| Bridgerton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Chris Van Dusen |
| Based on | Bridgerton byJulia Quinn |
| Showrunners |
|
| Starring | See full list below |
| Composer | Kris Bowers |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 28(list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Editor | Jim Flynn |
| Running time | 52–72 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) – present |
| Related | |
| Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | |
Bridgerton is an Americanalternative historyregency romance television series created byChris Van Dusen forNetflix. Based on thebook series of the same name byJulia Quinn, it isShondaland's first scripted show for Netflix. It follows the close-knit siblings of the noble and influential Bridgerton family as they navigate the highly competitivesocial season, where young marriageablenobility andgentry areintroduced into society. The series is set during the early 19th century in an alternative LondonRegency era, in whichGeorge III established racial equality and grantedaristocratic titles to people of color due to the African heritage of his wife,Queen Charlotte.
The first season debuted on December 25, 2020. Thesecond season premiered on March 25, 2022. The third season was released in two parts, which premiered on May 16 and June 13, 2024, respectively. The fourth season will be again released in two parts, premiering on January 29 and February 26, 2026, respectively. The series has been renewed for a fifth season.Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, a spin-off series focused on Queen Charlotte, was released in May 2023.
Bridgerton has been positively received for its direction, actors' performances, production and set design, winning fivePrimetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, aMake-Up Artists And Hair Stylists Guild Awards, and nominations at thePrimetime Emmy Awards,Screen Actors Guild Awards,Satellite Awards andNAACP Image Awards. The music score byKris Bowers earned aGrammy Award nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.
Set against the backdrop of theRegency era, the eight close-knit siblings of thenoble and powerful Bridgerton family – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth – navigateLondon high society in search of love, surrounded by friends and rivals alike.
| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | ||
| 2 | 8 | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) | ||
| 3 | 8 | 4 | May 16, 2024 (2024-05-16) | |
| 4 | June 13, 2024 (2024-06-13) | |||
| 4[5] | 8 | 4 | January 29, 2026 (2026-01-29) | |
| 4 | February 26, 2026 (2026-02-26) | |||
The first season is based onThe Duke and I.[6]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Teleplay by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Diamond of the First Water" | Julie Anne Robinson | Chris Van Dusen | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
The 1813 season begins, and a scandal sheet written by the mysterious "Lady Whistledown" starts circulating London. Daphne Bridgerton makes her debut into society along with the three Featherington sisters, including Penelope; Daphne is given high praise by Queen Charlotte. Daphne's older brother, Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, drives away many potential suitors except the detestable Lord Berbrooke, and her popularity threatens to be eclipsed by Marina Thompson, Penelope's cousin. Meanwhile, Simon Basset, the new Duke of Hastings and an old friend of Anthony's, returns to London upon his father's death. His old acquaintance Lady Danbury coaxes him into joining the season, where he encounters both Anthony and Daphne. After breaking up with his mistress, Siena Rosso, Anthony promises a horrified Daphne to Berbrooke. Lady Featherington confronts Marina, having deduced that she is pregnant. Later on, after following her from an event, Berbrooke accosts Daphne, and she punches him in self-defense. Having arrived moments before, Simon suggests to her that they pretend to court to enhance her prospects and free him from any of his own. Daphne agrees, and the new couple instantly draws attention from the ton. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Shock and Delight" | Tom Verica | Janet Lin | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
Flashbacks reveal Simon's tragic childhood. After his mother died in childbirth, Simon's cruel father rejected him upon discovering his stammer. Lady Danbury came to his aid, supervising his education and helping him to overcome his speech issues. Despite this, Simon's father showed him no love at all and only ever saw him as the heir to his legacy. As revenge for his father's negligence, Simon vows to him at his deathbed that he will never sire an heir. Penelope shares her confusion with Eloise Bridgerton as to how a child is conceived; Marina is confined to her room by Lady Featherington but shares with Penelope that her pregnancy came from a man named Sir George Crane, a soldier. Simon and Daphne's ruse works perfectly, but Anthony is upset by Simon's supposed pursuit of his sister. When Simon tells Anthony what Lord Berbrooke tried to do to Daphne, Anthony breaks his agreement with Lord Berbrooke. However, Berbrooke acquires a special marriage license and threatens to ruin Daphne's name. Lady Bridgerton intervenes and is able to influence Lady Whistledown to reveal a scandal that forces Berbrooke to leave London. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Art of the Swoon" | Tom Verica | Leila Cohan-Miccio | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
Daphne turns down multiple proposals as she grows closer to Simon. Lady Featherington tries to find a match for Marina, but she insists on waiting for word from George. Determined to prove that she is still the true ruler of London society, the Queen schemes to match Daphne with her nephew, Prince Friedrich of Prussia. Lady Danbury tells Simon that he needs to propose to Daphne or step aside, and Simon reluctantly calls off the fake courtship. Benedict Bridgerton suspects Eloise of being Lady Whistledown, but instead learns they are both dissatisfied with their prospects. Anthony tries to reconcile with Siena, but she turns him down. Marina receives a letter from George stating his refusal to take responsibility for her child, but the letter was forged by Lady Featherington. Lady Bridgerton pushes Anthony to think about a match for himself. Simon decides to leave London early as a heartbroken Daphne embraces Prince Friedrich's attentions. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "An Affair of Honor" | Sheree Folkson | Abby McDonald | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
Prince Friedrich gifts Daphne a necklace to show his interest. Marina is presented to older suitors in want of heirs to marry her off quickly. Eloise tries to uncover Lady Whistledown's identity. Marina is saved from an elderly suitor by Colin Bridgerton, one of her many early admirers. Anthony tells Daphne that Friedrich asked for his consent to propose. During a ball, an undecided Daphne flees to the garden, where Simon approaches her to say goodbye and apologize. Upset, Daphne runs into a hedge maze; Simon follows, and the two share a passionate kiss, but are discovered by Anthony. Anthony furiously demands that they marry; when Simon refuses, he challenges him to a duel at dawn. Penelope is crushed by Colin's interest in Marina, having secretly loved him for years. Anthony plans to use the duel to free himself from society and be with Siena. Lady Featherington discovers her husband's gambling debts, and deduces that their daughters will be deprived of dowries and they will be forced to continue accommodating Marina. Daphne realizes that Cressida Cowper, her rival for Prince Friedrich's affections, witnessed what happened in the garden and races to stop the duel. Simon claims that he cannot marry her because he cannot provide her with children. Weighing her options, Daphne firmly declares they will marry anyway. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Duke and I" | Sheree Folkson | Joy C Mitchell | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
Daphne and Simon petition for a special marriage license, but are refused due to the Queen's ire at Daphne rejecting her nephew. As money issues plague the Featherington home, Penelope grows more jealous of Colin's interest in Marina and wary of Marina's motives. Benedict is invited to a party by the artist Sir Henry Granville. Lady Featherington orders Marina to stop pursuing Colin, but Marina assures her she has a plan. Simon and Daphne appeal to the Queen for an early wedding; with King George growing more incapacitated, the Queen is moved by Simon's impassioned plea. Simon and Daphne are married. Following an unsuccessful attempt to seduce him, Marina receives a proposal from Colin at the wedding reception, but is dismayed to learn he wishes for a long engagement. The Queen takes interest in Eloise's investigation into Lady Whistledown's identity. Lady Bridgerton's attempts to explain a wedding night leave Daphne with more questions than answers. On their way to Simon's family home, he and Daphne spend the night at an inn. Daphne finally confronts Simon over his indifference towards her, spurring him to confess that his declaration of love was genuine, and Daphne confesses she feels the same; despite Daphne's lack of awareness, the pair consummate their marriage. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Swish" | Julie Anne Robinson | Sarah Dollard | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
