glasses remain on during romantic moments to send a message.
- The show premieres on BBC One on March 15, 2026.

A new ten-part period drama is set to reimagine Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice, centering the narrative on Mary Bennet, the overlooked middle sister. This adaptation, inspired by Janice Hadlow's 2020 novel, explores Mary's personal journey through life's challenges within the Bennet family.
Lead star Ella Bruccoleri revealed a significant behind-the-scenes decision regarding Mary's distinctive costume choice. To avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes, Mary's glasses are intentionally kept on during romantic moments, a deliberate choice made by the production team. Actress Ruth Jones, who plays Mrs. Bennet, noted the practical difficulties of wearing spectacles while filming.
The series premieres on BBC One on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 8 PM. The first five episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer the same day, with subsequent episodes releasing later. In the US and Canada, BritBox will premiere the series on May 6.




