All Your Burning Sanditon Questions Answered

There’s something truly timeless about a period drama set in the Regency era, what with all the beauty and regality in architecture, fashion, and the fine arts that are representative of this period in history. Throw in a little romance and intrigue to the story and voila! We’re all hooked.

One such drama series is ITV’s Sanditon, whose first seasons aired from August to October in 2019.

Soon after it was announced that the series won’t be returning for another season, so fans began rallying behind Sanditon to secure a much-requested second season.

And it worked, the show was renewed for not one, but at least two more seasons.

So, if you’re looking to get on board the Sanditon train, don’t worry, the charming scenery and captivating storyline will rope you in quickly and you’ll definitely have no problem binging season 1 in one weekend.

To get you up to speed, we’ve also put together a quick read of all the critical questions you may have about Sanditon – on the background, characters, locations, and even what’s in store for the show.

So dig in, and have all your burning Sanditon questions answered!

Is ITV’s Sanditon based on a book? Who wrote it?

Technically, Sanditon was only partly based on a novel written by the English writer Jane Austen. The reason for this was that Sanditon (the novel, that is) was left unfinished!

Why was the Sanditon novel unfinished?

Jane Austen began working on a manuscript originally titled The Brothers in January 1817, though she had already begun experiencing symptoms of illness and deterioration in the year prior. This manuscript was eventually retitled Sanditon as she continued her work.

By March 1817, she became too sick to continue working and unfortunately, Austen’s illness got the better of her and she passed away in July that year before she could complete the novel.

How much of the book Jane Austin wrote? Who finished the book?

Before she got too sick, Austen was able to complete the first eleven chapters of the novel. In the work she had written, Austen was able to set up enough details for the background and setting of Sanditon that many literary continuators (i.e. writers who continue something unfinished or create new work from it) attempted to pick up on the unfinished manuscript for Sanditon.

Which Sanditon version should I read?

Because of the many versions available, there’s really no saying which continuation would be the best one to read.

Each writer, though still attempting to emulate Austen’s writing style to maintain consistency in the novel, contributes something unique to their adaptations as well.

Sanditon filming locations

Where was Sanditon filmed?

For outdoor scenes, many locations across Somerset in South West England were used for filming. On the other hand, the interior scenes were filmed on sets recreated at The Bottle Yard Studios – the largest production space in the western region, and where parts of Poldark were also filmed! – in Bristol.

Where were the Sanditon beach scenes filmed?

Because Somerset has a coastline on its Western side, several towns and their coastlines there were used as locations for the beach scenes in Sanditon. These include Clevedon for the seafront shots and Brean Beach, Sand Point, and Uphill for the beach scenes.

Additionally, swimming shots were filmed at Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare.

Where is the Sanditon House located?

Dyrham Park, a beautiful country house near Bristol, was used as the exterior of the Sanditon House. Part of its park and courtyard were also used in the farther, sweeping shots, while the side doors even doubled as the streets of the fictional Sanditon!

General questions on the ITV series

What is Sanditon about?

A chance encounter through a coach accident has Charlotte Heywood crossing paths with the Parker family and returning with them to Sanditon, a quaint seaside resort, in an attempt to start fresh and seek a new adventure. She soon finds that their town is far from quiet and peaceful, especially when she clashes with the ambitious and wild Sidney Parker. Will her search for adventure end in the discovery of love?

Who’s playing who on Sanditon season 1?

Rose Williams plays Charlotte Heywood, while Theo James plays Sidney Parker – our two main protagonists.

Tom Parker, Sidney’s older brother, is played by Kris Marshall while Arthur, the youngest of the Parker brothers, is played by Turlough Convery.

Other notable cast include Anne Reid as Lady Denham and her nephew Sir Edward (played by Jack Fox) and niece Esther (played by Charlotte Spencer). Additionally, Crystal Clarke plays Georgiana Lambe, an extremely wealthy heiress from the West Indies.

What year is Sanditon set in?

Consistent with the year it was written in, Sanditon takes place in the early 1800s.

