Sanditon (TV series)

Sanditon is a British historical drama television series adapted by Andrew Davies from an unfinished manuscript by Jane Austen and starring Rose Williams, Crystal Clarke, Theo James, and Ben Lloyd-Hughes. Set during the Regency era, the plot follows a young and naive heroine as she navigates the new seaside resort of Sanditon.

Sanditon
GenreHistorical Drama
Based onSanditon
by Jane Austen
Developed byAndrew Davies
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series3
No. of episodes20 (list of episodes)
Production
Running time60 minutes
Production companyRed Planet Pictures
Release
Original networkBritbox
PBS
ITV
Original release25 August 2019 (2019-08-25) –
present

Due to the unfinished nature of the novel (Austen completed only eleven chapters), the original work was used for the majority of the first episode, and then Davies used the developed characters to complete the story.[1] The novel is set in a seaside town during a time of social change. At the time of her death in 1817, Austen had completed 24,000 words of the novel.

The series first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom on 25 August 2019 in eight parts, and in the United States on 12 January 2020 on PBS, which supported the production as part of its Masterpiece anthology. A second and third series were commissioned in May 2021, as part of a collaboration between PBS and BritBox, with ITV acquiring the series for later linear broadcast (i.e., broadcast programming; compare, OTT).[2]

Overview

Series 1

A chance accident brings Charlotte Heywood to Sanditon, a seaside resort on the cusp of dramatic change. Spirited and unconventional, Charlotte is initially keen to experience everything the town has to offer but is then shocked by its scheming and ambitious inhabitants and intrigued by the secrets they share. When Charlotte is tactlessly forthright about the family of enthusiastic entrepreneur Tom Parker, she immediately clashes with his handsome but wild younger brother Sidney. Amidst the rival suitors and unexpected danger, can Charlotte and Sidney see past each other's flaws and find love?

Series 2

Nine months on from Charlotte's dramatic exit from Sanditon, the seaside town is growing in popularity and brimming with lively characters, romance and intrigue. Charlotte soon attracts the attention of two new suitors, while Georgiana Lambe is determined to get up to mischief in the name of love. Tom Parker strives to rebuild Sanditon, while the secrets and lies of the dysfunctional Denhams continue to rock the foundations of Sanditon.

Series 3

An eager fiancé in tow, Charlotte returns to a now thriving Sanditon. It's Georgiana's 21st birthday, and while a lavish party awaits, an awkward reunion between Charlotte and Alexander Colbourne raises old feelings and new questions. And it's not all celebration for Georgiana, who's called on to meet a startling new challenge but finds support from unlikely sources.

Cast

Main

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Recurring cast

Series 1

Series 2

  • Sandy McDade as Miss Beatrice Hankins
  • Flora Mitchell as Leonora “Leo” Colbourne
  • Eloise Webb as Augusta Markham
  • Flo Wilson as Mrs. Wheatley

Guest cast

Episodes

Series overview
SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1825 August 2019 (2019-08-25)13 October 2019 (2019-10-13)
2620 March 2022 (2022-03-20)24 April 2022 (2022-04-24)
3619 March 2023 (2023-03-19)24 April 2023 (2023-04-24)