Simon and Daphne arrive at Clyvedon and enjoy their honeymoon. Daphne has difficulty building a relationship with Clyvedon's housekeeper Mrs. Colson and the local villagers. Colin announces his engagement to Marina, to the dismay of his family and Penelope. Penelope tells Colin that Marina is in love with another man, but he is unbothered and suggests to Marina that they should marry sooner by traveling to Scotland. Daphne learns from Mrs. Colson about Simon's upbringing. Penelope deduces that George's letter was faked, but Marina chooses to marry Colin anyway. Marina realizes Penelope loves him, and bluntly condemns Penelope's feelings, reducing Penelope to tears. With the help of her lady's maid, Daphne figures out that Simon could have children if he chose to, but is deliberately withdrawing early to avoid impregnating her. Later, while having sex with Simon, she holds him down so he cannot withdraw, and confronts him afterward, accusing him of lying to her about being infertile. Just as Colin and Marina prepare to elope, Lady Whistledown publishes Marina's pregnancy, exposing her. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Oceans Apart" | Alrick Riley | Jay Ross & Abby McDonald | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
Amid their marital dispute, Daphne decides to return to London to assist in undoing the scandal surrounding Colin. Simon willingly joins her, but now wishes to live separately from Daphne if she is not with child. Eloise continues to investigate Lady Whistledown, now desiring to restore the Featherington name. Colin is devastated to learn Marina was using him to secure a future for her baby; Daphne, feeling sympathetic, offers to help Marina find George. The Queen grows irritable at Eloise's failure to uncover Lady Whistledown and later throws the Featheringtons out of her luncheon. Daphne enlists the help of a general's wife to locate Sir George. Lord Featherington approaches boxer Will Mondrich to convince him to throw his next fight; Will considers it, as the money Lord Featherington has offered could ensure his family's security. Daphne learns Simon swore to his father he would not have children, but still does not understand why. Eloise concludes that modiste Genevieve Delacroix is the most likely candidate for Lady Whistledown's true identity. Marina attempts to induce a miscarriage, and Penelope finds her unconscious. At the opera, Daphne learns she is not pregnant; she cries in her mother's arms, with Simon in earshot. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "After the Rain" | Alrick Riley | Chris Van Dusen | December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) | |
George's brother Sir Philip Crane arrives to tell Marina that George died in battle. Philip offers to marry Marina himself, but she turns him down believing she has ended her pregnancy. Eloise confronts Genevieve and, believing her to be Lady Whistledown, tries to covertly convince her to restore the Featheringtons' honor. Daphne learns of Simon's childhood from Lady Danbury. Simon reconsiders what he wants after spending time with Daphne's younger siblings. Siena rejects Anthony's attempts to bring her into the ton, saying that he should move on. Lord Featherington makes a bet against Will with ill-reputed bookmakers; Will throws the fight and receives half of Lord Featherington's winnings, while the latter is subsequently murdered by the bookmakers. Marina accepts Philip's proposal after discovering that she is still pregnant, and departs London with him. Penelope considers confessing her love to Colin, but before she can, he reveals that he is leaving the country to travel. The Queen's agents attempt to capture Lady Whistledown, but Eloise prevents it. Daphne and Simon reconcile during their ball. Anthony announces that he has decided to marry, but without love. Eloise realizes that Genevieve cannot be Lady Whistledown, revealed solely to the audience to be Penelope. In a flash-forward, Daphne and Simon have their first child, a son. | ||||||
The second season is based onThe Viscount Who Loved Me.[7]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Teleplay by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "Capital R Rake" | Tricia Brock | Chris Van Dusen | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 10 | 2 | "Off to the Races" | Tricia Brock | Daniel Robinson | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 11 | 3 | "A Bee in Your Bonnet" | Alex Pillai | Sarah L. Thompson | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 12 | 4 | "Victory" | Alex Pillai | Chris Van Dusen & Jess Brownell | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 13 | 5 | "An Unthinkable Fate" | Tom Verica | Abby McDonald | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 14 | 6 | "The Choice" | Tom Verica | Lou-Lou Igbokwe | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 15 | 7 | "Harmony" | Cheryl Dunye | Oliver Goldstick | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
| 16 | 8 | "The Viscount Who Loved Me" | Cheryl Dunye | Jess Brownell | March 25, 2022 (2022-03-25) |
The third season is based onRomancing Mister Bridgerton.[8]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Teleplay by | Original release date [9] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | ||||||||||||
| 17 | 1 | "Out of the Shadows" | Tricia Brock | Jess Brownell | May 16, 2024 (2024-05-16) | |||||||
Colin returns from abroad and charms the ladies of the ton, though Penelope is not thrilled due to his previous unkind remarks. Francesca Bridgerton has made her debut to society, although she is more shy than her siblings and would rather yearn for peace to play her piano amidst the social whirlwind. Meanwhile, Eloise has transformed and is now interested in fashion, and she is friends with Cressida Cowper, to Violet Bridgerton's dismay, after Eloise's falling out with Penelope. Queen Charlotte is not very interested in the debutantes, despite Lady Whistledown's praise. Lady Portia Featherington is preoccupied with ensuring her daughters secure heirs to maintain their estate. Meanwhile, Penelope, feeling stifled by her family, undergoes a makeover. The Mondrich family's young son unexpectedly inherits the title of Baron of Kent, bringing wealth and thrusting them into society. At the Danbury ball, Penelope's new look turns heads but leads to a humiliating incident orchestrated by Cressida, leaving Penelope fleeing and Colin in pursuit. He tries to apologize, unaware of the Whistledown scandal she wrote about him. Later, Colin apologizes to Penelope and offers to help her find a husband, mending their friendship. However, Penelope faces the fallout of her biting Whistledown piece as Colin vows to unmask the scandal-sheet author, threatening her secret identity. | ||||||||||||
| 18 | 2 | "How Bright the Moon" | Tricia Brock | Sarah L. Thompson | May 16, 2024 (2024-05-16) | |||||||
Queen Charlotte remains unfazed by Lady Whistledown's gossip and takes her time in choosing the season's diamond. Instead of rushing, she decides to let the girls impress her, potentially causing chaos. The Mondriches move into a grand estate but are unhappy with its formality, their separate bedrooms and the out-of-style dresses Mrs. Mondrich inherits; she plans to alter them to fit in. Lady Danbury shares information with the Bridgertons, and Portia Featherington interrogates her daughters about their marital relations. Penelope and Colin's relationship deepens through flirting lessons to test her skills on a promenade, revealing a charming backstory. Colin helps Penelope navigate social interactions at a ball, leading to humorous and awkward moments. Eloise accidentally spreads Colin and Penelope's arrangement to the ton, sparking a scandal and causing friction between Colin and Eloise. Lady Featherington instructs her daughters in sexual insights to produce an heir and avoid losing the estate. To avoid further suspicion, Penelope writes about herself in Whistledown. Penelope's self-doubt leads her to ask Colin for a kiss, resulting in a passionate moment that suggests deeper feelings. | ||||||||||||
| 19 | 3 | "Forces of Nature" | Andrew Ahn | Eli Wilson Pelton | May 16, 2024 (2024-05-16) | |||||||
Colin is distracted by his growing feelings for Penelope. Eloise apologizes for spreading the gossip, but still keeps her distance from Penelope. Lady Cowper warns Cressida that Lord Cowper is threatening to cut them off unless Cressida marries. She sets her sights on Lord Debling just as he starts to show interest in Penelope. Philippa finally succeeds in getting pregnant, to Portia's delight and Prudence's dismay. The Mondriches start choosing their own wardrobe, impressing the ton. Will wants to hold onto his club, despite society not accepting it. During a balloon launch, Benedict meets a very opinionated woman, revealed to be Lady Tilley Arnold. After naming Francesca her "sparkler", Queen Charlotte introduces her to Lord Samadani, a marquess from Vienna. Overwhelmed by his attention, Francesca retreats from the ball, and meets a handsome stranger. Violet meets Marcus Anderson, Lady Danbury's brother, and the two are attracted to each other. Colin gets advice from Violet about friendship turning into love and tries to confess his feelings to Penelope. However, Lord Debling asks her for a dance, which she accepts, while Colin watches enviously. | ||||||||||||
| 20 | 4 | "Old Friends" | Andrew Ahn | Lauren Gamble | May 16, 2024 (2024-05-16) | |||||||
