17 Unexpected Revelations About 'Bridgerton'

Shortly after its release on Christmas Day 2020, Bridgerton soared to the top of Netflix's charts, becoming its most-watched series. This opulent historical drama, set in Regency-era England, is adapted from Julia Quinn's eight-novel collection. The first season chronicled the plot of The Duke and I, the initial book in the series, where Daphne Bridgerton (portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor) embarks on her journey to secure a suitable match in 1813.

The second season of Bridgerton premiered on March 25, 2022, shifting focus to Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the family's eldest son, as he seeks his ideal viscountess. This season draws from the second book in Quinn's series, The Viscount Who Loved Me, set in 1814.

Although Anthony has always insisted on marrying for duty rather than love, his resolve is tested when he encounters the Sharma sisters, Kate (Simone Ashley) and Edwina (Charithra Chandran). As expected, complications arise, leading to a series of unexpected twists.

Discover some lesser-known facts about the captivating historical romance-drama that has enchanted audiences worldwide.

1. Bridgerton marks the inaugural project under Shonda Rhimes's multi-million-dollar agreement with Netflix.

In 2017, Shonda Rhimes and her production company, Shondaland, secured a lucrative deal with Netflix. Bridgerton became their first venture under this partnership, bringing Rhimes back together with Chris Van Dusen—the creator and showrunner for the first two seasons, who previously worked as a producer on Shondaland hits like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.

2. Bridgerton holds the title of Netflix's most successful series.

Netflix rarely shares viewership data, but the platform was so confident in Bridgerton's success that it projected 63 million households would watch the series within its first month. By January 27, 2021, Deadline reported that Bridgerton had surpassed expectations, reaching 82 million households and becoming Netflix's most-watched original series.

The second season of Bridgerton quickly became a global sensation, amassing 193 million viewing hours worldwide during its debut weekend, as reported by Deadline. This achievement secured its place as the most-watched English-language series on Netflix for its premiere weekend. Additionally, it ranked in the top 10 in 92 out of 93 countries, with Japan being the sole exception.

3. Jonathan Bailey sought guidance from Phoebe Dynevor on leading the season and compiled a notebook of advice to share with future leads.

In a Radio Times interview, the season 2 lead shared how Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton in season 1, offered valuable insights to help him prepare for his role as the show's new focal point. “Phoebe was incredibly supportive, as it’s hard to convey this experience to friends and family who you don’t see for weeks,” Bailey explained.

Dynevor’s initial advice was to prioritize physical preparation: maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get ample rest, as filming days often stretch to 14 or 15 hours. Since each season highlights a different Bridgerton sibling’s romantic journey, Bailey compiled a notebook intended as a guide for future leads. “It’s a Bridgerton handbook for the next sibling taking the lead,” he remarked.

4. Season 2 includes numerous references to Jane Austen and William Shakespeare.

Season 2 is filled with subtle nods to Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, as well as adaptations of their timeless works. Notably, the season employs the enemies-to-lovers theme for Kate and Anthony, reminiscent of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s relationship in Pride and Prejudice. In the first episode, Kate overhears Anthony criticizing the women at the party, mirroring Elizabeth’s eavesdropping on Mr. Darcy. Additionally, fans of the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice will recognize a deliberate reference to Colin Firth’s famous wet shirt scene when Anthony falls into a lake in episode 5.

The close bond between the Sharma sisters echoes the Dashwood sisters’ relationship in Sense and Sensibility, another homage to Austen. Both families are fatherless, with the elder sisters prioritizing their younger sisters’ marital prospects over their own romantic desires. In season 2, episode 7, Kate’s horseback fall and resulting concussion parallel Louisa Musgrove’s accident in Persuasion. However, in Bridgerton, the incident awakens Anthony’s love for Kate, whereas in Persuasion, it prompts Captain Wentworth to reconsider his feelings for Anne Elliot.

Shakespeare enthusiasts will notice similarities between Kate and Edwina’s dynamic and the sibling rivalry in The Taming of the Shrew, where suitors must win over the elder sister, Kate, to court the younger, Bianca. Lady Whistledown aptly describes this as taming “the rather prickly spinster of a beast.”

