Fans are hailing the ITVX period drama 'Sanditon' as the 'best Jane Austen adaptation', with many claiming it surpasses the beloved 1995 version of 'Pride and Prejudice'. The series, adapted from Austen's final unfinished novel, has captivated audiences with its 'profoundly juicy' storyline and 'splendid' production.
A Masterpiece from Andrew Davies
The series comes from the pen of Andrew Davies, the same writer who adapted Austen's 1813 'Pride and Prejudice' novel for television in 1995, and who also crafted acclaimed adaptations including 'Middlemarch' and 'Bleak House'. Davies used Austen's established characters to bring the narrative to its conclusion, as the original manuscript contained only 24,000 words before Austen's death in 1817.
Plot and Premiere
'Sanditon' follows Charlotte Heywood, a spirited and impulsive woman who moves from her rural home to Sanditon, a fishing village attempting to reinvent itself as a seaside resort. The series made its UK debut in August 2019 across eight episodes on ITV. Despite being axed by ITV in December 2019, persistent fan campaigns and backing from PBS through its 'Masterpiece' anthology alongside BritBox led to the commissioning of a second and third series.
Cast and Filming Locations
The series features Rose Williams, Theo James, Kate Ashfield, Crystal Clarke, Turlough Convery, Jack Fox, Kris Marshall, Anne Reid, Lily Sacofsky, and Charlotte Spencer. Much of the filming took place across Somerset, with coastal locations including Clevedon, Weston-super-Mare, and Brean featuring prominently, while Dyrham Park near Bath doubled as Sanditon House.
Critical and Fan Acclaim
Viewers have been left utterly enraptured by the production. One critic wrote: 'An intoxicating pleasure bomb that will have you swooning and screaming at your TV screen.' Another reviewer commented: 'Based on Jane Austen's final unfinished novel of the same name, Sanditon has all the author's requisite traits: a plucky heroine, a bevy of handsome suitors, and plenty of Regency-era drama.'
One critic said: 'A profoundly juicy watch that will both enrapture and enrage its audience - and I loved every second of it.' Another reviewer suggested Jane Austen herself would have approved: 'Sanditon is sexy escapism for winter, tart and political, gorgeous and honest. Austen would have loved it.'
One fan declared: '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. The storyline is so captivating. I'm only sad that we won't get another season.'
Another audience member praised the series: 'This show is a beautiful story with vivid characters that are so relatable. Jane Austen's final, unfinished work was brought to life beautifully by all involved. The world needs more of this show! There is so little good content in the world now, so to have a show that is wholesome and that leaves the audience wanting more is so rare!'
One viewer's assessment states: 'Love the show! It is the perfect blend of romance, witty conversations, beautiful scenery and a little bit of drama. If you love period dramas with Austen spirit and romance definitely must watch!'
An IMDB user review reads: 'This could be my favourite Austen adaptation and I thought that nothing could top the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice.' Another enthusiastic IMDB user review states: 'Superb, splendid, sumptuous! It's been a while that I have been so invested in a series! Sanditon is such a fresh and vibrant production. It has wonderful acting, stunning sets, beautiful photography, Austen's wit and romance, but made for a modern audience.'
One fan simply declared: 'Wonderful adaptation. This series was as good as the series Pride and Prejudice.'
'Sanditon' is available to stream for free on ITVX.
