ITV's Sanditon, a period drama based on Jane Austen's unfinished novel, has been hailed as one of the best adaptations ever, making it a perfect watch for Bridgerton fans. The series, which first aired in 2019 and concluded in 2023 after three series, stars Kris Marshall, known for his role in Beyond Paradise, alongside Rose Williams.
Plot and Setting
Sanditon follows Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), who leaves her countryside home for the tranquil fishing village of Sanditon, hoping to reinvent herself. Upon arrival, she becomes embroiled in scandals involving eccentric residents and wealthy holidaymakers. The synopsis reads: "Set during a period of great social and economic change, the town's ambitious developer, Tom Parker, and his wealthy backer, Lady Denham, want to transform Sanditon into a fashionable resort. Charlotte arrives in the town and quickly finds herself caught up in the complex lives, scandals, and romantic entanglements of the quirky locals and wealthy visitors."
Adaptation and Production
The drama is adapted from Jane Austen's incomplete novel, which she began in 1817 but stopped after eleven and a half chapters, likely due to illness before her death that same year. It was primarily filmed in Bristol, with the fictional coastal town constructed at Bristol's Bottle Yard Studios. Other identifiable locations include John Wesley's New Room and The Georgian House Museum. Several South West locations also feature, such as Dyrham Park in Gloucester, Iford Manor Estate in Bradford-on-Avon, and Brean Beach in Burnham-on-Sea.
Cast and Reception
Alongside Rose Williams, the cast includes Crystal Clarke as Georgiana Lambe, Kris Marshall as Tom Parker, Kate Ashfield as Mary Parker, Leo Suter as James Stringer, and Theo James as Sidney Parker. Since airing, Sanditon has garnered widespread acclaim. One viewer commented: "Gorgeous show! Sanditon was fabulous. It had a beautiful (and very Austen-like) romance, funny (also very Austen-like) characters, lovely scenery, interesting storylines for all characters and the drama we all know and love from the mind of Andrew Davies." Another wrote: "Brilliant adaptation. This could be my favourite Austen adaptation, and I thought that nothing could top the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice." A third remarked: "10/10. One of the best shows I've ever seen." A fourth noted: "Best period drama ever. I watched all 8 episodes of Sanditon, and it had me captivated every single week."
Where to Watch
Sanditon is available to stream on ITVX.
