ITV's period drama Sanditon, based on Jane Austen's unfinished novel, has been hailed as a must-watch for Bridgerton fans. The series, which aired from 2019 to 2023, is now streaming on ITVX.
Plot and Setting
Penned by Andrew Davies, Sanditon follows Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she leaves her countryside home for the tranquil fishing village of Sanditon, seeking personal transformation. Upon arrival, she becomes embroiled in turmoil involving eccentric residents and wealthy holidaymakers.
The synopsis states: "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."
Production and Filming Locations
The costume drama draws from Jane Austen's incomplete manuscript, which she began in 1817. After 11.5 chapters, she ceased work due to declining health, dying the same year. Principal photography took place in Bristol, with the fictional coastal settlement built at Bristol's Bottle Yard Studios. Other filming sites include John Wesley's New Room, The Georgian House Museum, Dyrham Park in Gloucester, Iford Manor Estate in Bradford-on-Avon, and Brean Beach in Burnham-on-Sea.
Cast and Acclaim
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. Fans have praised the series as one of the best literary adaptations.
One viewer remarked: "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 stated: "10/10. One of the best shows I've ever seen." A fourth observed: "Best period drama ever. I watched all 8 episodes of Sanditon, and it had me captivated every single week."
Sanditon is available to watch on ITVX.
