After a controversial ITV series and cancellation, Sanditon is coming back for two more seasons, but not to ITV

The 2019 adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished Sanditon was magnificent to watch, superbly made and cast, but like a lot of viewers, we didn’t like the ending. The Austen novels (if you simplify a lot) were self-contained and classic (and superbly written) tales of romance taking the heroes by surprise and ending happily ever after (Bridgerton without the sex). To many fans, the problem was the show seemed to be angling for a second series. Paradoxically, despite that, fans were desperate to see the story come to the ‘proper’ conclusion, but the show was cancelled.

Now, thanks to MASTERPIECE (who distributed the show in the US via PBS), the show has been un-cancelled (and joins a growing throng of titles reinvented over the years). Here’s the official statement:

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

Britbox is also involved in this project and seasons 2 and 3 will air (in the UK) as Britbox Originals, before coming to ITV. We’ll keep you posted as production proceeds, and we look forward very much to a happier ending for Charlotte. You can read the full announcement for more details.