Devotees of period drama will be delighted to discover there is additional content available from cherished novelist Jane Austen, beyond the familiar territory of Pride and Prejudice, and it is currently streaming at no cost on ITVX.
A Fresh Adaptation of an Unfinished Masterpiece
Enthusiasts of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and the latest television sensation The Other Bennet Sister will be thrilled to learn that another of Austen's works has received a fresh screen adaptation. Spanning three seasons, Sanditon draws upon the unfinished manuscript Jane Austen left incomplete following her untimely passing. The novel remained unfinished, meaning the original fragmentary text primarily informed only the opening episode, while maintaining fidelity to Austen's distinctive style. Subsequently, the screenwriters allowed the narrative to develop organically, building upon these pre-existing characters and storylines.
Regency Splendour on Screen
Similar to many beloved period dramas, this production unfolds during the Regency period, demanding sophistication and opulence. The splendour and extravagance of the era, though conceived centuries ago, was reimagined by creator Andrew Davies to translate compellingly onto contemporary screens.
One fan of the programme said on Rotten Tomatoes: "Absolutely loved it. So intelligent, sensitive, and well acted. It is sad that there is not TV like this in America. The Brits make series for intelligent people who are not superhero addicted. All three series were binge-worthy and elevating. Rose Williams was perfect in her role."
Meanwhile, another shared: "I loved Sanditon 2 and 3! The casting was outstanding, and the story, though not written by Jane Austen, was expertly written to continue her unfinished last novel in the Austen-like style."
The Story of Charlotte Heywood
Sanditon chronicles the journey of Charlotte Heywood, a young woman attempting to find her footing in the emerging coastal resort of Sanditon. While she is eager to embrace all the town has to offer, the conniving residents appear determined to thwart her at every turn. The programme debuted on ITV in 2019, initially comprising eight episodes, before being renewed for two additional series. Throughout these subsequent series, the ensemble evolves, though certain characters remain pivotal to the narrative, including Rose Williams as Charlotte, Kate Ashfield as Mary Parker, and Crystal Clarke as Georgiana Lambe.
Critical and Fan Acclaim
Audiences have been particularly vocal in celebrating the on-screen rapport between certain performers, notably Rose Williams as Charlotte and Ben Lloyd-Hughes portraying Alexander Colbourne in the second series. One review states: "Masterful storytelling. Exquisite performances by Rose Williams and Ben Lloyd-Hughes establish Charlotte Heywood and Alexander Colbourne as an iconic Austen couple. Bring them back to tell more stories of their life in Sanditon." Another admirer said: "Never in my life have I been so intensely swept away by a series. Sanditon is literally the best thing I have ever watched, and I am not exaggerating. The acting!! The ACTING!! Superb. The storyline is so captivating."
As the series progressed, it garnered an ever-growing fanbase, with the final season of the period drama achieving an impressive 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. After its final season's release, a critic for The Times wrote: "After a tame series one and two, Sanditon may finally have found its soul. And, a flavour that at least faintly tastes of Jane Austen."
The widely discussed series, conceived from the imagination of Jane Austen, is available to stream right now, with every episode of Sanditon free to watch on ITVX.