Penelope's courtship with Lord Debling leads to him asking Portia's permission to propose. Francesca is called on by the handsome stranger she met: John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin. Benedict starts a relationship with Tilley. Will is adamant to keep his club, despite losing business. After John makes a heartfelt gesture towards Francesca at the queen's ball, she openly rejects Lord Samadani, to Charlotte's dismay. Violet mentions to Marcus how Lady Danbury is a matchmaker; he asks for her help to find him a match, but she flatly refuses. After Colin learns of Debling's impending proposal, he shows up at the ball and interrupts him and Penelope dancing to argue against the match, but Penelope says she will accept Debling's proposal. After learning from Cressida that the Bridgertons and Featheringtons are neighbors, Debling realizes Penelope is in love with Colin, and withdraws his suit. Prudence distracts Portia from Debling's rejection with news that she is also pregnant. Colin chases after Penelope when she leaves the ball, and admits his feelings for her. The two share a passionate exchange in the carriage until they pull up to Colin's house. He gets down, and immediately proposes to Penelope. | ||||||||||||
| Part 2 | ||||||||||||
| 21 | 5 | "Tick Tock" | Bille Woodruff | Azia Squire | June 13, 2024 (2024-06-13) | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
| 22 | 6 | "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" | Bille Woodruff | Annabelle Hood | June 13, 2024 (2024-06-13) | |||||||
The queen summons Cressida and asks her to write a new Lady Whistledown herself in order to prove that she is actually Lady Whistledown. Penelope is conflicted on whether letting Cressida take the blame is a good idea or not, and talks with Eloise about it. Meanwhile, Francesca and John Stirling announce that they are engaged, to the family's surprise and happiness, but Violet has misgivings about Francesca's love. Portia talks to Penelope and tells her of her own experience in a bad marriage; the mother and daughter bond. At the Mondrich ball, Marcus tries to speak with Violet, but Lady Danbury instead confronts him, saying he will not steal her friend. She reveals that years ago, he prevented her from trying to flee her marriage with Lord Danbury by informing their father, and Lady Danbury still holds a grudge against her brother for this reason. At the ball, an uninvited Cressida and her mother meet the queen and distribute new copies of Lady Whistledown, secretly written by her mother. Penelope and Eloise are furious, and Penelope writes another Whistledown to get it published the next day, vehemently denying that Cressida is Lady Whistledown. However, unbeknownst to her, Colin follows her and figures out that she is Lady Whistledown. | ||||||||||||
| 23 | 7 | "Joining of Hands" | Tom Verica | Geetika Tandon Lizardi | June 13, 2024 (2024-06-13) | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
| 24 | 8 | "Into the Light" | Tom Verica[10] | Daniel Robinson | June 13, 2024 (2024-06-13) | |||||||
The day after their wedding, Colin and Penelope face a frosty start to their marriage. Cressida blackmails Penelope for £10,000, threatening to reveal her identity as Lady Whistledown. Cressida exposes Penelope to Portia, leading to an angry confrontation. Portia demands secrecy to avoid annulment, but Penelope informs Colin and Eloise of Cressida's scheme. Colin's attempt to negotiate with Cressida fails, increasing her demands to £20,000. Penelope takes charge, sharing her Whistledown identity with Queen Charlotte and the Bridgerton family. At a ball thrown by her sisters, Penelope publicly confesses, surprising the ton but earning the queen's leniency. Penelope's assertiveness rekindles her relationship with Colin and they reconcile. Meanwhile, Benedict explores his romantic boundaries by enjoying bedding both Lady Arnold and her friend Paul, but after Lady Arnold expresses wanting to be in a committed relationship with only him, Benedict separates from both Lady Arnold and Paul, as an exclusive relationship is not what he wants right now. Francesca and John get married and plan to move to Scotland with John's cousin, Michaela; Eloise asks to join, to which Francesca agrees. The episode concludes with a flash-forward revealing Penelope and Colin as happy parents of the new Lord Featherington and both successful authors, with Penelope retiring Lady Whistledown to write under her own name. | ||||||||||||
The fourth season is based onAn Offer from a Gentleman.[11]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title [12] | Directed by | Teleplay by [13] | Original release date [5] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | ||||||||||||
| 25 | 1 | "The Waltz" | Tom Verica | Jess Brownell | January 29, 2026 (2026-01-29) | |||||||
John, Francesca and Eloise return from Scotland. Violet is upset to discover that Benedict was absent as a result of a night of debauchery and pressures him to settle down. Penelope is conflicted by her public status as Lady Whistledown, while Eloise has decided to become aspinster. Violet hosts the first ball of the season, amasquerade. At the ball, Queen Charlotte chooses Benedict as the season's catch. Lady Danbury explains that she desires to travel back to herancestral homeland, but Charlotte rejects this notion. Benedict is enamored by a mysterious lady in silver. The two dance and kiss on a private terrace. At midnight, however, she flees and leaves behind a glove. The woman is revealed to be Sophie Baek, a maid in the employ of Araminta Gun, the widowed Lady Penwood, and her two daughters Rosamund and Posy. | ||||||||||||
| 26 | 2 | "Time Transfixed" | Jaffar Mahmood | Azia Squire | January 29, 2026 (2026-01-29) | |||||||
Flashbacks reveal that Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood, and her servitude at her stepmother Araminta's hands began after the earl's death. She secretly attended the ball with the help of the cook Irma and the footman Alfie. Benedict decides to seek the lady in silver by having Penelope publicize him in her paper and engaging with debutantes. Lady Danbury and Queen Charlotte have an argument and Charlotte becomes despondent. Violet notices that the glove bears the crest of Penwood House and Benedict calls on the family. While Benedict is engaged in conversation with Posy, Alfie encourages Sophie to reveal herself, but she refuses. Benedict mentions Sophie's silver costume, cluing Araminta into Sophie's escapade. Sophie is dismissed and eventually finds new employment in the estate of an acquaintance of Benedict's. Sophie stands up to an assault in Benedict's presence, resulting in another dismissal; Benedict offers to find her a new position in London. | ||||||||||||
| 27 | 3 | "The Field Next to the Other Road" | Tom Verica | Cathy Lew | January 29, 2026 (2026-01-29) | |||||||
Benedict and Sophie take shelter from the rain in the former's country cottage. Sophie treats Benedict's wound. The next morning, the cottage's loyal keepers, the Crabtrees, insist that they stay until Benedict is healed. The two bond and kiss; Mrs. Crabtree urges Sophie to remember her place and Benedict to do right by Sophie. Meanwhile, to replace Sophie, Araminta begins poaching staff from other households, beginning "Maid Wars" inMayfair; even Varley agrees to work for the Penwoods after Portia refuses to raise her wages. Francesca wonders about her lack ofa pinnacle while with John and seeks advice from Penelope, while Lady Danbury proposes that she find Queen Charlotte a newlady-in-waiting. Violet admits to Marcus that she wants to pursue a relationship with him. Benedict and Sophie return to London. | ||||||||||||
| 28 | 4 | "An Offer from a Gentleman" | Jaffar Mahmood | Eli Wilson Pelton & Elizabeth Reichelt | January 29, 2026 (2026-01-29) | |||||||
Violet is convinced to hire Sophie as alady's maid for Eloise and Hyacinth. The family is pleased and intrigued by Sophie's fine education and ask her to stay on permanently. Agatha successfully proposes Alice Mondrich as a new lady-in-waiting to the queen. After some investigation, Violet invites Miss Hollis, a young lady who fits the description of the Lady in Silver, to tea. Sophie spills tea on Benedict's hand, causing her to admit in private that his constant presence unsettles her. Benedict resolves to spend more time at his bachelor lodgings. John is understanding of Francesca's sexual frustration. In order to have a private night with Marcus, Violet has Francesca host a family dinner; Francesca is surprised by Michaela's sudden arrival. With the rest of the staff given the night off, Benedict and Sophie run into each other. Benedict admits his feelings for Sophie and asks her to be hismistress, but she is disquieted by the idea and leaves. Varley, now Araminta's housekeeper, welcomes Araminta and her daughters to the house next door. | ||||||||||||
| Part 2 | ||||||||||||
| 29 | 5 | "Yes or No" | Gia-Rayne Harris | Lauren Gamble | February 26, 2026 (2026-02-26) | |||||||
| 30 | 6 | "The Passing Winter" | Amy Mcıntyre | Annabelle Hood | February 26, 2026 (2026-02-26) | |||||||
| 31 | 7 | "The Beyond" | Anya Adams | Tess Leibowitz | February 26, 2026 (2026-02-26) | |||||||
| 32 | 8 | "Dance in the Country" | Anya Adams | Daniel Robinson | February 26, 2026 (2026-02-26) | |||||||
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On July 20, 2018, Netflix announced thatShonda Rhimes, through her production companyShondaland, would produce the screen adaptation of the bestselling novels of theBridgerton series byJulia Quinn, whileChris Van Dusen would serve as showrunner.[14] Quinn explained onThe Tamron Hall Show that when she heard from her agent that Rhimes was interested in adapting her novels, she "almost fell off of [her] stool," and quickly agreed to the offer.[15] Season 1 of the show adaptedThe Duke and I, the first book of Quinn's series. Van Dusen said in a Shondaland article: "I think [period shows] are considered a bit traditional and conservative. WithBridgerton, I wanted to take everything I loved about a period show and turn it into something fresh, topical, and relatable."[6]
