Jane Austen fans can breathe a sigh of relief today, because the long wait for the final season of Sanditon is finally over. Although season 3 already had its American debut on PBS all the way back in March, fans in the UK were left wondering when the final season of the beloved series would make its way across the pond. Although Sanditon started out as a British television series on ITV, it was cancelled after one season. Luckily, campaigns by dedicated fans and interest from PBS Masterpiece gave the series a chance on American TV, where it continued for another two seasons. The third season of Sanditon is finally being released in the UK today, August 17, 2023, on ITVX.
The series is based on unpublished writings by famed 18th–19th century author Jane Austen. Her notable works have been adapted into acclaimed series and films several times, including but not limited to Pride and Prejudice (both the BBC miniseries and the film), Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility. Sanditon was Austen’s final work, and she sadly died before completing the manuscript. Screenwriter and novelist Andrew Davies took on the task of adapting the text to the screen, basing the characters on Austen’s writing while taking their stories in new directions.
The series is set during the Regency era and follows the life of the young and outspoken Charlotte Heywood, who finds herself arriving in a new home in Sanditon, a quiet fishing village on the cusp of becoming a thriving destination town. As the town’s popularity grows, Charlotte experiences glittering parties, dashing suitors, and plenty of town drama. The end of season 2 saw Charlotte accept a proposal from the farmer Ralph Starling (Cai Brigden), after Alexander Colbourne abruptly called an end to their courting and left town. Season 3 is set to start with Georgina’s 21st birthday celebration — where Charlotte and Alexander will meet once more. With any luck, over the course of the season’s six episodes we’ll see these two get their happily ever after.
Season 3 once more stars Rose Williams as the story’s heroine, Charlotte Heywood. She is joined by returning cast members Crystal Clarke, portraying Charlotte’s best friend Georginana Lambe, and Ben Lloyd-Hughes as Charlotte’s complicated love interest Alexander Colbourne.
Sanditon Season 3 is available to watch on ITVX starting August 17, 2023.