Where is Sanditon set? Is Sanditon a real place or is it based on a different town?

Sanditon is a fictional place, though it has its basis in a real place called Worthing in West Sussex, England.

In 1805, Austen stayed in this seaside town as it was being further developed. It is speculated that this is what she based Sanditon’s setting on.

How many episodes of Sanditon are there? And how many seasons?

As mentioned, Sanditon so far has just one season under its belt, of which there are eight episodes.

Season 2 of Sanditon will have 6 episodes bringing the total episode count to fourteen.

And it is yet to be announced how many episodes will there be in Sanditon season 3.

How long are the episodes?

Each episode runs for about 60 minutes, so all you’ll need is a day to finish the entire first season!

What’s the song Charlotte and Sidney dance to in the ballroom scene in season 1 episode 6?

This was a particularly pivotal scene in the series, as well as in the budding relationship between Charlotte and Sidney.

Sanditon’s composer Ruth Barrett discusses it briefly in an interview with PBS, and you can listen to it yourself here!

How to watch Sanditon

How can I watch Sanditon?

Sanditon is available to stream on PBS Passport, the network’s membership platform. You can also purchase individual episodes or the entire first season wherever you buy your subscription videos on demand.

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Where to watch Sanditon:

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Can you stream Sanditon somewhere? Is it on Netflix?

Unfortunately, Sanditon isn’t available on Netflix and isn’t likely to be released on the platform as of yet.

Is it on Amazon Prime?

Yes, you can watch Sanditon on the Masterpiece Channel on Amazon Prime Video.

Can you get Sanditon season 1 on DVD?

Yes, it’s available on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon!

Story-related questions

How old is Charlotte on Sanditon?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly, but Charlotte is assumed to be about 22 years old.

How does Sanditon season 1 end?

Sanditon season 1 finale was a little controversial, and it definitely ruffled some of the fans’ feathers.

Jane Austen is known for giving her heroines their happy endings, but it certainly wasn’t the case for Charlotte. Though she and Sidney were finally able to admit their feelings for each other, in the end, Sidney was forced to propose to his ex Eliza in order for Tom to be able to afford the renovations of Sanditon after the fire.

What happens to Charlotte on Sanditon season 1? Does she marry Sidney?

Well, it certainly doesn’t look that way right now. Charlotte is left heartbroken by Sidney’s decision to marry Eliza, of course.

Don’t be disheartened, though! We’ve still got hopes for a second season to continue the story, and who knows what path that’ll lead us down. There could still be a happy ending for Charlotte and Sidney!

Who does Sidney marry on Sanditon?

There hasn’t been a wedding yet but Sidney is now engaged to Eliza Campion, who we’ll explore a little further in the next part.

Who is Eliza on Sanditon?

Eliza Campion (played by Ruth Kearney) is a former flame of Sidney’s who has recently been widowed.

Her return to Sidney’s leads to old feelings resurfacing, causing a blip in his budding emotions towards Charlotte. In the end, Sidney chooses to propose to Eliza for money despite being in love with Charlotte.

Who is Susan on Sanditon?

Lady Susan is a notable member of high society, particularly in the world of fashion. She and Charlotte met at a party and hit it off very well.

Fun fact: the actress who plays Lady Susan, Sophie Winkleman, is actually a real-life Lady! She’s Lady Frederick Windsor, the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor (the son of Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, Prince Michael of Kent).

Who is Charlotte on Sanditon?

Sanditon’s protagonist is a classic Jane Austen heroine: headstrong and independent, with a burning desire for adventure outside of the life she’s grown up in.

Though practical and down to earth, she’s also got an open mind and heart that allows her to accept the changing times. After tending to the Parker patriarch in her hometown of Willingden, she joins them on their trip back to Sanditon in search of that adventure.

The future of the show

Will Sanditon return for season 2 or has it been canceled?

On May 6th, 2021, news broke that Sanditon was renewed for not only season 2 but also season 3!

After a successful run in the US on PBS’s Masterpiece, PBS teamed up with BritBox (ITV and BBC’s streaming service), to bring back Sanditon for at least two more seasons.