Before the first season aired, the show was already inpre-production for a second season which was officially announced in January 2021.[16][17] It is focused on Anthony and based on the bookThe Viscount Who Loved Me.[7][17] On April 13, 2021, creator Van Dusen revealed on Twitter that the series had additionally been renewed for a third and fourth season.[18][19]
Unlike the first two seasons, which followed the order of the book series, the third season focuses on Colin and Penelope,[citation needed] based on Quinn's fourth novelRomancing Mister Bridgerton, rather than Benedict.[8] Jess Brownell replaced Van Dusen as writer and showrunner for the third and fourth seasons.[20][21] In July 2024, it was confirmed that Benedict Bridgerton would be the lead for Season 4.[11] In May 2025, Netflix officially announced a dual season renewal of seasons 5 and 6.[22]
Unlike the series of novels,[23]Bridgerton is set in analternate history with aracially integrated London where people of color are members of theton, some with titles granted by thesovereign. CreatorChris Van Dusen was inspired by historical debate over the1940s African ancestry claims of Queen Charlotte "...to base the show in an alternative history in which Queen Charlotte'smixed race heritage was not only well-established but was transformative for Black people and other people of color in England."[24][25][26][27] Van Dusen says the series is not "color-blind" because "that would imply that color and race were never considered, when color and race are part of the show."[28]
On June 19, 2019,Julie Andrews was cast as Lady Whistledown, whosevoice-overs explain much of the series' action.[29] In addition,Phoebe Dynevor andRegé-Jean Page were cast to play the leads withJonathan Bailey,Golda Rosheuvel,Luke Newton,Claudia Jessie,Nicola Coughlan,Ruby Barker,Sabrina Bartlett,Ruth Gemmell,Adjoa Andoh andPolly Walker co-starring.[30]Luke Thompson,Will Tilston,Florence Hunt, andRuby Stokes were cast as the remaining four Bridgerton siblings at the end of July. Rounding out the cast wereBen Miller,Bessie Carter,Harriet Cains,Martins Imhangbe, andLorraine Ashbourne.[31]
On January 21, 2021, it was announced thatJonathan Bailey would be reprising his role as Anthony and would be the center of the show's sophomore season. The following month,Simone Ashley had been cast as Kate.[32] On April 5, 2021,Charithra Chandran joined the cast as Edwina;Rupert Young joined to play a new character;[33]Shelley Conn was cast as Kate's stepmother and Edwina's mother, Mary; andCalam Lynch was cast as Theo Sharpe.[34] On May 28, 2021,Rupert Evans joined the cast as Edmund Bridgerton, the late patriarch of the Bridgerton family.[35]
Page did not return for the second season despite being asked to come back as he only signed a one-year deal and wanted to explore other opportunities outside the show.[36][37]
In April 2022, Bailey and Ashley were confirmed to return for the third season as Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton, exploring their married life and duties as heads of the eponymous family.[38] The following month,Hannah Dodd was cast to replaceRuby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton for the third season. Stokes exited the show due to scheduling conflicts withLockwood & Co.[39] In August 2022, Chandran reported that she would not reprise her role as Edwina for the season.[40] In July 2022,Daniel Francis,Sam Phillips, andJames Phoon were cast in undisclosed capacities for the third season.[41] In October 2022,Hannah New joined the cast as Lady Tilley Arnold.[42] In January 2023, Dynevor confirmed she would not appear in the third season, but remained open to returning "in the future".[1]
In May 2024, Coughlan and Newton were confirmed to be returning for the fourth season.[43] In August 2024,Yerin Ha was cast as Sophie Baek (known as Sophie Beckett in the novel) while Bailey confirmed his return for the fourth season, but that he would be filming for only "a few weeks".[44][45] In September 2024,Katie Leung, Isabella Wei and Michelle Mao joined as Araminta, Rosamund, and Posy, whileHugh Sachs andEmma Naomi have been upgraded to series regulars.[46][47][48] In October 2024, Ashley confirmed that she would be returning for the season,[49] later confirmed to be in an additional cast role as opposed to series regular in the previous two seasons.[50] In January 2025, Dynevor revealed that she had not yet been asked to return for an appearance in the fourth season.[51] Upon casting,Yerin Ha made a playlist on Spotify to prepare for the role which included the song “Into My Heart” (Korean: 그대가 이렇게 내 맘에) byLee So-ra as well as songs byBenjamin Clementine andBillie Eilish.[52]
Principal photography commenced in July 2019 andwrapped in late February 2020.[53]Bridgerton was filmed in London andBath,[54] as well as at various estates and parks around England. Although the series takes place in London, most street scenes were filmed in Bath,York, andChatham. The grounds ofWilton House were used forHyde Park and the grounds ofSomerley were used forHampstead Heath. Garden scenes were filmed atPainshill nearCobham and the Commissioner's House in Chatham.[55]
Filming locations includedRanger's House inGreenwich (standing in for the Bridgerton House in London exterior);Halton House atRAF Halton (Bridgerton House interior, Featheringtons' interior); Wilton House (Simon's Hastings House, Clyvedon estate interior, St James's Palace throne room);Syon House andBadminton House (Hastings House);Castle Howard (Clyvedon estate);Coneysthorpe (Clyvedon village);Hampton Court Palace andLancaster House (St. James's Palace);Holburne Museum (Lady Danbury's estate);Hatfield House (Featheringtons' interior);No. 1 Royal Crescent (Grosvenor Square);Queen's House and Somerley (Somerset House); andDorney Court (coaching inn).[56][57]
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens no longer exists in its entirety. The production team recreated it for Lady Danbury's ball by combining the remaining parts withCastle Howard andStowe Park. The banqueting room at theGuildhall, Bath was used for another ball as well as the Great Hall atLeigh Court in Somerset.[58]
Anthony Bridgerton and Simon Basset meet in the real-lifeReform Club onPall Mall incentral London.[59] The scene in which Lady Featherington takes Marina to the slums was filmed atChatham Dockyard in Kent.Boxing scenes were also filmed here in addition toNormansfield Theatre inTeddington. Theatre scenes were filmed at theHackney Empire. A café in Bath, Pickled Greens, was used as the site of theModiste shop and the Bathrooms at No.5 store onTrim Street became the site ofGunter's Tea Shop.[60]
The costuming was led byEllen Mirojnick and involved over two hundred people and five months of preparation to create 5,000 costumes.[61]
Production on the second season began in March 2021.[62] In May 2021, it was reported that theRoyal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead refused permission to build a film set for the second season inSunninghill Park nearWindsor, despite royal approval.[63] On July 15, 2021, production on the second season was paused for 24 hours when a crew member tested positive forCOVID-19, but resumed the following day. However, on July 17, production was halted indefinitely following a second positive test.[64] Production resumed in August 2021.[65] Production for the second season wrapped on November 20, 2021.[66]
New filming locations for season 2 includedWrotham Park (standing in for the Bridgertons' country home Aubrey Hall);West Wycombe Park (Aubrey Hall interior and the Crane estate);Wrest Park,Ivinghoe Beacon, andAshridge (the Orangery and Aubrey Hall grounds); theRoyal County of Berkshire Polo Club (Royal Ascot);Old Royal Naval College;Windsor Great Park (woods scenes);Goldsmiths' Hall (Buckingham palace throne room); andWilton's Music Hall (feminist meeting place). The realSt James's Church is in the series. The art display atPetworth House was used for the museum scene, withRoyal Artillery Barracks used as the exterior. The finale ball was filmed atBasildon Park.[67]
The third season began principal photography in July 2022 and wrapped in March 2023.[68]
New filming locations forBridgerton in season 3 includedClaydon House,Squerryes Court (garden party scenes),Osterley Park (Full Moon Ball),[69]Grimsthorpe Castle (Hawkins residence),Basildon Park (Arnold residence),Blenheim Palace (standing in for Buckingham House)[70] andWoburn Walk (Modiste dress shop) in London.[71]
The fourth season began principal photography on September 16, 2024[72] and wrapped by June 20, 2025.[73] Supervising locations manager Tony Hood underwent an "exhaustive search" for Benedict's second home (called My Cottage) and landed onLoseley Park. Another new location wasHam House (Crabtree's domain).[74]
American composer and pianistKris Bowers composed and arranged the score for the series. Bowers wrote and composed the first season's soundtrack, featuring nineteen songs. Musicians recorded the score remotely from their home studios during theCOVID-19 pandemic.[75]
The first season featured orchestral covers of contemporary popular music, which director and executive producerJulie Anne Robinson said was inspired by the use of classic rock songs in the 2001 filmA Knight's Tale.[76] Songs featured includedAriana Grande's "Thank U, Next",Maroon 5's "Girls Like You",Shawn Mendes's "In My Blood" andBillie Eilish's "Bad Guy", all four of which are performed byVitamin String Quartet. Also included areCeleste's "Strange" performed by Bowers, andTaylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" performed by Duomo.[75] Bowers also included modern interpretations of classical music, such asBach'sCello Suite No. 6 in D major fromPeter Gregson'sRecomposed by Peter Gregson: Bach – The Cello Suites andVivaldi'sThe Four Seasons fromMax Richter'sRecomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons.[77] The first season also includedJPOLND's "The End" which has a "swingy melody but intense lyrics."[78]
