Last Updated on May 9, 2021

Isn’t this the finest news? MASTERPIECE on PBS has announced the renewal of the acclaimed and hugely popular period drama “Sanditon.”

Sanditon, courtesy Red Planet Pictures

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And the news gets better: the renewal is for a second and a third season.



“Sanditon,” the fan favorite period drama based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel and developed by Emmy® and BAFTA-Award winning writer Andrew Davies, has been renewed with the double order following its successful run in the U.S. on MASTERPIECE.

After fans were left hanging in suspense by the first season’s finale and clamoring for more, the British costume drama will continue to follow the high-spirited and independent heroine, Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she returns to the picturesque coastal resort of Sanditon.

Not returning: her love interest Sidney Parker, played by Theo James.

Sanditon, courtesy PBS Masterpiece

PBS announced that “Sanditon” will “continue Charlotte’s journey through life and love,” adding that “while Sidney Parker will not return, rest assured that an abundance of romance and adventure lies ahead for the Sanditon heroine. We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store… “

About his decision not to return to the show, James shared, “Although I relished playing Sidney, for me, I’ve always maintained that his journey concluded as I wanted it to. The broken fairy-tale like ending between Charlotte and Sidney is different, unique and so interesting to me and I wish the cast and crew of “Sanditon” every success with future series.”

Moving forward, Charlotte’s journey is one thread of an intricate tapestry of compelling stories full of intrigue, excitement, and romance. Against the backdrop of beautiful vistas, familiar faces return and new inhabitants are introduced — all of whom will be having adventures as joyous and surprising as the seaside town itself.

Justin Young (Ripper Street), who wrote four episodes of the first season of “Sanditon,” will develop the new seasons and take the role of lead writer and executive producer. Davies, who originally created the series, will also return to write several episodes and executive produce.

Casting will be announced in the future, with filming expected to begin later this year in and around Bristol (UK).

Belinda Campbell, Joint MD of MASTERPIECE partner Red Planet Pictures commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to invite viewers back to Sanditon for not just one but two further visits! Justin Young and Andrew Davies’ sensational scripts are relevant, timely and captivating and we can’t wait to share all the exciting new developments we have in store for our much loved characters. Now, more than ever, I think we could all do with some joy on our TV screens as well as a healthy dose of fresh sea air.”

“We are absolutely delighted to announce a second and third season of “Sanditon,” a show that has inspired such a passionate and devoted fan base,” says MASTERPIECE executive producer Susanne Simpson. “Audiences can expect romance, humor and plenty of twists and turns in these new seasons of Sanditon.”

The series was voted one of the top 15 shows of 2020 in the U.S. by Vogue and premiering to wide critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.

Will Harrison, BritBox UK MD commented: “We couldn’t be happier to be involved in bringing the wonderful “Sanditon” back to screens across the UK, and want to thank the fans for keeping these characters alive while plans came together.”

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill commented: “I’m so glad that the success of “Sanditon” in the U.S. has paved the way for its return, and for ITV to continue on this wonderful journey. We know there are many loyal fans of the show in the UK that will be delighted to see its return and that we were able to find a way to bring it back.”

MASTERPIECE is a GBH production. BritBox UK has boarded the show as a co-producer and will premiere the series as a BritBox Original in the UK. The new seasons of “Sanditon” have been acquired by ITV, which originally launched the first series in 2019, and will air on the channel following the premiere window on BritBox UK.

If you enjoyed this post, wander over to The Period Films List. You’ll especially like the Best Period Dramas: Georgian and Regency Eras list. Also see the Why The Watsons Should be the Next Austen Adaptation, and the Movie Lover’s Guide: Sense and Sensibility.