The Bard’s Much Ado About Nothing also mirrors Bridgerton’s enemies-to-lovers theme, complete with a disrupted wedding akin to Anthony and Edwina’s near-marriage. A scene in Bridgerton closely resembles Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 adaptation, where Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Branagh) confess their love and kiss in a church after a failed wedding, much like Kate and Anthony.

5. Simone Ashley faced a challenging introduction to corset-wearing on her first day of filming.

Ashley shared with Glamour UK that, as one of the leads in season 2, she aimed to stay hydrated and well-nourished before filming her first scene. She consumed a “large serving of salmon,” but the tight corset made her feel unwell. “I learned that wearing a corset means you can’t eat much. It really alters your body,” Ashley explained.

6. Bridgerton prioritizes reducing its environmental impact.

Georgina Musgrove, the show’s sustainability coordinator, implemented eco-friendly practices and strategies to lower the series’ carbon footprint. Additionally, Lisa Heathcote, the head food economist, used artificial food to prevent spoilage during filming. While meal scenes featured real food, lighter ingredients and raw vegetables were chosen so actors could eat during multiple takes.

7. Viewers may recognize many of the grand estates showcased in Bridgerton.

The majority of Bridgerton's first season was shot in Bath, England, where the Royal Crescent—a historic row of 30 Georgian townhouses—takes center stage (it also appeared in 2008's The Duchess, featuring Keira Knightley). Other notable locations include Hatfield House, Wilton House, Castle Howard, and Lancaster House, alongside stunning gardens like Painshill Park in Surrey.

For season 2, several episodes are set at the Bridgertons’ ancestral estate, Aubrey Hall. The production team chose Wrotham Park to depict this countryside manor, which has also been featured in Vanity Fair (2004) and Jane Eyre (2011). This Palladian-style mansion in Hertfordshire is roughly 17 miles from central London. The gardens and orangerie of Aubrey Hall were filmed at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire.

These historic estates have hosted numerous productions: Netflix's The Crown, Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice (2005), and Autumn de Wilde's Emma (2020) all used Wilton House; Hatfield House appeared in Enola Holmes (2020) and Yorgos Lanthimos's The Favourite (2018). Lancaster House, situated near Buckingham Palace, has doubled as the royal residence in both The Crown and Downton Abbey.

8. A crucial scene in season 1 had to be filmed around Queen Elizabeth II's schedule.

Chris Van Dusen shared in a tweet that filming a key scene at Lancaster House was constrained by Queen Elizabeth II's use of the venue. Originally built as a private home for Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (son of King George III), Lancaster House now hosts formal events. It has witnessed historic moments, such as an 1848 Chopin recital attended by Queen Victoria.

9. The costume team has designed over 8000 pieces—and the number continues to grow.

Ellen Mirojnick, Bridgerton's lead costume designer, along with her team of nearly 250 artists, crafted the show's extravagant wardrobe. In a Vogue interview, Mirojnick revealed they produced around 7500 pieces for season 1, using approximately 5000. Phoebe Dynevor wore 104 outfits across the eight episodes, and Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, highlighted in a Netflix video that many costume details, like flowers and accessories, were handmade.

For season 2, the costume department maintained its lavish approach. Netflix disclosed that the gown worn by Penelope’s sister, Phillipa Featherington (Harriet Cains), at Queen Charlotte’s Diamond Ball in episode 2 featured over 14,000 crystals in four gold shades.

10. The tiaras featured in the show are sourced from Swarovski's historical collections.

Given Bridgerton's focus on 19th-century high society, extravagant jewelry was a must. Harper's BAZAAR reports that the show’s jewelry was gathered from New York City, Italy, and England, with the tiaras worn by the main cast coming directly from Swarovski's crystal archives.

11. The majority of season 2 was edited in Chris Van Dusen's home basement.

In a BuzzFeed interview about season 2, Van Dusen explained that COVID necessitated virtual editing, meaning much of the show was assembled in his basement rather than a high-end studio, as many might assume.

