Everything You Need to Know About 'Sanditon', the Show 'Bridgerton' Fans Can’t Stop Talking About

Bridgerton became the talk of the town when Netflix dropped season one on Christmas Day in 2020. The only dilemma was that we binge-watched our way through the eight episodes of the steamy series a little too quickly.

So, what is there to watch as we patiently wait for season two to drop? While we’ve previously recommended 10 shows that rival the steamy hit series you need to watch ASAP, we (more accurately, Bridgerton fans) would like to put forward another suggestion: Sanditon. 

It’s become evident on Twitter that if you liked, or even loved, the Shondaland-produced series, Sanditon will be right up your alley.  

To explain just how good the series is, some Bridgerton-fans have even confessed that Sanditon tops Netflix’s regency drama. Scandalous! 

— 🇮🇪🇬🇧 Lauren Corbett (@laurencorbett_x) December 28, 2020 

What is Sanditon about?

Sanditon is a British historical drama series adapted by creator and writer Andrew Davies, from an unfinished manuscript by Jane Austen (yes, the author behind Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility). Austen never completed the novel, having only written 11 chapters before her death. Much of these chapters Austen wrote are used in the Sanditon’s first episode, leaving most of the story’s plot up to Davies’ creative discretion.

The Austen-adaptation is set during the Regency era and follows young and naive heroine Charlotte Heywood (played by Rose Williams) as she relocates from Sussex to the fishing-village-turned-seaside-resort of Sanditon. It isn’t long until Charlotte discovers this resort is flooded with scheming and ambitious locals who possess a wealth of secrets. Cue the drama.

As for the romance, Charlotte ends up catching the eye of the Parker brothers and a love-triangle forms. The series predominantly focuses on Charlotte’s relationship with Sidney Parker (played by Theo James) who is arguably equally as dreamy as Bridgerton’s Duke of Hastings. 

I’m rewatching Sanditon for the millionth time and I am so in love with this man. I feel like a teenager again, my heart cannot take it!🥵#Sanditon #SaveSanditon #SanditonPBS #SanditonSisterhood pic.twitter.com/9UlBEEmN81

— Fräuline Hammer (@FraulineHammer) February 21, 2021

How many episodes are there in Sanditon?

Season one of Sanditon consists of eight episodes. The series first aired on ITV in the UK in August 2019, and then premiered in the US on PBS in January 2020. 

Will there be a season two of Sanditon?

Unfortunately, the British historical series was canceled by ITV ahead of season two, which left fans outraged. The show had a small cult following when it initially aired in the UK, which then exploded when it reached international audiences.

“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. 

While the show has seemed dormant since then, after witnessing the global success of Bridgerton combined with the help of #SaveSanditon trending on Twitter, there has been speculation of a season two in the works.

The good news is that Amazon is searching for a show to rival Netflix's Bridgerton, and Amazon Prime Video UK recently asked fans to retweet to show Amazon Executives that there is a demand for season two. Although nothing is confirmed just yet, our fingers are firmly crossed. 

"I hope you weren't too embarrassed..."
"Why should I be embarrassed? I was fully clothed." 🤣
..."Hardly fair of you to ambush me like that."
"Well then."
" Well then."

They are just too much.
#WelcomeSidlotte #SaveSanditon #Sanditon pic.twitter.com/g6AtYz1q0s

— Christine (@Christi71209875) February 21, 2021

Where can I watch Sanditon online?

The eight-part series can be viewed on Binge for those based in Australia.

For those located in the US, season one of Sanditon can be streamed on Amazon.

As for the UK, the hit series is available on Amazon UK.

Why not take a break from the TV and read a book instead? Here are six novels you need to read before they're turned into movies and TV shows in 2021.