Series 1 (2019)
No.EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.K viewers
(millions) [3]
1Episode 1Oliver BlackburnAndrew Davies25 August 2019 (2019-08-25)5.37
When a coach accident introduces Charlotte Heywood to the Parker family, she quickly seizes the opportunity to throw herself into the adventure she has craved by returning with them to Sanditon, a seaside resort that Tom Parker is developing. Charlotte, however, soon discovers that the inhabitants of the town behave in curious and unpredictable ways that she could never have imagined.
2Episode 2Oliver BlackburnAndrew Davies1 September 2019 (2019-09-01)4.52
Charlotte and Sidney Parker clash again, only for Charlotte to be left confused by a chance encounter. Tensions surrounding Miss Georgiana Lambe's arrival in Sanditon erupt at Lady Denham's grand pineapple luncheon, and Sir Edward and Esther Denham realise that Clara Brereton poses a significant threat to their ambitions.
3Episode 3Oliver BlackburnAndrew Davies & Justin Young8 September 2019 (2019-09-08)4.14
Charlotte sets out to avoid Sidney, until a serious accident forces them together, and to reappraise each other. When Tom Parker brings a new doctor to the town, he and Lady Denham clash, while Clara makes a bold move in her bid to outplay Edward and Esther.
4Episode 4Lisa ClarkeJustin Young15 September 2019 (2019-09-15)3.83
The arrival of Georgiana's forbidden love causes Charlotte to question her opinion of Sidney. Meanwhile, Clara witnesses a moment between Esther and Edward that raises her suspicions about their relationship, with devastating consequences for Esther.
5Episode 5Lisa ClarkeAndrea Gibb22 September 2019 (2019-09-22)N/A
Tensions between Tom and his labourers erupt during the Sanditon cricket match. Charlotte and Sidney continue to clash, resulting in Georgiana being placed in terrible danger, while Lord Babington offers Esther a glimpse of a better future.
6Episode 6Lisa ClarkeJustin Young29 September 2019 (2019-09-29)3.74
Charlotte and Sidney find themselves at loggerheads, but must work together in an attempt to rescue an abducted Georgiana. Tom tries to save Sanditon and his marriage. As Lady Denham falls gravely ill, Edward and Clara enter into a scandalous arrangement to finally get their hands on her inheritance. Charlotte begins to see Sidney in a new light, and vice versa.
7Episode 7Charles SturridgeJustin Young6 October 2019 (2019-10-06)3.87
As the Sanditon summer regatta approaches, Sidney wrestles with his feelings towards Eliza Campion, his former sweetheart, and Young Stringer reveals his feelings to Charlotte. With Lady Denham at death's door, the tensions between Edward, Clara and Esther finally come to a head - with surprising consequences.
8Episode 8Charles SturridgeAndrew Davies13 October 2019 (2019-10-13)TBC
On the night of the Midsummer Ball, romantic interests are resolved. However, a fire leaves Tom on the verge of bankruptcy. Sidney tells Charlotte that, in order to save the Sanditon project and his brother's fortunes, he plans to marry Eliza Campion in order to acquire her wealth.

Series 2 (2022)

Series (Season) 2 and 3 were commissioned by the U.S. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) for its Masterpiece anthology series. Season 2 premiered on 20 March 2022 in the US and Series 2 was broadcast from 22 July 2022 in the UK.

No.EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1Episode 1Charles SturridgeAndrew Davies and Justin Young20 March 2022 (2022-03-20)N/A
A funeral takes place in Antigua. Charlotte Heywood returns to Sanditon eight months after her original visit. This time she is accompanied by her sister Alison. Sanditon has grown a lot since her last visit, there is excitement when a regiment of soldiers come to town and Georgiana is turning down fortune-hunting suitors daily. Meanwhile, Esther is staying with her aunt to get some sea air when Edward unexpectedly returns.
2Episode 2Charles SturridgeColin Bytheway27 March 2022 (2022-03-27)N/A
Charlotte has decided not to marry and begins a new job as a governess for Mr. Colbourne, a reclusive widower. She struggles to form a relationship with her charges, Colbourne's daughter and niece. Edward is working hard to try to prove he has changed, but Esther and his aunt remain suspicious. Meanwhile, Colonel Lennox throws a dinner party for the town, during which Charles Lockhart, an eccentric artist, tries to gain Georgiana's attention.
3Episode 3Charles SturridgeJanice Okoh3 April 2022 (2022-04-03)N/A
Tom Parker is getting ready for Sanditon's annual fair amidst rumours that the soldiers have not been paying their debts in town. Charlotte continues her job as governess for Mr. Colbourne, working hard to gain the respect of his niece and daughter. Clara's return has Esther and Lady Denham suspicious of her true intentions. Charles Lockhart continues to try to woo Georgiana while Alison Heywood is being pursued by two handsome soldiers, although she favours Captain Carter.
4Episode 4Ethosheia HyltonEllen Talyer10 April 2022 (2022-04-10)N/A
Lady Denham throws her annual garden party for all the villagers of Sanditon, which ends sourly for Colonel Lennox, Mr. Colbourne, and Charlotte. Colonel Lennox behaves badly in his dealings with Tom Parker and tells Charlotte that he had been close to Colbourne's wife but Colbourne had ruined her. Charles Lockhart continues to work on gaining Georgiana's trust and has begun painting her, while Alison is losing trust in Captain Carter. Meanwhile, the relationship between Esther and Clara is growing closer while Edward tries to take advantage of Clara's situation.
5Episode 5Ethosheia HyltonRobin French17 April 2022 (2022-04-17)N/A
The Sanditon ball takes place, and Captain Lennox's dealings with Tom are causing trouble with the villagers. Georgiana and Charles Lockhart have become closer, while Alison is unsure of her feelings. Mr. Colbourne and his girls have shown significant improvement, and Charlotte discovers the truth about his marriage and his wife's relationship with Lennox. Meanwhile, Edward and Clara continue their scheme to make Esther believe she is going mad.
6Episode 6Ethosheia HyltonAndrew Davies24 April 2022 (2022-04-24)N/A
Georgiana and the Parkers learn the true reason Sidney was in Antigua. Alison prepares to go back home disappointed in her search for a husband, but finally realises that Captain Fraser is in love with her. Clara confesses to her role in Edward's schemes against Esther and Lady Denham, and Esther realises her husband's letters have been concealed from her. Charlotte discovers secrets about the Colbourne family.

