Jane Austen's unfinished novel Sanditon has been adapted into a period drama on ITVX that viewers are calling a 'masterpiece' and even 'far superior to Pride and Prejudice'. The series, created by Andrew Davies—who also adapted the iconic 1995 Pride and Prejudice—has captivated audiences with its 'profoundly juicy' and 'splendid' storytelling.
What is Sanditon About?
Sanditon follows Charlotte Heywood, a spirited young woman who moves from her rural home to the fishing village of Sanditon, which is attempting to reinvent itself as a seaside resort. The series is based on Austen's last known work, an unfinished manuscript of 24,000 words left at her death in 1817. Davies used Austen's original writing for much of the first episode and completed the tale using her established characters.
Critical and Audience Praise
Critics have raved about the series. One review described it as 'an intoxicating pleasure bomb that will have you swooning and screaming at your TV screen'. Another said: 'A profoundly juicy watch that will both enrapture and enrage its audience—and I loved every second of it.' A reviewer even suggested Austen would have approved: 'Sanditon is sexy escapism for winter, tart and political, gorgeous and honest. Austen would have loved it.'
Audiences have been equally enthusiastic. One fan wrote: 'Never in my life have I been so intensely swept away by a series. Sanditon is literally the best thing I've ever watched and I'm not exaggerating. The acting!! The ACTING!! Superb.' Another commented: 'This show is a beautiful story with vivid characters that are so relatable. Jane Austen's final, unfinished work was brought to life beautifully.' An IMDB user review stated: 'This could be my favourite Austen adaptation and I thought that nothing could top the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice.'
Cast and Production
Sanditon features Rose Williams, Theo James, Kate Ashfield, Crystal Clarke, Turlough Convery, Jack Fox, Kris Marshall, Anne Reid, Lily Sacofsky, and Charlotte Spencer. Filming took place in Somerset, including Clevedon, Weston-super-Mare, and Brean, with Dyrham Park near Bath doubling as Sanditon House.
History and Renewal
The drama first aired in the UK in August 2019 across eight episodes but was cancelled by ITV that December. After persistent fan campaigns and backing from PBS as part of its 'Masterpiece' anthology alongside BritBox, Sanditon was renewed for a second and third series.
Sanditon is available to stream for free on ITVX.
