Many fans are hopeful that it’s newfound popularity from trickle-down Bridgerton fans will give it a new lease on life. Unfortunately, the series was cancelled by its original British network, ITV.
“We would have loved it to return, but unfortunately we just didn’t get the audience that would make that possible for us, which is heartbreaking for everybody involved in this wonderful adaptation,” a spokesperson said back in 2019. “Sanditon is yet to air in the U.S. and we hope they may find a way of continuing with this series.”
Enthusiastic fans are rallying under the #SaveSanditon hashtag, and Amazon UK did seem like they were assessing its viability last year.
Given the evidence that there could very well be a Sanditon season two on the way, we’re going to say this TV show is a solid contender for your next period pick.
What is the plot of Sanditon?
Set in Sanditon, a fishing village that’s rebranded itself as a seaside resort, the series mainly follows Charlotte Heywood, played by Rose Williams. Fairly swiftly upon her arrival in the town from Sussex, she ends up catching the eye of the Parker brothers. A love-triangle situation of course ensues, and as per usual Twitter is fairly obsessed with one arm of it:
Theo James plays Sidney Parker, the handsome but initially cold younger brother. While his and Charlotte’s relationship is the mainstay of Sandriton, all of the characters have pretty eventful plotlines.
Who stars in Sanditon?
Sanditon, as is the nature of most period TV dramas, follows an ensemble cast. The bulk of the series centres around the lives of the following main characters.
Rose Williams As Charlotte Heywood
Rose Williams, an English actress, has previously displayed her period and historical acting chops in Reign, Medici and A Quiet Passion. As Charlotte, she has a pretty rude awakening when she enters Sanditon society and realises she’s slightly out of her depth—at least at first.
Theo James as Sidney Parker
You might have caught Theo James in a lone episode of Downton Abbey but the role he’s most known for is Tobias in the Divergent film series. Well, perhaps until Sanditon that is. His character Sidney is very much in the vein of the Mr Darcy archetype: initially cold and detached, though of course, his meeting Charlotte begins to change that.
Crystal Clarke as Georgiana Lambe
American actress Crystal Clarke plays Georgiana, the only Black character ever written by Austen. Georgiana Lambe is a wealthy friend of Sidney Parker’s. This isn’t Clarke's first time tackling an iconic author’s work for the screen, having previously played Tina Argyll in an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Ordeal by Innocence.
Kris Marshall as Tom Parker
No, don’t adjust your sets. That is Colin from Love Actually in your period drama. British actor Kris Marshall plays the older Parker brother who is most enthusiastic about reviving Sanditon as a resort. Perhaps to his detriment...
Anne Reid as Lady Denham
BAFTA-winning actress and British TV veteran Anne Reid plays Lady Denham. Lady Denham is the formidable matriarch who lords over Sanditon, very aware that folks are fighting for her affection for their inheritance.
Is Sanditon based on a book or true story?
Like Bridgerton, the Sanditon series is based on literary source material. Sanditon is an unfinished novel by Jane Austen. Only 11 chapters were completed and it’s speculated that Austen had to stop work on the manuscript due to her illness.
Where can I watch Sanditon in Australia?
Sanditon season one is available to stream in Australia on Foxtel Now.
