
'Steamy' Jane Austen period drama and it's free to watch on ITV
The period drama is based on Jane Austen's final, but incomplete, written work
Devotees of the enchanting romances like Pride and Prejudice or the exhilarating escapades in Bridgerton are certain to fall for Sanditon, a series adapted from Jane Austen's last and incomplete piece.
Spanning three seasons, Sanditon arises from the unfinished writings of Jane Austen, discovered post her premature passing.
The opening episode remains faithful to Jane Austen's original text, then swiftly branches out as the show creators expand on her beloved characters to craft a narrative that resonates with contemporary viewers.
Applauding the adaptation, a Rotten Tomatoes reviewer enthused: "This show is a beautiful story with vivid characters that are so relatable. Jane Austen's final, unfinished work was brought to life beautifully by all involved.
"And the chemistry between Rose Williams as Charlotte and Ben Lloyd-Hughes as Alexander was off the CHARTS. The entire cast was on point; the music, cinematography, scenery, scripts, etc. - everything was truly remarkable."
The drama unfolds amidst the grandeur and allure of the Regency period and follows protagonist Charlotte Heywood as she delves into the activities of the newly established coastal getaway, Sanditon.
Eager to immerse herself but also intrigued by the local intrigue, Charlotte finds herself entwined with the secrets of those around her, reports the Express.
Series one features Theo James as the dashing hero captivating the heart of the naive Charlotte, culminating in their passionate liaison before his character's exit ahead of the show's second season.
Viewers have been heaping praise on the ensemble cast for their collective performances in Sanditon, particularly highlighting the chemistry between Rose Williams and Ben Lloyd-Hughes as Charlotte and Alexander Colbourne in the second season.
One review succinctly sums up the sentiment: "Masterful storytelling. Exquisite performances by Rose Williams and Ben Lloyd-Hughes establish Charlotte Heywood and Alexander Colbourne as an iconic Austen couple. Bring them back to tell more stories of their life in Sanditon."
Echoing this enthusiasm, another viewer expressed contentment with the first season stating: "Season 1 is fresh and exciting. A unique take on Austen by the master of Austen adaptations, Andrew Davies."
Despite the accolades, some viewers have pointed out the show's imperfections: "That said, it's far from perfect and takes many liberties with the source material, but it's bold, edgy, and sexy as hell (even though most of the characters keep their clothes on)".
The romantic entanglements within the series seem to resonate well with the audience, fitting perfectly into the mould of what makes a captivating period drama.
The third and climaxing season sees Charlotte making a return to a now flourishing Sanditon, right in time for a grand festivity.
But her attempts to join the celebration are marred by a tense reunion with former flame Alexander Colbourne, reawakening old emotions.
With the final instalment boasting a spotless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, one critic from The Times reflected on the growth of the series: "After a tame series one and two, Sanditon may finally have found its soul. And a flavour that at least faintly tastes of Jane Austen.
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