Bridgerton season 1 made a late play for the title of the best TV show of 2021 and the series' freshman popularity guaranteed its return for season 2. Given the fact that Bridgerton is based on an eight-book series by Julia Quinn, there is ample story potential for a return, with the second season confirmed to focus on Daphne Bridgerton's rake brother, Anthony, and his romantic adventures.
Part of Shonda Rhimes' production deal with Netflix, but created by Grey's Anatomy and Scandal alumnus Chris Van Dusen, Bridgerton is a surprisingly progressive Georgian/Regency era drama. With a diverse cast - which is addressed in the show through a change to history - and the adoption of modern pop music (albeit covered in the style of the time, mostly), it is a more feminist take on most of the traditions of the genre. Through a combination of wonderful sets, great performances, and storytelling, it is a captivating experience that has proven to be one of Netflix's most talked about series.
That compelling status might be confirmed in one particularly controversial scene that has no doubt grabbed a lot of attention, but in of the show's overall quality, it would be well-deserved. All told, it's no surprise Netflix has officially renewed the romance series for season 2 (and subsequent news has confirmed Bridgerton season 3 and 4!) Here's everything to know about Bridgerton season 2 so far, including release date, who is, and isn't returning in the cast, and more.
Bridgerton Season 2 IS Happening
Though Netflix has a habit of delaying any announcements of second seasons until there's some indication of how the first has performed, Bridgerton has the advantage of being part of the massive deal between Shonda Rhimes and Netflix that could reportedly be the biggest in the streaming platform's history. As such, the second season was confirmed quickly after the end of the hugely popular first season. On January 21, 2021, Netflix reps confirmed the news of season 2, to the joy of Bridgerton fans everywhere.
Bridgerton Season 2 Release Date
Production on Bridgerton season 2 began in London early in 2021, with an expected release date of the Christmas period the same year, but that much has turned out to be empty speculation. Instead of following the trend established by the first season, and dropping Bridgerton season 2 as a flagship festive release, the follow-up season will come in March 2022. Given that the first season filmed from July 2019 and wasn't announced as complete until March 2020, that would have required too heavy a post-production schedule. Specifically, Bridgerton season 2 will release on Netflix on March 25, 2022.
Bridgerton Season 2 Cast
The Bridgerton book series follows much of the same cast of characters, with new additions brought in, and it seems the Netflix series is already following suit. Fans should expect the main cast - the Bridgertons, Featheringtons, Queen Charlotte, and the other families and faces of the ton will return to explore their lives further. In addition, Simone Ashley will play Kate Sharma, Anthony's love interest in season 2; Charithra Chandran has been cast to play Edwina Sharma, Kate's younger sister; Shelley Conn nabbed the role of Kate and Edwina's mother, Lady Mary Sharma. Calam Lynch is set to star as Theo Sharpe, and Rupert Young will play Jack (a character not actually in Quinn's books at all). Perhaps the saddest news of all, however, is that Regé-Jean Page will not reprise his role as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings.
Bridgerton Season 2 Story: How The Books Will Play A Part
Bridgerton season 2 is set to follow Anthony's romantic life, with the story drawing upon the details from the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me. The book reveals how Edmund Bridgerton really died, as well as Anthony's fears in life. Fans should expect season 2 to follow suit. And, though Daphne and Simon's love story will no longer be central to the narrative, Daphne will still be around to aid Anthony as he attempts to find long-lasting love. There are eight Bridgerton books to draw from, so there is a wealth of material for the future of Netflix's show and Shonda Rhimes' creative team has made it very clear that they plan to focus on a different romantic couple in every season. Regé-Jean Page himself confirmed that he was only ever going to be involved for a single season, which was part of the appeal of g on for Bridgerton.
The Duke's absence will be felt by more than just his wife and child, as his close companion Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) who proved herself something of a Ton power player in season 1 will also have to focus on a different dynamic. Andoh told Digital Spy that "there's plenty to keep Lady Danbury busy, Duke or no Duke. There are pies with her fingers in, all over." Seeing her free to tell her own story away from the Duke will be one of the most interesting new parts of the new season.
The decision to reveal Lady Whistledown's identity at the end of season 1 was a bold move, because that doesn't happen until book four of the Bridgerton books, but it's done in such a way that the mystery can presumably continue. And that's good news, because the scandal element of Bridgerton is one of its most compelling narrative choices. There's also a lot set up in the final episode that will likely translate to further story expansion in Netflix's new potentially successful show.