Series 3 (2023)
No.EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal air date [4]U.S. viewers
(millions)
1Episode 1Jennie PaddonAndrew Davies and Justin Young19 March 2023 (2023-03-19)N/A
Charlotte returns to Sanditon with her fiancé, Ralph Starling, to celebrate Georgiana coming into her inheritance, leading to an awkward reunion with Mr. Colbourne when his family also return to Sanditon. Tom tries to encourage Mr. Pryce, a wealthy and successful businessman, to invest in Sanditon, only to meet opposition from Lady Denham when she realizes a previous connection. Lady Denham continues to force Edward to endure physical and religious regimens to improve his moral conduct in order to remain in her favour. Desperate to hide scandal and restore their family fortunes by coming to Sanditon, Lady Montrose seeks spouses for her children and decides on Mr. Colbourne for her daughter, Lydia, and Georgiana for her son, Henry, the Duke of Buckinghamshire. At Georgiana's party, Charles Lockhart interrupts with devastating news for Georgiana's future.
2Episode 2Jennie PaddonAndrea Gibb26 March 2023 (2023-03-26)N/A
Georgiana is unable to find a lawyer to take her case against Lockhart, until Mr. Colbourne recruits his infamous estranged brother Samuel. However, she is discouraged when Samuel warns her of the attacks on her character and humiliation she will have to endure to win. Though Charlotte claims to be staying in Sanditon to support Georgiana, Lady de Clermonte is concerned that she is staying to avoid marrying Ralph and a life on farm. Harry Montrose tries to help Arthur when his plans to hold a recital for the king featuring celebrated soprano Elizabeth Greenhorn go awry, but Arthur's honesty impresses Miss Greenhorn into performing even with the king's absence. Mr. Pryce reminds Lady Denham of their past to convince her into allowing a grand hotel to be built in Sanditon, but Tom is dismayed their chosen site will displace the homes of local fishermen. Edward decides to pursue Augusta Markham, despite her warning him that she is aware he is more interested in her forthcoming inheritance. Inspired by Miss Greenhorn's performance, Georgiana decides to retain Samuel as her lawyer to fight for her inheritance.
3Episode 3Jennie PaddonJustin Young
Robin French		2 April 2023 (2023-04-02)N/A
Georgiana's former love Otis appears in London to offer her his support regardless of the trial's outcome. Though Georgiana wins, she realizes her social standing has changed and decides she has better protection by continuing her courtship arrangement with Lord Montrose. At Mr. Colbourne's shooting party, Lydia Montrose finds she shares interests with Mr. Colbourne. Edward's attempts to ask permission to court Augusta are rejected by her uncle. Tom agrees to the seaside hotel site when he learns of the potential profit, but infuriates Mary when she learns he chose money over people's homes. Mr. Colbourne confesses his love to Charlotte, but she refuses him because she won't break her promise to marry Ralph.
4Episode 4Steve BrettColin Bytheway9 April 2023 (2023-04-09)N/A
Various relationships begin to flourish while others falter in Sanditon. Tom dismisses Mary's plans to improve Old Town and is upset that she finds support instead from Mr. Colbourne. Arthur and Harry Montrose's budding relationship is set back when Harry and Georgiana are engaged - Harry out of duty as a duke and Georgiana to protect her fortune and reputation with a title. Ralph, misunderstanding Charlotte's misery in Sanditon, tries to persuade her to return to Willingden at once, but they are interrupted when Mr. Colbourne beseeches Charlotte to help him when it's discovered that Augusta has eloped with Edward Denham.
5Episode 5Steve BrettJo Spain16 April 2023 (2023-04-16)N/A
With Charlotte's guidance, Mr. Colbourne tells Augusta he will respect her decision regarding Edward Denham, though Augusta is left brokenhearted when Edward claims he was only interested in her inheritance. Georgiana is finally reunited with her long-lost mother, but tensions among friends and family increase with her impending marriage to Harry Montrose. Mary and Tom continue to fight over the fate of Old Town, until Mary falls ill with a serious fever. Ralph, realising that Charlotte is in love with Mr. Colbourne and only marrying him out of obligation, decides to end their engagement.
6Episode 6Steve BrettJustin Young23 April 2023 (2023-04-23)N/A
In Sanditon, various couples find their own way to be together. Mary recovers from her illness and Tom cancels his partnership with Mr. Pryce in favour of fulfilling Mary's plans for Old Town. Lady Denham decides not to marry Mr. Pryce to keep her independence, but he offers another way to maintain their relationship. Seeing that Edward has shown improvement in his character, Lady Denham offers him a living as a clergyman. Realizing their marriage would be miserable, Georgiana and Harry end their engagement so they can be with the people they love. Charlotte prepares to leave Sanditon believing Mr. Colbourne is engaged, only for him to reveal otherwise and they marry. One year later, Charlotte runs a school in Sanditon with her new family.

