The Bridgerton-verse is expanding as Netflix and Shondaland have announced plans for an all-new limited series based on the origins of Queen Charlotte — the reimagined and beloved character who captivated 82 Million households around the world in Season 1. While the series will center on the rise and love life of a young Queen Charlotte, it will also tell the stories of young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. Shonda Rhimes will write the series and serve as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica. An official title and more details will be revealed at a later time.
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“Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton. Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled,” said Netflix’s Bela Bajaria.
Additionally, Netflix and Shondaland are proud to welcome Jess Brownell (Bridgerton S1 & S2, Inventing Anna, and Scandal) as Showrunner for Seasons 3 and 4.
“As we continue to expand the world of Bridgerton, we now have the opportunity to devote even more of the Shondaland fold to the Bridgerton-verse,” says CEO of Shondaland, Shonda Rhimes. “We’ve worked with Jess Brownell for over a decade and have long wanted to find the right project to place in her hands. When it came time to pass the baton, I knew this unique voice was vital to the future of the show.” Betsy Beers added, “Chris has been part of the Shondaland team for his entire entertainment career, and Shonda and I are very proud of all he contributed to help create this series for fans around the globe.”
Brownwell added: “It’s been incredibly rewarding working alongside Shonda, Betsy, and Chris Van Dusen on the first two seasons of Bridgerton. And now, as these beloved characters are entrusted to me, I cannot wait to lend my unique vision to the next two seasons. I feel so fortunate to have found a home at Shondaland and to have the support of Shonda and Betsy as I move forward into this new chapter.”
Showrunner Chris Van Dusen who brought Season 1 to life is currently in production on Season 2.
“With Bridgerton, I set out to make the period show I always wanted to see. I never could’ve anticipated how much the rest of the world also wanted to see it. I’m deeply proud of this remarkable cast and incredible crew, and I’m so grateful for the enduring support of Shonda, who I’ve worked alongside for 17 years. Shondaland is where I learned how to make TV, craft incredibly complex characters and how to tell stories. And while it’s been an incredible journey, I have my sights set on a few new stories to tell. To that end, I’ll continue as showrunner — writing and producing season two of Bridgerton — and look forward to seeing Jess continue the magic in seasons three and four. I’d also like to thank Julia Quinn and her passionate fans — for embracing my vision for bringing these beloved books to the screen. See you in Grosvenor Square!” said Van Dusen.
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Bridgerton is a romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all.
The show continues to reimagine the world of Julia Quinn’s high society series of books, this time adapting The Viscount Who Loved Me, which centers around the pursuit of a suitable marriage for Anthony, the eldest Bridgerton sibling. New cast members for Season 2 include Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma, Shelley Conn as Mary Sharma, Calam Lynch as Theo Sharpe, and Rupert Young as Jack. They join Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey, who take up the romantic mantle as Season 2’s leads. Ashley stars as headstrong Kate, who is more than prepared to handle anything that comes her way including Anthony Bridgerton (Bailey).
