‘Sanditon’ revived by PBS & BritBox for two more seasons

British period drama Sanditon has been saved from cancellation, with the show recommissioned for a second and third season by PBS in the US and streaming service BritBox for the UK.

The series was dropped by original UK commissioner ITV1, following its first 8 x 60-minute season, in 2019. The two new seasons will instead make their UK debut on BritBox, the SVOD which is 90% owned by ITV and 10% backed by BBC Studios. A later linear broadcast will then follow on ITV1, which has taken second-run rights.

The show’s revival comes following its success on PBS’ Masterpiece strand in the US and filming is expected to get underway in late 2021.

Red Planet Pictures produces the series, which is written by Andrew Davies and based on acclaimed British author Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel. The new seasons will continue to follow “the high-spirited and independent” heroine, Charlotte Heywood, as she returns to the picturesque coastal resort of Sanditon.

Justin Young, 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.

The other executive producers are Belinda Campbell for Red Planet Pictures, Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece and Chloe Tucker for ITV / BritBox. The series producer is Rebecca Hedderly, while the producer is Ian Hogan and lead director is Charles Sturridge.

“We’re thrilled to be able to invite viewers back to Sanditon for not just one but two further visits!,” said Belinda Campbell, joint-MD of Red Planet Pictures. “Justin Young and Andrew Davies’ sensational scripts are relevant, timely and captivating and we can’t wait to share all the exciting new developments we have in store for our much-loved characters.”

Will Harrison, BritBox UK MD commented: “We couldn’t be happier to be involved in bringing the wonderful Sanditon back to screens across the UK, and want to thank the fans for keeping these characters alive while plans came together.”