PBS confirms sad ‘Sanditon’ Season 4 news
Sanditon fans have received some good news and some bad news…
The good news is that PBS has officially revealed the premiere date for the hit period drama’s third season!
The bad news is that alongside the release date announcement came a disappointing confirmation about the show’s future.
Based on Jane Austen’s unfinished final novel, Sanditon launched in 2019, but disappointing ratings in the UK meant that it was was cancelled after just one season.
Fortunately, a team-up between BritBox, ITV and PBS resulted in an unexpected double renewal for another two seasons.
The second and third seasons were filmed back to back in 2021, so fans could be confident that they wouldn’t be left hanging again after Season 2’s emotional finale earlier this year.
Masterpiece announced yesterday: “Return to Sanditon one last time for the final season, premiering March 19 on MASTERPIECE on PBS.”
Yep, you probably spotted the word “final” in that quote too.
Will there be a fourth season?
Sadly, PBS has now issued a full press release clarifying that the third season will indeed be Sanditon‘s last.
It had long been rumoured that Season 4 was unlikely, and that the plan had always been to wrap the story up at the end of Season 3, but fans were still holding out hope.
Masterpiece boss Susanne Simpson commented: “Sanditon has been an incredibly special series for Masterpiece, and we know it has found its way into the hearts of countless fans.
“While we are sad to say goodbye to the series, we know our audience has a lot to look forward to in this new season.”
Executive producer Belinda Campbell added: “It’s a thrill to be bringing Sanditon back to audiences for one more trip to the seaside.
“This third and final season is full of the heart and joyful spirit that viewers will connect with. Our dedicated fans have been absolutely amazing in their support of the show, and we hope they’ll enjoy the conclusion of Charlotte and Georgiana’s stories.”
While it’s undeniably a shame that there won’t be a fourth season of Sanditon, many fans will feel some relief that Charlotte’s story will at least have a definitive ending.
Rose Williams, who plays Charlotte, has even hinted that it just might be the “Austen ending” we’ve been hoping since Season 1’s divise finale.
In the meantime, you can watch the brand new Season 3 trailer here!
The show’s final episodes are expected to arrive in the UK on BritBox the day after after their US premiere, airing on ITV at a later date.
Sanditon is available on DVD on Amazon.