‘Sanditon’ Is Getting Two More Seasons, and ‘Bridgerton’ Fans Are Freaking Out

May 07, 2021 | 12:21pm

The U.K. show was uncanceled.

‘Sanditon’ Is Getting Two More Seasons, and ‘Bridgerton’ Fans Are Freaking Out

Call it the Bridgerton effect. Sanditon, a PBS Masterpiece series based on Jane Austen's final, unfinished novel, was a beloved romantic period drama that didn't get picked up for a second season by U.K.'s ITV. But that was before everyone became obsessed with Bridgerton, a very similar show. After its premiere in December 2020, there was a huge fan-led movement to revive Sanditon, and it looks like it's happening. News broke on May 6 that the show has been uncanceled and renewed for a second and third season by PBS Masterpiece and BritBox, the streaming service run by ITV.

“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,” said Susanne Simpson, a producer with Masterpiece. “Audiences can expect romance, humor, and plenty of twists and turns in these new seasons of Sanditon.”

ITV’s Polly Hill added, “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 U.K. that will be delighted to see its return and that we were able to find a way to bring it back.”

Sanditon follows Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), a Sussex girl who goes to stay in the up-and-coming seaside town of Sanditon and ends up in a love triangle after befriending the Parker brothers.

Per Deadline, Justin Young, a writer on the first season, will be an executive producer and lead writer going forward. Andrew Davies, who originally developed the series, will stay on as an executive producer and return to write some episodes.

Obviously, fans of Sanditon, many of whom converted after running out of Bridgerton episodes, are thrilled…except for those disappointed Theo James won't return as the hot, brooding Sidney Parker.