The highly anticipated third and final series of the beloved period drama Sanditon is set to captivate audiences once again as it premieres on ITVX on 3rd August, 2023. Produced by Red Planet Pictures, this lavish adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel has enchanted viewers worldwide with its charm, romance, and captivating storylines.
Sanditon has garnered a devoted following since its inception, with fans eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series. In the United States, the third series proved to be a resounding success, ranking as the third most-watched programme of the entire season on Masterpiece, attracting an impressive 4.8 million viewers. The popularity of the show continued to soar, with over 4.1 million streams from March 19 to May 13, 2023, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous series. The global appeal of Sanditon is evident, as it has been sold to more than 190 territories worldwide, including Japan, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Spain, and Israel.
Lead actress Rose Williams, who portrays the beloved heroine Charlotte Heywood, expressed her excitement for the final chapter of Sanditon, stating, “I’m thrilled that our third and final chapter has reached UK shores. I’m excited for audiences to meet the brilliant new characters of season 3 and to see how all Sanditon’s original inhabitants’ adventures conclude. It’s been a true gift to play Charlotte Heywood.”
The concluding series promises to introduce intriguing new characters who will bring their own drama, romance, and scandal to the picturesque coastal town. Among them is Lady Montrose, portrayed by Emma Fielding (Van der Valk), a quintessential Austen mother who arrives in Sanditon with the intention of finding suitable matches for her children, Lydia and Henry. Alice Orr-Ewing (Andor, A Very English Scandal) breathes life into the independent and unconventional Lydia, while Edward Davis (Emma) portrays the charismatic and enigmatic Lord Henry Montrose. James Bolam (New Tricks) takes on the role of Rowleigh Pryce, a wealthy investor who forms an unlikely partnership with Tom Parker (Kris Marshall) to develop the town. Their plans, however, become entangled when Rowleigh encounters the formidable Lady Denham, played by Anne Reid. Liam Garrigan (Cobra, Small Axe) joins the cast as Samuel Colbourne, Alexander’s brother, a charming bachelor who captivates the returning Lady Susan, portrayed by Sophie Winkleman.
In the final series, Charlotte Heywood returns to Sanditon accompanied by her fiancé, but she must confront her unresolved feelings for Alexander Colbourne, played by Ben Lloyd-Hughes. As they find themselves drawn together time and again, they are forced to confront their emotions. Meanwhile, Georgiana, portrayed by Crystal Clarke, discovers a claim on her newfound inheritance and, with the help of Samuel Colbourne, fights to retain what is rightfully hers. Additionally, Edward, portrayed by Jack Fox, seeks to prove his reformation to Lady Denham, but will Augusta Markham’s fortune prove too irresistible?
Weddings, failed engagements, and the pursuit of true love and happiness await the residents of Sanditon in this highly anticipated conclusion.
The show, inspired by Jane Austen’s 11-chapter fragment, was adapted and created by Emmy award-winning screenwriter Andrew Davies and produced by Red Planet Pictures. Justin Young assumed the role of lead writer and executive producer for the second and third series, taking the show in its own direction.
Belinda Campbell, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures, expressed her anticipation for the UK audience to witness the culmination of Charlotte and the other characters’ stories. She described the final series as “packed full of romance, joy, laughter, and love,” and expressed her delight that viewers will be able to experience the entire three seasons on ITVX. Campbell praised the work of the cast and crew, alongside the inspired adaptation by Andrew Davies and Justin Young’s continuation, which has created an “iconic love story for the ages.”
Sanditon, Series 3 is a co-production of Red Planet Pictures, MASTERPIECE, and ITV in association with PBS Distribution. ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, commissioned the third series for ITVX. Lead writer and executive producer Justin Young spearheaded the production, alongside a team of talented writers including Joe Ainsworth, Andrea Gibb, Robin French, Colin Bytheway, and Jo Spain. Rebecca Hedderly (Casualty) served as the series producer, with Ian Hogan (Black Mirror) and Amy Rodriguez (Harlots) as producers. The direction of the series was helmed by Jennie Paddon (Death in Paradise) and Steve Brett (Death in Paradise, Holby City). Executive producers include Belinda Campbell and Tim Key for Red Planet Pictures, as well as Susanne Simpson for MASTERPIECE. BBC Studios is the international distributor of all three series, while PBS Distribution handles distribution in the US and Canada.
All episodes of Series 3, as well as the complete box set of Series 1-3, will be available on ITVX starting from 3rd August 2023.