Production

Many of the Sanditon scenes were filmed in Somerset, including the seaside towns of Clevedon, Brean and Weston-super-Mare. Dyrham Park near Bath, Somerset was the location for Sanditon House. The bridge at Iford Manor was used in the first episode.[5] Most of the interior filming was on interior and exterior sets built at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol.[6]

Before the first series premiered in the United States, ITV cancelled it in December 2019.[7] With the help of Masterpiece (PBS) and fans of the show, Sanditon was able to fundraise enough money to continue the series. Series two was announced to be released on 20 March 2022, followed by a third series.[8] Three main actors from series one, Theo James, Mark Stanley, and Leo Suter had all moved on to new projects and did not return for series two.[9]

With Theo James’ (Sidney Parker) departure from the series, new cast members were announced, with Rose Williams reprising her role as Charlotte Heywood. Series 2 began filming in July 2021.[10] Season 2 premiered on PBS on March 20, 2022 and Series 2 aired on ITV on 22 July 2022. Season 3 premiered on PBS on March 19, 2023.

Critical reception

Critical reception has been mixed.[11] Some UK media outlets reported that viewers were shocked at the depictions of sex and nudity in the opening episode, considering it to be untrue to the works of Jane Austen.[12] Many viewers critiqued the ending as unusual and very "un-Austen-like". Viewers claimed Austen would have liked a happy ending for all the characters, as she has happy endings in all of her stories; however, this could have been a set up for a second series.[13][14][15] Series 2 has had a generally positive reception.[16]

References
  1. Harrison, Ellie (22 September 2019). "When is Sanditon on TV? Who's in the cast and what's it about?". Radio Times.
  2. "MASTERPIECE and BritBox UK plan a return visit to Sanditon". ITV Press Centre. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  3. "Four-screen dashboard (based on 28-day data)". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  4. "Shows A-Z – Sanditon on PBS". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  5. "PBS - Where was Sanditon Filmed? The Official Locations Guide". www.pbs.org. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  6. Duffy, Nick (13 October 2019). "Where is Sanditon filmed? Filming locations for the Jane Austen adaptation". i.
  7. Sarner, Lauren (11 March 2022). "How steamy Jane Austen show 'Sanditon' got un-cancelled". New York Post.
  8. Schwartz, Ryan (20 October 2021). "Sanditon Season 2 Gets March Premiere Date — First Look Photos". TVLine.
  9. Elliott, Megan (3 October 2021). "'Sanditon': After Theo James' Exit, 2 More Cast Members Confirmed Not to Return for Season 2". Showbiz CheatSheet.
  10. "Sanditon Season 2 Casting News". PBS.
  11. Sanditon at Rotten Tomatoes
  12. McCreesh, Louise (25 August 2019). "Sanditon sex scene shocks Jane Austen fans as ITV adaptation premieres". Digital Spy.
  13. Midgley, Carol (14 October 2019). "Celebrity Hunted review — how to understand Boris: Just watch his father". The Times.
  14. Powell, Emma (14 October 2019). "Andrew Davies gave Austen a touch of reality with ITV's Sanditon – and I'm much vexed". Radio Times.
  15. Elliott, Megan (19 January 2020). "Fans Are Already Begging PBS for 'Sanditon' Season 2, But They May Be Disappointed". Showbiz CheatSheet.
  16. "Sanditon - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
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