The Gentlemen star Theo James's "intoxicatingly romantic" period drama that you can stream for free tonight

Jane Austen fans have been treated to an imaginative continuation of the author's unfinished manuscript of the same name in Sanditon, a swooning period drama starring Rose Williams and Theo James that's now available to stream for free.

Originally airing between 2019 and 2023, the three seasons of the show are now available to stream via ITVX.

Developed by Andrew Davies from Austen's eleven chapters of the incomplete novel, the period series follows protagonist Charlotte Heywood (Williams) as she relocates to Sanditon, a bustling seaside town undergoing some dramatic changes.

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Sanditon stars James as Sidney Parker, the younger brother of Tom (Kris Marshall), the enthusiastic but not particularly financially savvy entrepreneur who takes Charlotte under his wing.

Fans of The Gentlemen, however, might want to adjust their expectations, as James only appears in the first season as part of an enemy-to-lovers arc with Charlotte. The protagonist's story then goes in a wildly different direction following a heartbreaking twist in season 2.

After season 1, which has a meagre score of 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, critic ratings have soared, with the two subsequent instalments sitting at 82% and 100%, respectively.

Esquire called Sanditon an "intoxicatingly romantic" and "underrated" period drama, while The Times argued that the show has found its footing with season 3.

"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," the review noted.

On the other hand, Decider was full of praise for the third chapter, writing: "An intoxicating pleasure bomb that will have you swooning and screaming at your TV screen. Let Rose Williams and Ben Lloyd-Hughes's intense eye contact sweep you away!"

The Herald also celebrated Anne Reid as the star whose character, the stern Lady Denham, has "most of the best lines" in a show that's a "sprightly mix of romance, silliness, and class war topped off with wit".

Sanditon seasons 1-3 are streaming on ITVX.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).