Waiting for ‘Sanditon’ season 2? All the cast’s best shows and movies

Sanditon, the new PBS series that is based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, is one of the most wonderful shows on television right now. It’s everything you could want in an 18th-century drama: class, romance, & mystery. Sadly, the series only has eight episodes and we’re begging for more. 

If you are like many, you’re scrambling to find something to fill the void that Sanditon has left. Unfortunately, PBS reported there is no budget for a second season right now, so the future of Sanditon looks a bit bleak. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t hope! In the absence of Sanditon’s second season, our search for more begins. 

A part of what makes Sanditon so irresistible is the stupendous cast. With their incredible performances, the characters walk right out of the pages of Jane Austen’s Sanditon and right into our hearts. Perhaps just seeing their face will provide us with some comfort. Here are some of the best shows & movies that star our favorite Sanditon characters. 

Downton Abbey

If you were enchanted by the character Sidney Parker in Sanditon, you’re not alone. Sidney is played by the dreamy Theo James who also stars in Downton Abbey. Theo plays Mr. Kemal Pamuk, a Turkish diplomat who has his eyes on Mary Crawley, the oldest daughter of Earl of Grantham. 

Set in the early 19th-century, Downton Abbey is about an aristocratic family and their servants on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey. This English drama is filled with romance, class conflicts, and startling scandals. It’s the perfect Sanditon rebound. 

Divergent

Still haven’t had enough of Theo? He’s also one of the main characters in the dystopian action series Divergent. Playing the main love interest, Theo is a hardened initiates’ instructor named Four who pushes his trainees to the limit. 

Based on the young adult book series, the Divergent follows Tris, a girl who decides to switch to a foreign faction and learn how to fight in a looming war. Starring beside the amazing Shailene Woodley, you’ll fall in love with Theo all over again in these action-packed movies. 

Reign

Jane Austen’s lovely heroine, Charlotte Heywood, is played by Rose Williams, an up-and-comer. The star of Sanditon, Rose Williams, also has a signature role in the TV series Reign as French princess Claude de Valois.

Reign is a historical romantic drama that is based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. You can look forward to heaps of political mischief, sexual intrigue, and plenty of ploys for marriage. 

A Quiet Passion

If a love of literature is what attracted you to Sanditon, then you should definitely check out A Quiet Passion. Rose Williams lets her character Charlotte cross genres as she stars in this 2016 film about the beloved American poet Emily Dickenson. 

A Quiet Passion follows Emily’s life from when she is a young schoolgirl all the way to when she’s become a very talented, yet reclusive poet. Rose plays the role of young Vinny Dickenson, Emily’s sister. This biographical film will help fill the void that Sanditon has left. Heck, it might even inspire you to pick up a book! 

Ordeal by Innocence

While you’re at it, put Ordeal by Innocence on your literature list. Based on the Agatha Christie novel, Ordeal by Innocence is a mystery drama thriller that kicks other family dramas aside. 

When a wealthy philanthropist is murdered, her adopted son is arrested for her murder. He, however, claims he is innocent and eventually many in the family doubt he is guilty. Crystal Clarke, who plays our favorite character in Sanditon, Miss Lambe, stars as the daughter in this drama, Tina Argyll. 

Love Actually

If you haven’t seen the classic British rom-com Love Actually, now is your chance. Kris Marshall who plays passionate Sanditon patriarch Tom Parker, has a signature role in Love Actually. Kris plays Colin Frissell, a young swinger bound for America. 

Love Actually follows the lives of eight different couples who are each dealing with different relationship issues. The characters are all loosely tied to each other, but the diversity is what makes Love Actually so refreshing. If you want to see a young Tom Parker saying very goofy things, give this movie a go. 

Upstairs, Downstairs

Anne Reid, the witty Lady Dunham in Sanditon also stars in the 2010 remake of British drama Upstairs, Downstairs. Similar to Downton Abbey this show takes place in a large London townhouse and focuses on the dramatic lives of both the servants (downstairs) and the aristocratic Belamy family (upstairs.) 

Just as snobby as Lady Dunham, Anne Reid’s character, Mrs. Thackeray is full of drive. She values her work and is always concerned about meeting high standards. If you want to see Lady Dunham stripped of her riches, you’ll get a smile out of watching Anne Reid in Upstairs, Downstairs.