Alert the Ton! The first season of Bridgerton was a smash hit, and season 2 is expected to make just as big of a splash. Bridgerton season 2 is already underway and focusing on a new Bridgerton family member. The second season was confirmed on Jan. 21, 2021. The news spread like a rumor in the Ton, which would make Lady Whistledown very happy.
The cast and crew of Bridgerton have already started filming the second season, but there have been some unexpected hiccups. HollywoodLife has rounded up all the key information you need to know about Bridgerton season 2. From the cast to the latest on filming, the Bridgerton scoop you want and need is all here. Get ready to see a whole lot more of the very handsome Viscount, a.k.a. Lord Anthony Bridgerton.
Shonda Rhimes, who serves as a producer of the show, tweeted to her nearly 2 million followers on Jan. 21 that “more #Bridgerton magic is coming soon,” along with a video celebrating this momentous occasion. The Netflix show became an instant hit when it launched on Christmas Day in 2020. The streaming service said that the Shondaland series was on par to reach 63 million households within 28 days of its Christmas Day debut, according to Variety.
Bridgerton cast member Luke Newton celebrated the start of season 2’s production with a few behind-the-scenes photos and videos. “The boys are back in town,” Luke captioned his Instagram post that also featured Jonathan Bailey and Luke Thompson. After fans thought this was the first look at season 2, Luke commented on his own post, “These were taken during S1. We are back, but I can’t possibly show you just yet.”
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Bridgerton season 2 was announced on Jan. 21, less than a month after the first season debuted on Christmas Day. Netflix confirmed the second season renewal via social media and revealed Bridgerton season 2 filming would begin in the spring of 2021. There was no word about a potential release date.
Lady Whistledown wrote a long letter to fans about what’s ahead. “Dear Readers, I dare say this may be the most exciting edition of my column yet…” the announcement started out. The full announcement letter reads:
“The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honor to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season. I do hope you have stored a bottle of ratafia for this delightful occasion.
The incomparable cast of Bridgerton will return to production in the Spring of 2021. This author has been reliably informed that Lord Anthony Bridgerton intends to dominate the social season. I will have my pen ready to report on any and all of his romantic activities.
However, gentle reader, before you set the comments section alight with requests for more sordid details, know that I am disinclined to report on the particulars at this time. Patience, after all, is a virtue.”
Bridgerton is set in Regency Era London, but the first season was filmed primarily in the city of Bath in England. The museum No 1 Royal Crescent is used as the exterior of the Featherington home, according to Bath Echo. Other Bridgerton filming locations in Bath included Abbey Green, Bath Street, Holburne Museum, and the Banqueting Room at the Guildhall. Given that season 2 will take place within the same time period, many of the filming locations will likely stay the same.
As Lady Whistledown’s announcement said, the beloved cast will be returning for season 2. Given the season’s focus on Lord Anthony Bridgerton, that means Jonathan Bailey will be returning. He spoke with Entertainment Tonight on Jan. 21 about the highly-anticipated season and preparing to return to the role of the dashing Viscount. Simone Ashley has been cast in the coveted role of Kate in season 2.
Since the main focus of the show is shifting to Anthony Bridgerton, Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen weighed in about whether or not Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor would be back as Simon and Daphne, the couple at the center of season 1. “I hope so,” Chris said on Today With Hoda & Jenna on Jan. 21, according to Deadline. “They are now, of course, the Duke and Duchess of Hastings but in my mind, they will always be Bridgertons and I think they will always be part of the show.”
On April 2, Netflix announced that Regé-Jean would not be returning for season 2. “While all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings,” the announcement said. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family. Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer — more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear.” However, Phoebe will be back.
The first season, which was based on Julia Quinn’s The Duke And I, followed Simon, the Lord of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgerton’s love story. The two married, making them the Duke and Duchess of Hastings. After some slight hiccups, they found happiness together and welcomed a baby boy at the end of the season.
Anthony was caught up in his own love story, albeit a secret one, in season 1. After a back-and-forth with his mistress, Siena, she broke things off for good by refusing to go to Simon and Daphne’s ball with him. Anthony then vowed to find a wife without finding love.
Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling Bridgerton book series. Season 2 will focus on Anthony Bridgerton just as Julia’s book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, does. The second book in her series follows Anthony’s journey. He claims to have sworn off love, but that vow doesn’t hold for long.
Anthony sets out to just marry the “Incomparable” of the 1814 social season, who is none other than Edwina Sheffield. On this quest, Anthony meets Edwina’s half-sister Kate Sheffield. Sparks immediately fly between them, but they’ll do anything but admit that at first. They have the ultimate enemies to lovers romance. The casting of Kate Sheffield has yet to be announced.
Season 2 will also explore more of Edmund Bridgerton, the late patriarch of the family. He’s talked about frequently in the first season, and the second book dives much more into Anthony’s relationship with his father and how he dealt with his father’s death. Edmund died of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. The end of season 1 hinted that a second season would focus on Anthony. A bee can be seen hanging out on the windowsill right after Daphne gives birth. Given his father died from a bee sting, Anthony understandably has an intense fear of bees.
And the story doesn’t stop there. Julia’s Bridgerton series includes 8 novels total focusing on the 8 Bridgerton siblings. The books following The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me are An Offer From a Gentleman, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, To Sir Phillip, With Love, When He Was Wicked, It’s In His Kiss, and On the Way to the Wedding.
The first season of Bridgerton is currently available to stream on Netflix. All 8 episodes are available on the streaming service. The show is not available to watch on any other streaming service or network. The second season will be available to watch on Netflix as well. You have 3 options with your Netflix subscription: $8.99 for Basic, $13.99 for Standard, and $17.99 for Premium.