**Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Season 2 of “Bridgerton”!**
Dearest Readers, have you missed the kind of gossip and scandal only a social season of the ton can provide? Take heart, for the twenty-fifth of March marked “Bridgerton’s” long-awaited return. It would seem that patience is indeed a virtue.
“Bridgerton” was a clear breakout hit in 2020, quickly becoming Netflix’s largest television debut to date. Viewers couldn’t seem to get enough of the show’s Regency era allure and captivating melodrama, securing “Bridgerton” a second, third, and fourth season renewal.
The show only continues to break records, as its second season was Netflix’s most successful opening weekend yet for an English-language television show and racked up an incredible 193 million hours of viewership.
Based on the historical romance novels by Julia Quinn, the Netflix powerhouse follows the affluent and close-knit Bridgerton family as they attempt to navigate and find love during the social season of Regency-era London. However, sordid drama is constantly brimming beneath the facade of glittering gowns and balls, and Lady Whistledown, an anonymous social pamphlet writer, is intent on publishing only the greatest of scandals among London’s elite.
Season 1’s finale tied up several loose ends, most notably showing the birth of Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon’s (Regé-Jean Page) son, setting up Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) to find his Viscountess, and revealing wallflower Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews).
It’s safe to say that fans couldn’t wait to see what was next for the Bridgerton family, and Season 2 certainly did not disappoint.
Season 2 loosely follows the second book in the Bridgerton series, “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” and focuses on the eldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony, as he wishes to leave his days as a “rake” behind and find a wife. Meanwhile, Penelope’s secret identity as Lady Whistledown becomes increasingly riskier, the Featherington family reckons with the aftermath of Lord Featherington’s (Ben Miller) death, and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) steps out as a hesitant participant in the social season.
Season 2 also introduces some new faces to the ton, including Simone Ashley as the strong-willed Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran as her younger sister, Edwina Sharma. Both sisters soon find themselves embroiled in Anthony’s search for a “suitable” Viscountess when he sets his sights on Edwina after she is named the “diamond of the season,” despite an inexplicable connection with Kate.
“Bridgerton” Season 2 might be the most mesmerizing television you’ll watch this year. It is a true visual spectacle, with lavish sets, dazzling costuming, and a stunning instrumental soundtrack. However, it is this season’s storytelling that truly elevates it even above its preceding season. Anthony and Kate’s romance is this season’s beating heart and anchors much of the story’s drama and most memorable moments.
As Daphne and the Duke’s romance in Season 1 was developed more expeditiously, many were quick to note Season 2’s tameness when compared to the first season’s raunchier moments. However, Season 2 can be readily appreciated for its differences. The smaller moments that develop Anthony and Kate’s relationship are very reminiscent of past beloved Regency period pieces, like that of “Pride and Prejudice” (1995) and “Sense and Sensibility” (1995). Their romance is a true slow burn, growing from “Taming of the Shrew”-esque bickering to pining stares and truly romantic moments.
As such, their development is a true testament to storytelling through the female gaze, emphasizing these smaller moments of emotion and interaction while still presenting them both as true equals. With such palpable chemistry between Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley, it’s no wonder why both actors were such season standouts. Whether they were bickering over a pall mall mallet or declaring their love under a fireworks show, Anthony and Kate were a consistent delight to watch on-screen.
Amidst Season 2’s primary conflict of the pseudo-love triangle between Anthony and the Sharma sisters, “Bridgerton” only continues to amp up its stakes and intrigue. While revealing Lady Whistledown at the end of Season 1 seemed premature, Season 2 more than proves this was a sound storytelling choice. Adding this degree of dramatic irony — where the audience is aware of Penelope’s role as Lady Whistledown — not only adds a more intriguing depth to her character but also allows for higher stakes (Namely, how Penelope’s rash actions as Lady Whistledown seemingly destroy her friendship with Eloise).
In fact, none of Season 2’s subplots felt out of place or underutilized. Rather, they were a welcome reprieve from many of the season’s more dramatic moments. While much of Season 1 focused on life through Daphne’s eyes, Season 2 allowed us to see more of the Bridgertons as a family unit, which was a welcome change. Exploring more of Anthony, Benedict, Eloise, and Violet’s characters not only laid the groundwork for future seasons but also gave us further insight into their history and character motivations.
While most “Bridgerton” fans are already anticipating Season 3 after binging the latest season, not much has been revealed about it just yet. However, the show’s producer, Shonda Rhimes, is not necessarily intending to follow the order of the original book series. With this in mind, Season 3 could potentially focus on the budding relationship between Penelope and Colin (especially given that heartbreaking finale moment!).
Until then, we can rejoice in the recent announcement of a “Bridgerton” spinoff, which is intended to be a Queen Charlotte prequel.
“Bridgerton” Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.