“Bridgerton” is an American historical romance TV series crafted by Chris Van Dusen exclusively for Netflix, marking Shondaland’s inaugural scripted venture for the streaming giant. Drawing inspiration from Julia Quinn’s book series, the show centers on the eponymous fictional family and unfolds within the competitive milieu of Regency era London’s high society during the early 1800s, particularly during the bustling social season, when young aristocrats and gentry are formally introduced into society. The first season made its debut on December 25, 2020, followed by the second season premiering on March 25, 2022. The third season is slated to debut in two parts, with the first scheduled for release on May 16, 2024, and the second following shortly on June 13, 2024. Entertainment Weekly noted that the second season set a record and solidified “Bridgerton” as a prominent franchise.
Renewed for a third and fourth season in April 2021, “Bridgerton” expanded its universe with the release of “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” in May 2023, a spin-off series that delves into the life of Queen Charlotte. Set against the opulent backdrop of the Regency era, the series intricately follows the lives and loves of the eight Bridgerton siblings – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth – as they navigate the complexities of London’s aristocratic circles, encountering both allies and adversaries in their pursuit of romance.
CHARACTERS
Main:
- Adjoa Andoh portrays Lady Danbury, known for her sharp wit and keen insights into London society.
- Julie Andrews lends her voice to Lady Whistledown, the mysterious author behind a notorious society newsletter.
- Lorraine Ashbourne appears as Mrs. Varley, the housekeeper of the Featherington family.
- Jonathan Bailey embodies Anthony, the eldest son of the Bridgerton family and its patriarch.
- Ruby Barker takes on the role of Marina, a cousin from the rural gentry of the Featherington family (season 1; guest appearance in season 2).
- Sabrina Bartlett portrays Siena Rosso, an opera singer and Anthony’s former lover (season 1).
- Harriet Cains appears as Philippa Finch, the middle daughter of the Featherington family.
- Bessie Carter depicts Prudence Featherington, the eldest daughter of the Featherington family.
- Nicola Coughlan plays Penelope Featherington, the youngest daughter of the Featherington family and a close friend of Eloise.
- Phoebe Dynevor embodies Daphne Basset, the Duchess of Hastings and the eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family (seasons 1–2).
- Ruth Gemmell portrays Violet, the Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton and the mother of the Bridgerton children.
- Florence Hunt portrays Hyacinth Bridgerton, the youngest child of the Bridgerton family.
- Claudia Jessie plays Eloise Bridgerton, the second daughter and fifth child of the Bridgerton family.
- Ben Miller takes on the role of Archibald, the patriarch of the Featherington family (season 1).
- Luke Newton appears as Colin Bridgerton, the third son of the Bridgerton family.
- Regé-Jean Page portrays Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings and one of London’s most eligible bachelors (season 1).
- Golda Rosheuvel embodies Queen Charlotte, the Queen of the United Kingdom.
- Ruby Stokes (seasons 1–2) and Hannah Dodd (season 3) portray Francesca Bridgerton, the third daughter of the Bridgerton family.
- Luke Thompson appears as Benedict Bridgerton, the second son of the Bridgerton family and an artist.
- Will Tilston plays Gregory Bridgerton, the youngest son and seventh child of the Bridgerton family.
- Polly Walker portrays Portia, the Dowager Baroness Featherington and the matriarch of the Featherington family.
- Simone Ashley appears as Kathani “Kate”, the Viscountess Bridgerton and a newcomer from India (season 2–present).
- Charithra Chandran plays Edwina Sharma, Kate’s younger half-sister (season 2).
- Shelley Conn portrays Lady Mary Sharma, Kate’s stepmother and Edwina’s mother (season 2).
- Martins Imhangbe appears as Will Mondrich, the owner of a gentleman’s club, retired boxer, and confidant of the Duke of Hastings (season 2; recurring role in season 1).
- Calam Lynch plays Theo Sharpe, an apprentice at Lady Whistledown’s printing shop who befriends Eloise (season 2).
- Rupert Young portrays Jack, the new head of the Featherington family (season 2).
Recurring:
- Molly McGlynn appears as Rose Nolan, Daphne’s loyal maid and confidant (season 1).
- Joanna Bobin plays Lady Cowper, Cressida’s mother.
- Jessica Madsen portrays Cressida Cowper, a gossipmonger and rival debutante of Daphne.
- Jason Barnett appears as Jeffries, the butler of the Basset family (season 1).
- Hugh Sachs portrays Brimsley, the Queen’s secretary known for spreading gossip.
- Geraldine Alexander plays Mrs. Wilson, the housekeeper of the Bridgerton family.
- Kathryn Drysdale appears as Genevieve Delacroix, a renowned modiste and dressmaker in high society.
- Simon Ludders portrays Humboldt, the butler of the Bridgerton family.
- Julian Ovenden appears as Sir Henry Granville, an artist who befriends Benedict (season 1).
- Oli Higginson plays John, a footman in the Bridgerton household often serving Eloise.
Guest:
- Jamie Beamish appears as Nigel, Baron Berbrooke, Daphne’s suitor (season 1).
- Caroline Quentin portrays Lady Berbrooke, Nigel’s mother (season 1).
- Freddie Stroma appears as Prince Frederick of Prussia, the Queen’s grandnephew (season 1).
- Amy Beth Hayes plays Lady Trowbridge, a hedonistic widow of an earl (season 1).
- James Fleet portrays King George III, the King of the United Kingdom.
- Céline Buckens appears as Kitty Langham, a general’s wife (season 1).
- Chris Fulton plays Sir Phillip Crane, Marina’s husband and a baronet.
- Daphne Di Cinto portrays Sarah Basset, the Duchess of Hastings and Simon’s mother (season 1).
- Richard Pepple appears as the Duke of Hastings, Simon’s father (season 1).
- Pippa Haywood portrays Mrs. Colson, the housekeeper at the Hastings’ country estate (season 1).
- Emma Naomi appears as Alice Mondrich, Will Mondrich’s wife.
- Anthony Head plays Lord Sheffield, Lady Mary’s father and Edwina’s grandfather (season 2).
- Shobu Kapoor portrays Lady Sheffield, Lady Mary’s mother and Edwina’s grandmother (season 2).
- Rupert Evans appears as Edmund, the 8th Viscount Bridgerton and the father of the Bridgerton children (season 2).
STORYLINE
In the much-anticipated third installment of “Bridgerton,” audiences are transported back to the lavish setting of Regency-era London, where societal rules and romantic entanglements collide to form a compelling narrative. The Bridgerton family finds themselves faced with fresh challenges and adventures as they navigate the intricate landscape of high society.
As each member of the Bridgerton clan embarks on their individual quest for love and self-discovery, hidden truths come to light, alliances are put to the test, and unforeseen twists emerge. Against the backdrop of extravagant balls and glamorous social gatherings, the Bridgerton siblings become ensnared in a complex tapestry of scandal, intrigue, and desire. From Anthony, the eldest son, wrestling with the weight of his title and the pursuit of a suitable partner, to Hyacinth, the youngest daughter, exploring her own aspirations and longings, every character grapples with the intricate dance between love and society’s expectations. With old flames reigniting and new romances blossoming, the Bridgertons must navigate the delicate balance between tradition and passion, duty and affection, all while contending with the relentless scrutiny of Lady Whistledown’s notorious gossip.