In the second season, covers includeNirvana's "Stay Away" andRobyn's "Dancing On My Own" by Vitamin String Quartet,Madonna's "Material Girl," "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" from the soundtrack of the film of thesame name andCalvin Harris' "How Deep Is Your Love" by Bowers. Also included areAlanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" andPink's "What About Us" by Duomo,Harry Styles' "Sign of the Times" by Steve Horner,Rihanna's "Diamonds" by Hannah V and Joe Rodwell andMiley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" by Midnight String Quartet.[79] To promote the show, Morisette appeared in a video performing "You Oughta Know" with Duomo. When discussing the music of season two, music supervisor Justin Kramps explained that "even for these songs that are just huge songs that everyone knows, [an instrumental version] still breathes new life and brings them to a new audience, and in a different way. Pop is where we start, because it fits the style of the show, and it's often using these super-recognizable songs that just add a lot of joy, which is what pop does in general."[80]
In the third season, covers includeGayle's "abcdefu" by Vitula,BTS' "Dynamite,"Sia's "Cheap Thrills,"Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever," andColdplay's "Yellow" byVitamin String Quartet,Nick Jonas' "Jealous," by Shimmer,Taylor Swift's "Snow on the Beach" by Atwood Quartet,Pitbull's "Give Me Everything,"Demi Lovato's "Confident", andEllie Goulding's "Lights (Stripped Down)" by Archer Marsh,Ariana Grande's "POV" by Strings from Paris,Imagine Dragon's "Thunder" by Thomas Mercier, andTaylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" by Duomo.[81]
During the part 1 premiere in New York City,Tori Kelly performed the first originalBridgerton song, "All I Want," which played over the credits in the eighth episode.[81] The cover of "Give Me Everything" went viral on social media.[82]
The eight episodes of the first season ofBridgerton began streaming on Netflix on December 25, 2020.[83][84][85] The second season's eight episodes were released on March 25, 2022.[86] The first part of the third season premiered on May 16, 2024, with the first four episodes,[87] while the second part premiered on June 13, 2024, with the last four episodes.[88] The fourth season will be again released in two parts, premiering on January 29 and February 26, 2026, respectively.[89]
A preview of a scene from season 2 aired during Netflix's September 2021Tudum: Extended Talent Panel,[90] which was followed by first look stills.[91] On February 14, 2022, the first teaser trailer for the second season was released.[92] A world premiere was held atTate Modern on March 22, 2022, in London, England prior to the season's eight episodes being released.[86] Due to a three-month commitment as the lead in the acclaimedWest End playCock,Jonathan Bailey had missed "press, talk shows,FYC events, and even theMet Gala" as part of the show's promotion.[93]
In December 2023, it was announced that the third season would be split into two parts.[94] At a Valentine's Day Event on February 14, 2024, the season's episode titles, exclusive photos and first look footage were released alongside a panel attended by Rhimes, Brownell, Quinn, and cast members: Coughlan, Newton, Rosheuvel, Andoh, Jessie, Thompson, and Imhangbe.[95] The trailer for season 3 part 1 was released on April 11, 2024.[96] A world premiere was held in New York City prior to the premiere of part 1 of Season 3.[97] A world premiere was held in London's Leicester Square prior to the premiere of part 2 of Season 3.[87]
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87% (100 reviews)[98] | 75 (34 reviews)[99] |
| 2 | 78% (95 reviews)[100] | 70 (32 reviews)[101] |
| 3 | 87% (78 reviews)[102] | 69 (26 reviews)[103] |
| 4 | 80% (40 reviews)[104] | 65 (23 reviews)[105] |
The series has received an average score of 83% on thereview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes and a score of 71 onMetacritic.[106][107]
The first season received positive reviews. On thereview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes 87% 100 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Sumptuous design, soapy drama, and a sterling cast makeBridgerton a delightful treat."[98]Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 75 out of 100 based on 34 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[99]
Kristen Baldwin ofEntertainment Weekly gave the series a B+ and wrote, "Bridgerton, it seems, is a wonderful diversion for those who lovePride & Prejudice but wish it had more stairway sex."[108]Richard Roeper ofChicago Sun-Times gave the series four out of four stars and called it "A show that will give you that unmistakable binge twinge and have you activating that "Next Episode" time and again, until there are no more "Next Episodes"."[109]British GQ describedBridgerton as a cross betweenDownton Abbey andGossip Girl, but noted that it "may just end up being another disappointment" and "it could have been brilliant."[110]Salamishah Tillet ofThe New York Times said "Bridgerton provides a blueprint for British period shows in which Black characters can thrive within the melodramatic story lines, extravagant costumes and bucolic beauty [...] without having to be servants or enslaved."[111] Erum Salam ofCosmopolitan wrote "I kept wanting more. I wanted more explanations of how race factored into this society..."[112] Carolyn Hinds fromThe Observer stated "Bridgerton has been praised as a racially diverse show set in the Regency era, because having Black people in a big budget production period show—or film—about England before the 1900s feels like a foreign concept for white directors and writers, even though Black, South Asian, Asian and other people of color had been living there for hundreds of years as a result of mercantilism, and the monarchy’s colonization of over half the world."[113]Vanity Fair's Caroline Framke describes the sex in the series "isn't altogether shocking material for Shondaland to mine for its first drama series absent broadcast restraints."[114]
The first season's 6th episode drew criticism with regard to thenon-consensual nature of a sex scene between Simon and Daphne, which amounted tomarital rape.[115][116] The episode depicts Daphne, while having sex with Simon, changing her position to be on top, preventing Simon frompulling out of her when he climaxes despite his objections, to prove he couldimpregnate her but chooses not to.[115] Described as one of the toxic plot points of their relationship, it further drew scrutiny due to the fact that the deceit was never addressed as sexual assault in the series.[117][118] Critics pointed out that it failed to acknowledge the difficulties ofmale victims of rape and the furtherfetishization of black men in media.[119][120]
The second season received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, 78% of 95 critic reviews are positive with an average rating of 7.1/10. The website's critics consensus states, "The risqué thrill may have faded, butBridgerton remains a compulsive episode-turner in this delightful sophomore season."[100] Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 based on 32 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[101][121]
Kristen Baldwin ofEntertainment Weekly gave the series an A− writing, "With a second season that's more clever, moving, and emotionally complex than the first, this period drama... proves that it's not just a titillating trifle."[122]The Hollywood Reporter's Angie Hahn echoed the sentiment, describing the season as "older and wiser" than its predecessor's "rampant horniness", with an effective central romance that prioritized "a meeting of minds, played out over quick-witted arguments outsideballrooms and vicious competition during a friendly family game ofpall-mall."[123]Peter Travers ofABC praised the season writing, "Kudos to season two for digging deeper into the emotional lives of its characters and continuing thecolorblind casting that creates autopia in which diversity is so ingrained it's hardly worth a mention."[124]
Alison Herman ofThe Ringer commented that Season 1 is "sexy without quite being erotic" while "Season 2 is the reverse. There's not a lot of sex, but in the crackling chemistry and relentless self-denial that defines Anthony and Kate's dynamic, there's plenty oferoticism."[125] Emma Clarke ofThe Independent argued that, "it is precisely the lack ofphysicality that makes this season (of the show and ofcourtship) so... well, sexy."[126] Scott Bryan of theBBC wrote that the season serves as an antidote to the "always static, laboured and slow" period dramas, adding that it comes with "real energy, it feels so modern (even though it is set in the past) and even though it feels extravagant, it doesn't feel toohighbrow. It is refreshingly accessible."[127]
Kevin Fallon ofThe Daily Beast elaborating on Bailey's "exquisite lead performance," wrote that "he has an exceptional ability to carry his angst, pain, and guilt with him without bogging down things into a somber drag."[128]The Telegraph's Anita Singh wrote that Bailey "brings more soul to the role of Lord Bridgerton than Page ever did with the Duke,"[129] with Randy Myers ofMercury News adding that Bailey "has a gift atcomedic timing."[130] Proma Khosla ofMashable concluded that with "Bailey and Ashley,Bridgerton Season 2 strikes gold" as they deliver "heaping, smoldering helpings ofsexual tension" for "their chemistry is nothing short of explosive."[131]
