Our relentless tweeting worked, Sanditon fans. Time to take a chilly seaside stroll in celebration; we’ll bring the bonnets. The Masterpiece PBS period drama, which ended its first season in brutal fashion devoid of a swoon-worthy romance, has been renewed for seasons two and three. (Two and three.) The network confirmed the renewal news on Thursday, adding that Rose Williams will, of course, be returning as our lovestruck heroine Charlotte Heywood. However, no additional cast members have been confirmed, such as Theo James’s dreamy Sidney Parker or Crystal Clarke’s fabulous Georgiana Lambe. “Audiences can expect romance, humor, and plenty of twists and turns in these new seasons of Sanditon,†executive producer Susanne Simpson said in a statement, acknowledging the show’s “passionate and devoted fan base.†Frankly, we’re just happy that this Jane Austen work didn’t go unfinished twice.
Update, May 7: In an exit strategy that’s henceforth going to be known as “the Bridgerton,†Theo James confirmed that he won’t be returning to future Sanditon seasons, effectively putting the end to Sidney and Charlotte’s romance as we know it. “Although I relished playing Sidney, for me, I’ve always maintained that his journey concluded as I wanted it to,†he told IndieWire in a statement eerily similar to Regé-Jean Page’s from a few weeks ago. “The broken fairy-tale-like ending between Charlotte and Sidney is different, unique, and so interesting to me and I wish the cast and crew of Sanditon every success with future series.†His brother’s building just had to catch on fire forcing him marry a rich heiress, didn’t it?!?!