The drama and romance of the Regency era-set series continues
Last Christmas Day marked the anniversary of Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” a period drama series exploring romance and scandal set in the Regency era. A new take on the genre, the show is filled with lavish clothing and opulent balls that contrast with a “woke,” contemporary sense, making it suitable for today’s viewers. The series became one of the massive hits of 2021 that Collins Dictionary included “Regencycore” in its “2021 Words of the Year.”
Now, dear readers, if you can’t get enough of the drama that comes from the upper echelons of English society (the ton) and the gossips of Lady Whisltedown, you’re in luck as a new season of the show based on Julia Quinn‘s popular romance book series is about to grace our screens.
From the latest match-makings to the new stars coming in the show, here are some of the things you need to know about the second season of “Bridgerton.”
Who is leading the show?
Much like the first season, “Bridgerton” will be led by American television production company Shondaland, and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Chris Van Dusen. Van Dusen also serves as creator and showrunner.
What is it about?
The second season of “Bridgerton” follows Lord Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton sibling and Viscount, as he sets out to find a suitable wife. Driven by his duty to uphold the family name, Anthony’s search for a debutante who meets his impossible standards seems ill-fated until Kate and her younger sister Edwina Sharma arrive from India. When Anthony begins to court Edwina, Kate discovers the true nature of his intentions—a true love match is not high on his priority list—and decides to do everything in her power to stop the union. But in doing so, Kate and Anthony’s verbal sparring matches only bring them closer together, complicating matters on both sides. Across Grosvenor Square, the Featheringtons must welcome the newest heir to their estate while Penelope continues to navigate the ton whilst keeping her deepest secret from the people closest to her.
Who’s coming back who’s not?
Reprising their roles are stars Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Shelley Conn (Mary Sharma), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Basset), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), Jonathan Bailey (Lord Anthony Bridgerton), and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
Unfortunately, while the first season spotlighted the love story of Daphne and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, actor Regé-Jean Page will not be coming back in the second season of the show.
“It's a one-season arc. It's going to have a beginning, middle, end—give us a year,” Simon told about his role. “It felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit, and then the ‘Bridgerton’ family rolls on. I have nothing but excitement for ‘Bridgerton’ continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe. But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”
“I don’t blame him for that,” producer Rhimes said in an interview with Variety, in response to Page’s departure. “I think that he was really smart to leave the perfection as the perfection.”
Anyone new in the cast?
A set of new characters will also be introduced in the show’s second season. The Indian sisters, Kate and Edwina, will be portrayed by actresses Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran, respectively. Calam Lynch will play Theo Sharpe, a painter’s assistant and “an intellectual who fights for the rights for all.” Rupert Young as Jack, a new character who isn’t from the novel series. While Rupert Evans is set to portray the late patriarch of the Bridgerton house, Edmund Bridgerton.
When will it come out?
On Christmas Day, Netflix, together with the “Bridgerton” cast, announced that the show’s season two will premiere on March 25, 2022.
What else do we know?
“Bridgerton” is expanding its universe with a spinoff series being cooked by the show’s creators. The upcoming series will reportedly present the origin story of the flamboyant Queen Charlotte and also promises to feature young Lady Danbury, the mentor of the Duke of Hastings, and Violet Bridgerton, the matriarch of the Bridgerton house.
Here’s your first look at “Bridgerton” season two.