The third season received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, 87% of 79 critic reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.0/10. The website's critics consensus states, "The hot goss in London remains juicy as ever inBridgerton's third season, which benefits tremendously from Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton's endearing chemistry."[102] Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 69 out of 100 based on 26 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[103]
Aramide Tinubu ofVariety praised Coughlan and Newton's chemistry, noting that while they have always had a "beautiful rapport," "there is something about seeing the bond between Colin and Penelope transform from comfortably platonic to yearning and passionate that elevates this journey."[132] Tinubu also found part 2 of Season 3 "as a gem in the franchise."[133] David Opie ofEmpire praised part 2's mirror scene as "the most beautiful sex scene this show has ever depicted" and featuring "some of the finest acting seen inBridgerton yet."[134] Further, Opie found that "Season 3 ends with the show's strongest episodes yet" and thatBridgerton has cemented itself as "the rare Netflix success story that's just as well made as it is widely watched."[134] Rachel Aroesti ofThe Guardian creditedBridgerton Season 3 of benefiting from having two seasons under its belt in portraying the most "captivating courtship yet," and praised the dynamic between Colin and Penelope, partly attributing it to Coughlan's "sensational" acting.[135] Alyssa Mora ofIGN describes Coughlan and Newton's chemistry as "undeniable," and Coughlan's talent as "manag[ing] to take center stage."[136]
Katie Rosseinsky ofThe Independent called Coughlan "the true diamond of the season," and praised her powerhouse performance alongside Jessie.[137] Carly Lane ofCollider also called Coughlan the "true diamond" of the season.[138] Judy Berman ofTime praised Coughlan's Penelope as the "series’ most compelling protagonist to date," and Coughlan for the "vividness and sensitivity" in which she portrayed Penelope's transformation.[139] Kelly Lawler ofUSA Today found that Season 3 made Coughlan "a bona fide star."[140] Keisha Hatchett ofTVLine had praise for both leads, naming Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton "Performers of the Week" after part 2 of Season 3.[141] Of the season 3 finale, she noted that Newton "beautifully captured" Colin's "flurry of emotions" "with smart choices" and praised Newton's delivery of Colin's final love declaration of the season as "exuding the irresistible charm we’ve come to love about our maleBridgerton leads."[141] Angie Han ofThe Hollywood Reporter noted that "while the latest chapter faithfully delivers on everything we’ve come to expect from this world [...] it's also the first in which the formula feels more familiar than thrilling."[142] Kathryn VanArendonk ofVulture noted that Season 3 continued an issue in previous seasons of "not [being able to] live up to the complexities of its own emotional stakes in the back half," but that "Bridgerton remains too much fun to consider breaking up with anytime soon."[143] Lauren Sarner ofThe New York Post also found that the show "remains addictively watchable."[144]
News publications,[145][146][147] charities, disabled influencers and fans picked-up on the incidental disability portrayal in the first half of Season 3.[148]
The fourth season received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 40 critics' reviews are positive. The website's critics consensus states, "Taking a page out of a fairytale,Bridgerton season four excels at selling a fantasy that, no matter how predictable, is as sweet, steamy, and engrossing as ever."[104]Metacritic gave the season a weighted average score of 65 out of 100 based on 23 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[105]
On January 27, 2021, Netflix announced that 82 million households had watched at least two minutes of the first season, amounting to 625 million hours viewed. It was the most-watched original series launch on the service at the time of its premiere,[149][150][151] prior to being surpassed bySquid Game in October 2021.[152] Caroline Framke ofVariety attributed this huge viewership to "the perfect storm of a perfectly timed premiere (Christmas Day of 2020), providing silly and sexy entertainment after the first terrible year of COVID."[153][154]
Season 2 premiered on March 25, 2022, and debuted number one in 92 countries on the platform. It was also the most viewed show on United Statestelevision screens for three weeks perNielsen Media Research.[121] Season 2 amassed 193 million viewing hours in its opening weekend, the highest opening for any English-language Netflix series at the time.[155] It also broke the record for most viewed English-language series in a single week at that time, with 251.74 million viewing hours from March 28 to April 3. The first season also re-entered Netflix's top ten in second place.[156] By April 19,Bridgerton's second season had overtaken its predecessor as themost watched English-language television series on Netflix at the time with 627.11 million hours viewed since its March 25, 2022, launch.[157] This viewing numbers went up to 656.16 million by the 28-day mark.[158]
Nielsen Media Research, analyzing the 2.55 billion minutes viewed on United States television screens in the first three days of season 2's availability (double all others across streamers for the week of March 21), characterizedBridgerton's audience as "diverse and broad". The firm found one third of viewers to be Hispanic or African American and an even split in popularity across the 18–34, 35–49, and 50–64 age groups at 25% each. The only exception was gender parity, with 76% of the audience reported to be female.[159][160] It added 3.2 billion minutes viewed in its second week on top of the chart.[161] It topped the chart for a third week with 1.6 billion minutes viewed.[162]
In 2023, between seasons 2 and 3, Netflix rolled out a new, different method of counting viewership, which is to divide the number of hours watched by a show's runtime. The platform also expanded the measurement window from 28 days to 91 days.[163] Under this new method of measurement, season 3 part 1, which had 220 minutes of runtime, received 45.05 million views in its first week,[164] and then 25.3 million views in its second week,[165] 11.6 million in its third,[166] and 6.9 million in its fourth. After season 3 part 2 debuted (based on 480 minutes of runtime), the overall season received 28 million views that debut week,[167] 16.5 million views the following week,[168] 6.6 million views the third week, and 4 million the fourth.[169]
Season 3 part 1 recorded the show's biggest opening weekend to date with 165.2 million views (on 220 minutes of runtime).[170] At the time, Season 3 also recorded the highest single weekly view count for any Netflix series, regardless of language, since Netflix started the list in June 2023.[170] On July 2, 2024, Season 3 became Netflix's tenth biggest English-language series ever with 91.9 million views so far.[171] As of January 1, 2025, Season 3 was sixth in Netflix's top-10 all-time list, for any language, with 846.5 million hours viewed/106 million views.[172]
Season 3 became the second most watched series on Netflix during the first half of 2024, with 92 million views.[173] Season 3 has the second-highest viewing figures for streaming in 2024, with 11 billion minutes of watch time.[174] According to Nielsen,Bridgerton was the most-streamed original series of 2024 with 21.42 billion minutes viewed, with Season 3 accounting for 56% of those views.[175][176]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominees | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | AFI Awards | Top Television Program | Bridgerton | Won | [177] |
| Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Actor, Drama Series | Regé-Jean Page | Nominated | [178] | |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama Series | Adjoa Andoh | Won | |||
| British Academy Television Awards | Virgin TV's Must-See Moment | "Penelope is revealed as Lady Whistledown" | Nominated | [179] | |
| Costume Designers Guild Awards | Excellence in Period Television | Ellen Mirojnick and John W. Glaser III(for "Diamond of the First Water") | Nominated | [180] | |
| Directors Guild of America Awards | Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series | Julie Anne Robinson(for "Diamond of the First Water") | Nominated | [181] | |
| Gold Derby Awards | Drama Supporting Actor | Jonathan Bailey | Nominated | [182] | |
| Golden Reel Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Music Score and Musical for Episodic Long Form Broadcast Media | Brittany DuBay(for "Shock and Delight") | Nominated | [183] | |
| Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards | Best Streaming Series, Drama | Bridgerton | Nominated | [184] | |
| Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama | Regé-Jean Page | Nominated | |||
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | Best Original Score in a TV Show/Limited Series | Kris Bowers | Nominated | [185] | |
| Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards | Best Television Series, Limited or Miniseries or New Media Series – Best Period and/or Character Make-Up | Marc Pilcher, Lynda J. Pearce, Claire Matthews, and Louise Bannell | Nominated | [186] | |
| Best Television Series, Limited or Miniseries or New Media Series – Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling | Marc Pilcher, Lynda J. Pearce, Adam James Phillips, and Tania Couper | Won | |||
