BBC announces 'The Other Elliot Sister' as follow-up to Austen adaptation
Following the success of 'The Other Bennet Sister', the BBC has greenlit a new series based on Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' from the perspective of one of the Elliot sisters. Author Janice Hadlow is writing a companion novel, and the series is in development. The specific Elliot sister chosen for the spotlight has not yet been revealed.
The BBC’s follow-up stems from the success of *The Other Bennet Sister*, which became BritBox’s biggest hit and is set to conclude with a three-part Christmas special. Author Janice Hadlow, who wrote the source novel for that series, is now writing a companion book about the Elliots, with the BBC securing rights. The new project was announced by Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter at the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival. Notably, *Persuasion* features three sisters—Anne, Elizabeth, and Mary—but unlike *Pride & Prejudice*, no obvious “overlooked” sibling exists, leaving the choice of which Elliot sister gets the spotlight unresolved.
This pattern of reframing classic novels through secondary characters could broaden audience engagement with Austen’s work, appealing to viewers who feel sidelined by traditional heroines. It may also encourage streaming platforms to invest in literary adaptations with fresh perspectives, potentially influencing how period dramas are commissioned. However, the impact depends on execution—if the chosen sister lacks narrative depth, the series might struggle to replicate its predecessor’s cultural resonance, leaving fans divided.