Axed: Sanditon
UK period drama failed to get audience numbers but producers now look to US for a lifeline.
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UK period drama Sanditon has been axed by ITV.
An ITV spokesperson told Radio Times: “We loved Sanditon and we were very proud to have it on ITV.
“We would have loved it to return, but unfortunately we just didn’t get the audience that would make that possible for us, which is heartbreaking for everybody involved in this wonderful adaptation.
“Sanditon is yet to air in the US and we hope they may find a way of continuing with this series.”
While fans took to social media to vent, producers Red Planet Pictures said: “We’re very proud of Sanditon and look forward to seeing how it’s received on [US channel] Masterpiece in January.
“We will obviously explore all opportunities to keep the world of Sanditon alive.”
Writer Andrew Davies also said, “The American co-producers are very keen to do a second series – we’re still living in hope.”
It aired in Australia on BBC First.
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2 Responses
I found Sanditon enjoyable watching, maybe a 7/10 show at best.
It doesn’t surprise me that its a one season show.
It is a mediocre period drama. I figured it would just be 8 eps anyway. I guess with Austen only writing the exposition for the first ep and no ending, ITV saw an opportunity to drag it out for ever. But I wouldn’t be looking forward to more.
The US network is PBS, and while they love UK dramas for their Masterpiece Theatre slot, they are unlikely to be able to bear the cost alone. They tried with domestic period drama Mercy St and it was a disaster. And ITV will have to make a replacement drama, so why wouldn’t PBS just get the rights to that much cheaper? But its Peak TV and lots of people gamble and lose.