| MTV Movie & TV Awards | Best Show | Bridgerton | Nominated | [187] | |
| Best Breakthrough Performance | Regé-Jean Page | Won | |||
| Best Kiss | Regé-Jean Page andPhoebe Dynevor | Nominated | |||
| NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Bridgerton | Nominated | [188] | |
| Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series | Regé-Jean Page | Won | |||
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Adjoa Andoh | Nominated | |||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Chris Van Dusen,Shonda Rhimes,Betsy Beers, Scott Collins, Alison Eakle, Sara Fischer,Julia Quinn, Leila Cohan-Miccio,Jonathan Igla, Janet Lin, Holden Chang,Sarah Dollard, and Sarada McDermott | Nominated | [189] | |
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Regé-Jean Page(for "Art of the Swoon") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series | Julie Anne Robinson(for "Diamond of the First Water") | Nominated | |||
| Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance | Julie Andrews(for "Diamond Of The First Water") | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series | Kelly Valentine Hendry | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) | Jeffrey Jur(for "Art of the Swoon") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Period Costumes | Ellen Mirojnick, John W. Glaser III, Sanaz Missaghian, and Kenny Crouch(for "Diamond of the First Water") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling | Marc Pilcher, Lynda J. Pearce, Claire Matthews, Adam James Phillips, Tania Couper, and Lou Bannell(for "Art of the Swoon") | Won | |||
| Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) | Kris Bowers(for "Diamond Of The First Water") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music | Kris Bowers and Michael Dean Parsons | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Music Supervision | Alexandra Patsavas(for "Diamond Of The First Water") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) | Will Hughes-Jones, Dominic Devine, and Gina Cromwell(for "After the Rain") | Nominated | |||
| Producers Guild of America Awards | Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Drama | Chris Van Dusen, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Scott Collins, Alison Eakle, Sara Fischer, Sarada McDermott, Holden Chang, andTom Verica | Nominated | [190] | |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actor in a Drama Series | Regé-Jean Page | Nominated | [191] | |
| Best Actress in a Drama Series | Phoebe Dynevor | Nominated | |||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Cast ofBridgerton | Nominated | [192] | |
| Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series | Regé-Jean Page | Nominated | |||
| Television Critics Association Awards | Program of the Year | Bridgerton | Nominated | [193] | |
| Outstanding Achievement in Drama | Nominated | ||||
| Outstanding New Program | Nominated | ||||
| Rose d'Or | Drama | Nominated | [194] | ||
| 2022 | Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Directing, Drama Series | Cheryl Dunye(for "The Viscount Who Loved Me") | Won | [195] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama Series | Adjoa Andoh | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Music Supervision | Alexandra Pastvas | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Musical Score | Kris Bowers | Nominated | |||
| Grammy Awards | Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media | Kris Bowers | Nominated | [196] | |
| Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards | Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama | Simone Ashley | Nominated | [197] | |
| MTV Movie & TV Awards | Best Musical Moment | Anthony and Kate dancing to Midnight String Quartet's cover of "Wrecking Ball" | Nominated | [198] | |
| National Television Awards | Best Returning Drama | Bridgerton | Nominated | [199] | |
| Best Performance in a Drama | Simone Ashley | Nominated | |||
| Jonathan Bailey | Nominated | ||||
| Rising Star | Charithra Chandran | Nominated | |||
| Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance | Julie Andrews(for "Capital R Rake") | Nominated | [200] | |
| Outstanding Period Costumes | Sophie Canale, Dougie Hawkes, Sarah June Mills, Charlotte Armstrong, Sanaz Missaghian, and Kevin Pratten-Stone(for "Harmony") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling | Erika Okvist, Jenny Rhodes-McLean, and Sim Camps(for "The Viscount Who Loved Me") | Won | |||
| Set Decorators Society of America Awards | Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a One Hour Period Series | Gina Cromwell and Will Hughes-Jones | Nominated | [201] | |
| TV Choice Awards | Best Actor Drama | Jonathan Bailey | Nominated | [202] | |
| 2023 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Bridgerton | Nominated | [203] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Adjoa Andoh | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album | Bridgerton Season Two (Soundtrack from the Netflix Series)(byKris Bowers) | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | National Television Awards | Returning Drama | Bridgerton | Won | [204] |
| Costume Designers Guild Awards | Excellence in Period Television | John Glaser "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" | Nominated | [205] | |
| Location Managers Guild International Awards (LMGI) | Outstanding Locations in a Period Television Series | Tony Hood | Nominated | [206] | |
| TV Times Awards | Favourite Returning Drama | Bridgerton | Won | [207] | |
| Dorian TV Awards | Campiest TV Show | Bridgerton | Nominated | [208] | |
| Digital Spy Reader Awards | Best Actor | Nicola Coughlan | Won | [209] | |
| Best TV Show (scripted) | Bridgerton | Won | |||
| Best TV Character | Penelope Featherington | Won | |||
| 2025 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series | Nicola Coughlan | Nominated | [210] |
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Geraldine Alexander, Victor Alli,Adjoa Andoh,Julie Andrews,Lorraine Ashbourne,Simone Ashley,Jonathan Bailey, Joe Barnes, Joanna Bobin, James Bryan,Harriet Cains,Bessie Carter,Genevieve Chenneour,Dominic Coleman, Nicola Coughlan, Kitty Devlin,Hannah Dodd,Daniel Francis,Ruth Gemmell, Rosa Hesmondhalgh, Sesley Hope,Florence Hunt,Martins Imhangbe, Molly Jackson-Shaw,Claudia Jessie,Lorn Macdonald,Jessica Madsen,Emma Naomi,Hannah New,Luke Newton, Caleb Obediah,James Phoon,Vineeta Rishi,Golda Rosheuvel,Hugh Sachs,Banita Sandhu,Luke Thompson,Will Tilston,Polly Walker,Anna Wilson-Jones, and Sophie Woolley | Nominated | |||
| NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series | Adjoa Andoh | Nominated | [211] | |
| Golda Rosheuvel | Nominated | ||||
| Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series | Geetika Lizardi(for "Joining of Hands") | Nominated | |||
| Azia Squire(for "Tick Tock") | Nominated | ||||
| Lauren Gamble(for "Old Friends") | Nominated | ||||
| Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards | Best Period and/or Character Makeup - Television Series, Limited Series or Miniseries, or Movie for Television | Erika Ökvist, Bethany Long, Jessie Deol | Nominated | [212] | |
| Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling - Television Series, Limited Series or Miniseries, or Movie for Television | Erika Ökvist, Farida Ghwedar, Emma Rigby | Won | [213] | ||
| TV Choice Awards UK | Best Drama Performance | Nicola Coughlan | Nominated | [214] | |
| Luke Newton | Nominated | ||||
| Art Directors Guild Awards | One-Hour Period Single-Camera Series | Alison Gartshore "Old Friends", "Romancing Mister Bridgerton", "Into the Light" | Nominated | [215] | |
| British Academy Television Awards | P&O Cruises Memorable Moment | “THE” carriage scene where Colin admits his true feelings for Penelope | Nominated | [216] | |
| Global Production Awards | Sustainable Production Award (TV) | Bridgerton | Nominated | [217] | |
| The Astra Awards | Best Actress in a Drama Series | Nicola Coughlan | Nominated | [218] | |
| Best Cast Ensemble in Streaming Drama Series | Bridgerton | Nominated | |||
| Edinburgh TV Awards | TV Moment of the Year 2025 | THE Carriage Scene Bridgerton- Shondaland, Netflix[219] | Won | [220] | |
| Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | Outstanding Period Costumes | John Walter Glaser III, Amanda McLaughlan, Dougie Hawkes, George Sayer, Anthony Brookman(for "Into The Light ") | Won | ||
| Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Hairstyling | Erika Okvist, Farida Ghwedar, Grace Stella Gorman, Laura Sim(for "Old Friends") | Won | |||
| Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) | Alison Gartshore, Natalie Papageorgiadis, Antony Cartlidge(for "Romancing Mister Bridgerton") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming | Sean "Jack" Murphy(for "Butterfly Ball" / "Eros and Psyche" / "Jealousy" / "Wedding Dance" / "Rejoining the Ton"") | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance | Julie Andrews(for "Into The Light") | Won |
Fashion and interior design trends influenced or made popular by the series have been dubbed "Regencycore" or "theBridgerton effect."[221]Lyst reported an increase in searches for items such ascorsets, headpieces, and elbow-length gloves after the series' premiere. The series' first two female leads, Daphne and Kate, were also linked to a popularity in the colors sky blue and lilac respectively.[222][223] In 2021,Abigail Barlow andEmily Bear wrote a concept album based on characters and situations in season 1 of the series titledThe Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, which won the 2022Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.[224][225] After the two presented the songs from the album live in concert at theKennedy Center in July 2022,[226] Netflix sued them for copyright infringement.[227]