12. The show features 19th-century-style adaptations of several modern pop songs.

Alongside original compositions by Kris Bowers, the Vitamin String Quartet—renowned for their classical interpretations of popular tracks—was brought in to perform covers of contemporary hits like Ariana Grande’s "thank u, next" and Shawn Mendes’s "In My Blood." Season 2 also included reimagined versions of 1980s and 1990s classics, such as Madonna’s “Material Girl,” Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” and Nirvana’s “Stay Away.”

Additionally, the soundtrack features modern songs like Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own,” and Harry Styles’s “Sign of the Times.” To reflect the Sharma family’s Indian heritage, the show also includes a cover of Lata Mangeshkar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” from the 2001 film of the same name.

13. The design of Bridgerton House was inspired by Althorp, the childhood home of Princess Diana.

Van Dusen shared in a tweet that Althorp, the childhood home of Princess Diana, served as the primary inspiration for the design of the Bridgerton family residence. Despite being considered a commoner by some, Diana grew up in a sophisticated and stately manor in Northamptonshire.

14. Pay attention to the portraits of Bridgerton's cast members.

Have you noticed the portraits adorning the walls of the grand estates in Bridgerton? Upon closer inspection, many of these paintings are modeled after the show’s actors. For instance, when Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) visits Buckingham Palace for tea with Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), the portraits of the Queen and King George III (James Fleet) are based on the actors, not their historical counterparts. Even Bridgerton House features cast-inspired portraits for added realism.

Observant viewers will spot portraits of a young Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) scattered throughout her grand residence in season 2.

15. The third season of Bridgerton is in development, though the central focus remains uncertain.

The first season centered on Daphne’s romantic journey, adapted from the first book, The Duke and I. Season 2 followed the book sequence by exploring Anthony’s love story, based on The Viscount Who Loved Me. Fans naturally assumed the third season would focus on Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie, as his story, An Offer from a Gentleman, is next in the series. However, Rhimes hinted in an Entertainment Tonight interview that the show might deviate from the book order. “We’re not strictly following the sequence, but each sibling’s story will be told.”

This revelation has sparked speculation that season 3 will center on Colin’s romance with Penelope, drawing from the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. While Rhimes remained tight-lipped about the season 3 lead, Simone Ashley hinted at some details. In an E! interview, she expressed excitement for fans to see Nicola [Coughlan] and Luke [Newton] shine. Van Dusen also shared his enthusiasm for bringing Romancing Mister Bridgerton to the screen. Additionally, Coughlan revealed in a WWD interview that filming for season 3 would begin this summer, offering hope that fans won’t have to wait long for updates.

16. Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey are here to stay.

While Daphne and Simon achieved their happy ending in season 1, it was revealed on April 2, 2021, that Regé-Jean Page—the show’s breakout star—would not return for season 2. Initially, Page told Variety that the role was designed as a short-term commitment, which added to its appeal: "It felt like a limited series. I got to contribute my part, and then the Bridgerton family moves forward." Though rumors suggest creative differences may have influenced his decision, these claims remain unconfirmed.

Following this exit, fans expressed concerns that Ashley and Chandran might also leave. However, Ashley has assured fans that she and Bailey will return for season 3. “Kate and Anthony’s journey is just beginning,” she exclusively told Deadline.

While Edwina’s future remains uncertain, Queen Charlotte hinted at pairing her with her nephew, Prince Friedrich (Freddie Stroma), leaving her storyline open for season 2’s diamond.

17. Netflix has commissioned a spin-off centered on a young Queen Charlotte.

On May 14, 2021, Deadline reported that Netflix had renewed Bridgerton for seasons 3 and 4 and approved a Queen Charlotte spin-off, written and produced by Rhimes. The series will include younger versions of Lady Danbury, Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), and Brimsley (Hugh Sachs).

On March 30, 2022, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that India Amarteifio will portray the young Queen Charlotte, with Corey Mylchreest as young King George III. Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark from Game of Thrones) will play a dowager princess, and Arsema Thomas will star as young Lady Danbury. Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, and Hugh Sachs will reprise their roles in the spin-off.