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READ NEXT: The 16 Best TV Shows Like Sanditon

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Why was Sanditon canceled?

Despite the petition proving that Sanditon did indeed have a loyal fan base, it just didn’t garner enough of a viewing audience to justify the network renewing the show.

However, after a fan outcry and a successful US debut, PBS reversed the cancellation in May of 2021. Meaning that Sanditon will return for more seasons!

Who will return for Sanditon season 2?

First and foremost, Rose Williams will be back as the lead heroine Charlotte Heywood.

On top of that Crystal Clarke will be back as Georgiana Lambe, Kris Marshall and Kate Ashfield will return as Tom and Mary Parker, Anne Reid and Jack Fox will also return as Lady Denham and Edward Denham, with Charlotte Spencer reprising her role as Esther Denham now Babbington, Lily Sacofsky returning as Clara Brereton, Turlough Convery returning as Arthur Parker and Kevin Eldon and Adrian Scarborough also returning as Mr. Hankins and Dr. Fuchs, respectively.

Unfortunately, it’s a different story for Charlotte’s love interest Sidney.

In a statement on PBS’s Twitter account actor Theo James, who played Sidney Parker on Sanditon, announced that he won’t be part of the upcoming seasons saying that Sidney’s journey on the show as concluded as the actor wished it to. So sadly, #Sidlotte shippers will have to see Charlotte’s journey continue without Sidney.

What new characters will be introduced in Sanditon season 2?

Season 2 will also introduce a slew of new characters to the Sanditon universe.

Upon her return to the beautiful seaside resort of Sanditon, Charlotte will be joined by her younger sister Alison Heywood, played by Rosie Graham.

Ben Lloyd-Hughes will star as Alexander Colbourne, a mysterious newcomer in town who employs Charlotte as his 17-year-old niece Augusta Markham’s (played by Eloise Webb) governess. And sparks might fly between the two.

But Alexander won’t be the only suitor for Charlotte in season 2. With the Army’s arrival to Sanditon to make it their new base, the self-assured war hero Colonel Francis Lennox (portrayed by Tom Weston-Jones) also settles in town and is ready to fight for Charlotte’s attention.

Whereas Alison’s affections will be engaged with the charming Captain William Carter (played by Maxin Ay).

Speaking of the Army’s presence in Sanditon, Frank Blake will also appear in season 2 as Captain Declan Fraser.

While Alexander Vlahos will play the striking Charles Lockhart, an artist who arrives in town to paint some of the… more fashionable folk of the town.

What will happen on Sanditon season 2?

Although we’re not entirely sure what will happen in Sanditon season 2, we do have the official logline for the new season to tide us over until it premieres.

It reads:

“The new series picks up the action nine months later as Charlotte Heywood returns to the picturesque coastal resort and the town grows in popularity.

Charlotte takes up the role of governess to Augusta Markham, Alexander Colbourne’s ward and niece, who at the age of 17 pushes against authority and soon gives Charlotte a run for her money.

Charlotte’s spirited younger sister, Alison Heywood comes to Sanditon to pursue her own romantic dream, and, joined by The Parkers, the second series promises new romances, friendships and challenges for the residents as the Army makes Sanditon their new base.

The Parkers are back, as Tom Parker strives to rebuild Sanditon. But there are many unforeseen issues awaiting him, while the secrets and lies of the dysfunctional Denhams continue to rock the foundations of the sunny seaside town.

And, in her last summer season before turning 21, Georgiana Lambe, keen to forge her own identity, gets up to mischief in the name of love… but will she run the risk of being lonelier than ever before?”

When does Sanditon season 2 premiere?

Sanditon season 2, consisting of 6 episodes, will premiere on Masterpiece PBS on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 9/8 central.

When does Sanditon season 3 premiere?

After a year-long wait, we finally have a premiere date for the 3rd and final season of Sanditon. So, Sanditon season 3 will premiere on Sunday, March 19th.

And here is the first trailer for the new season: