Fans of Netflix series seeking their next period drama obsession should discover the Jane Austen inspired series
A ‘gorgeous’ period drama, which numerous fans claim surpasses ‘Bridgerton’, draws inspiration from an incomplete novel.
Whilst enthusiasts are enjoying the most recent season of the Netflix programme, they’re being encouraged to explore an alternative series. Even better, this show can currently be streamed at no cost.
The programme in question is Sanditon, with all episodes accessible through ITVX. It chronicles Charlotte Heywood’s journey as she relocates to the tranquil fishing village of Sanditon seeking a new beginning.
The village itself is striving to transform into a seaside resort destination.
Before long, Charlotte becomes entangled in the secrets and aspirations of the village’s residents. Furthermore, her life appears to shift dramatically when she encounters Sidney, a captivating gentleman with ambitious plans for the village, reports the Mirror.
READ MORE: Netflix’s ‘bonkers’ 10-part series fans can’t stop watching until the endREAD MORE: ‘One of the best films ever’ fans can’t believe is a true story streaming free
The series is actually adapted from what became Jane Austen’s final piece before her death. Yet, whilst the manuscript eventually saw publication in 1925, the novel remained incomplete.
Austen had to cease working on it owing to her deteriorating health.
It was initially released as ‘A Fragment of a Novel’. Numerous authors have since endeavoured to write a continuation or complete the novel, employing Austen’s distinctive style.
This encompasses the television adaptation that originally aired from 2019 to 2023. The series was crafted by Emmy and BAFTA award-winning writer Andrew Davies.
Davies previously created the original House of Cards in 1990, alongside the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice featuring Colin Firth. His credentials also include the screenplay for Bridget Jones’ Diary and numerous acclaimed period dramas including Mr Selfridge and Bleak House.
Sanditon’s ensemble features The Gentlemen star Theo James and Beyond Paradise actor Kris Marshall. The series holds a solid rating on Rotten Tomatoes at 82%, trailing Bridgerton’s 83% score by just a single point, though numerous fans maintain that Sanditon is the superior choice.
This remains an ongoing discussion amongst viewers online, with one fan describing it as a “gorgeous show”. An IMDb reviewer shared their opinion, stating: “Better than Bridgerton. This series is better written, more real and way more credible than Bridgerton. It is what these type of shows should be, a reimagination of the period without going overboard and with enough drama not to be dull.”
Another contributor wrote in a Bridgerton Facebook fan group: “If you haven’t watched Sanditon yet, you need to! ! It’s very similar to Bridgerton and loosely based on the book by Jane Austen. It is unfinished so they finished it here.”
Another viewer shared: “I personally enjoyed Sanditon more than Bridgerton because it felt less modern to me, despite both lacking certain major points of historical accuracy. I was also taken aback by the adult explicit scenes in Bridgerton.
“I enjoyed the romance aspects of each, but was more invested in the romantic obstacles Charlotte faces more so than Daphne’s, but both characters are surprisingly similar in many ways. I think it depends on what aspects of period pieces you enjoy, and the disposition of the characters you prefer. Both are worth the watch.”
An enthusiast remarked: “Love Sanditon! A beautiful series. The romantic leads have off the chart chemistry. The push pull is quintessential Austenesque.”
However, a prevalent opinion amongst viewers is that fans ought to appreciate both programmes almost equally. As one admirer put it: “The answer is to watch both! Bridgerton, season 1 was romantic, sexy and fun. Sanditon, Season 1 absolutely killed me. I think I actually stopped breathing during the last episode. Each show has its charms, but Sanditon was definitely my favourite of the two.”
Sanditon is streaming on ITVX.