For those who consider themselves devoted period drama enthusiasts, much like myself, The Other Bennet Sister on the BBC has likely become essential weekly viewing.

The charming 10-part miniseries chronicles the trials and tribulations of Pride and Prejudice's most overlooked character, Mary Bennet, portrayed brilliantly by Call the Midwife's Ella Bruccoleri, reports the Mirror.

The Other Bennet Sister has been adapted from Janice Hadlow's 2020 novel of the same name, offering a thoroughly refreshing interpretation of both period dramas and Jane Austen heroines alike.

While Bridgerton undeniably has its appeal, with its heightened drama courtesy of Shondaland, lavish Regency aesthetics, instrumental pop covers and deliberate anachronisms, there's something utterly wholesome and heartwarming about The Other Bennet Sister that places it firmly above its Netflix period drama rival.

Rather than Bridgerton's steamy encounters and exposed skin, the sight of Mary merely averting her gaze at Mr Hayward's (Dónal Finn) naked forearms as he rolls up his shirt sleeves, is arguably far more charged with meaning.

This restrained moment, followed by Mary discreetly stealing another glance, offers viewers an entirely different perspective on how longing and desire can be portrayed in period drama.

The entire sequence is magnificently faithful to the period and functions brilliantly in an era where audiences have grown accustomed to period dramas being synonymous with heaving bosoms and bodice rippers. Poldark's notorious scything scene or every episode of Outlander, anyone?

Then there's the charming moment where Mary attracts not one but two suitors emerging from a lake in dripping wet shirts. Again, there's no nudity, yet it fits so perfectly.

The scene cheekily references Andrew Davies' iconic 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Colin Firth's Mr Darcy essentially pioneered the wet shirt scene, which has since become an absolute staple in any self-respecting period drama.

The absence of sex in The Other Bennet Sister also evokes memories of settling down to watch a gentle period drama with your parents without enduring any uncomfortable silences during intimate scenes.

Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan previously confessed she had to fast forward through the numerous risqué moments of her own programme while watching with her mother. The Penelope Bridgerton actress even joked that Netflix had produced a specially edited DVD omitting the more salacious scenes.

The Other Bennet Sister boasts an impressive 92 percent Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 percent on its Popcornmeter, while IMDb users have awarded the miniseries 8.3/10, which is certainly not to be dismissed.

Bridgerton season four, considered to be amongst the finest series to date, boasts an 83 per cent Fresh rating and 72 per cent on the Popcornmeter, while the overall programme holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb.

These statistics demonstrate The Other Bennet Sister has undoubtedly struck a chord with viewers without any R-rated moments, which was similarly the case for last year's fellow BBC period drama Miss Austen, and confirms you don't inevitably need sex to captivate audiences.

Mary is the most improbable of heroines, she's scholarly, razor-sharp and occasionally a thoroughly oblivious eccentric, rendering her all the more charming and relatable than other period drama protagonists.

Perhaps it's this unconventional narrative and heroine amongst the abundance of period dramas that distinguishes it, much like Mary herself. Who can say?

Regardless, there is certainly ample space for both Bridgerton and The Other Bennet Sister on television screens.

However, what the triumph of The Other Bennet Sister has demonstrated is that the BBC still reigns supreme regarding period dramas - and without needing to unfasten a single corset.

The Other Bennet Sister is streaming on the BBC iPlayer now