To ring in the second season, an official "Queen's Ball" was held inWashington DC, Chicago,Montréal, and Los Angeles,[228] with similar events and experiences taking place in London andJohannesburg.[229][230]Bloomingdale's put together aBridgerton-themed pop-up collection and tea bar, displaying real costumes from the series in the U.S. for the first time in its 59th Street windows.[231]
After season two featured the main characters playingpall-mall, a lawn game considered to be the precursor tocroquet, retailerJohn Lewis reported a 90% rise in sales for croquet sets.[232] There was also a notable increase in internet searches and purchases oftiaras and corsets after season two's premiere.[233][234]
Stately homes around England saw an uptick in interest and visitors. Regarding Ranger's House, Chris Small ofEnglish Heritage said, "Since the launch ofBridgerton in 2020, we have seen many people who were previously unaware of the site inspired to visit."[235]Walking tours of the filming locations of the series have also been created, including an official one by Netflix.[236][237]Castle Howard opened an exhibition titledCastle Howard on Screen: From Brideshead to Bridgerton in May 2022.[238]
The33rd seasonfinale episode ofThe Simpsons on May 22, 2022, featuredMarge and her friends watching a period drama called "Tunnelton" with a Lady Whistledown-sounding narrator,[239] and a character emerging drenched from a lake, like Anthony in the fifth episode of the second season.[240][241] The creators behindRogue, the sixth episode of the2024 season ofDoctor Who, took great inspiration fromBridgerton as the episode revolves around intrigue and romance at an English country party in 1813, with the show being directly referenced by main characterRuby Sunday.[242][243][244]
After season three part one, "The Carriage Scene" became a standalone viral moment for the series, and was individually nominated for aBAFTA P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award[245][246] and an Edinburgh TV Award for TV Moment of the Year, winning the latter award on August 21, 2025, at theEdinburgh International Television Festival.[247][248] The romantic moment between season three leads Colin and Penelope would go on to be directly referenced in episode 3 ofEmily in Paris season four when character Mindy Chen jokes “Oh! Someone's living out their horny Bridgerton fantasies" when she sees a carriage rocking outside of a ball.[249] Bridgerton's carriage scene's social impact also inspired comparisons between the friends to lovers storylines of Bridgerton's "Polin" andThe Gilded Age's "Larian" when a carriage scene was used in advertisements forThe Gilded Age season three in summer of 2025.[250] In October 2024, Netflix would use "The Carriage Scene" with the tagline "What a Ride" and the timestamp of the scene as the advertisement to launch their "Moments" feature to the Netflix mobile app.[251][252] The orchestral cover of "Give Me Everything" arranged by Archer Marsh that was used to score The Carriage Scene also contributed to the scene's virality on the social media appTikTok.[253] The original artistPitbull later took to Instagram to post the scene with the caption “This again shows the world how music is the international language that transcends over boundaries more so how a hit song can remain timeless."[254]
Netflix tripled its brand partnerships for season 3, and the Queen's Ball expanded to a dozen cities in addition to an afternoon tea event atthe Lanesborough in London.The Wrap calledBridgerton fans a "ripe testing group" for this international merchandising and live-experience strategy fromNetflix, comparing it to the likes ofDisney andUniversal franchises.[255]
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Chris Van Dusen has said that the show "is a reimagined world, we're not a history lesson, it's not a documentary. What we're really doing with the show is marrying history and fantasy in what I think is a very exciting way. One approach that we took to that is our approach to race."[256] ThoughBridgerton takes place during the Regency era, Van Dusen notes that it ultimately is "not a history lesson."[257] The Bridgerton family, Lady Whistledown, and most of the other characters in the show are fictional.[258][259][256]
The theory thatQueen Charlotte may have had African ancestry has been called an unhistorical assertion by most scholars.[260][261][262] In an interview withInsider magazine, American historian Marlene Koenig said the show's representation ofRegency-era London was more diverse than it was in reality, adding that "diversity as we know what the word means did not exist" inBritain during that period.[262] Some classical music pieces used in the first season were composed later than 1813, the year of the first season. Examples includeDmitri Shostakovich'sSuite for Variety Orchestra, which was written sometime after 1956, and "Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour" fromJacques Offenbach's 1881 operaThe Tales of Hoffmann.[77]
Historians have pointed out inaccuracies in clothing, such as the show usingcorsets to represent the oppression placed on women in society instead of supportive undergarments they were considered as in theRegency era.[263] In a scene from season 1, Daphne is seen with bruises on her back from the corset; however, at the time it was common to wear achemise under it to prevent this.[264] Fabrics and patterns appearing in the show are too modern compared to the ones used in the historical period in which the events are supposed to take place.[265] Other historical inaccuracies include the lack of bonnets present within the show and the contemporary styles of the fabrics and colors. However, a majority of the show's historical inaccuracies regarding clothing are intentional. The show does not reflect an accurate portrayal of the Regency era but rather a world that "borders on historical fantasy."[266] The show depicts a dramatization of the Regency era, where the show is "rooted in Regency times but the volume is turned up."[266]
A recurring topic throughout the show is gender, especially the role of women in British high society. Chris Van Dusen aimed for the show to have a "running, modern commentary about how, over the last 200 years, everything has changed and nothing has changed, for both women and men."[267]
With the focus on each year's social season, Daphne, Kate, Penelope and the other women struggle against the societal expectations held for them. Daphne Bridgerton, the Queen's Diamond of her season, fights to maintain her high reputation in society and avoid ruin while still marrying for love. Kate Sharma, considered "too old" for marrying, attempts to regain her family's place in high society as she tries to set her sister, Edwina, up to marry well. Eloise Bridgerton, uninterested in marrying and wanting to pursue a more meaningful life, finds herself more politically involved.[citation needed]
The men, on the other hand, often face lower stakes to their reputations. After overhearing Anthony say that he desires a more agreeable wife, Kate confronts him on his viewpoints toward women and argues that Anthony's high standards for women do not match the standards he has for himself.[268]
A notable, modernized twist on the show is the diverse cast of characters. Straying from the source novels, Van Dusen "used Queen Charlotte as a centerpiece to weave racial equality in the show."[267] With Queen Charlotte cast as a Black woman, Van Dusen explains, "Could she have used her power to elevate other people of color in society? Could she have given them titles and lands and dukedoms?"[269]
When Simon Basset rejects the idea of pursuing Daphne Bridgerton, Lady Danbury explains that love conquers all, using Queen Charlotte and King George as an example of how their marriage had changed society.[270] However, Simon also counters that, even though Queen Charlotte is currently in power, "Black progress is fragile and dependent on the whims of whichever white king is in charge."[269]
Bridgerton also explores "power of the written word," with authors such as Lady Whistledown having immense influence over the social season with her Society Papers. Similar to how media can strongly sway public opinion, Van Dusen makes the statement that "social media is kind of like a modern-day corset."[267]
Throughout the show, Lady Whistledown releases Society Papers that comment on notable figures during the social season, whether it be praising them or airing out their secrets. The pamphlets' influence is enough to sway even Queen Charlotte herself, who seeks to find the author of the Society Papers in order to shut them down.[271]
In May 2021, Netflix ordered a limited prequel series fromShondaland to focus on young Queen Charlotte, a character who does not appear in theBridgerton novels. Rhimes wrote the spin-off and served as executive producer alongsideBetsy Beers andTom Verica.[20] Rosheuvel, Andoh, Gemmell, and Fleet reprise their roles, whileIndia Amarteifio,Michelle Fairley,Corey Mylchreest, andArsema Thomas were cast,[272] together withConnie Jenkins-Greig, who plays young Violet.[273] In September 2022, Netflix announced thatQueen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story would be the title for the series and released the first look.[274] The series was released onNetflix on May 4, 2023, consisting of six episodes.[275]
I auditioned in November 2020, before the show even came out.
Chandran auditioned for the second season of "Bridgerton" before the first had even come out
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