After being delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix’s steamiest show — Bridgerton — is finally in the process of filming its second season.
In an exclusive chat with Variety, showrunner Chris Van Dusen said, “We are back underway. We had to delay because of COVID, but we’re back in it. Right now I’m in post, editing our first couple episodes, which are looking great.”
Back in July, production on the hit series, which has been adapted from the popular books by Julia Quinn, was shut down yet again after two people tested positive on the set. The Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon suffered a similar fate, so at least Bridgerton was in good company.
The delays in production had fans concerned that they would be waiting for quite some time before getting reacquainted with old and new characters of the Regency-era series (although their frustration surely pales in comparison to how fans of Strangers Things must feel), so it comes as a relief that the wheels are turning once more.
As previously announced, the second season will focus on the Bridgeton family’s eldest son Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) as he searches for a suitable wife.
“We pick up Anthony after we’ve seen what he’s been through with his mistress. He’s thinking, ‘Was that love?’ Some would call it that, others would not. We’re exploring those concepts of duty and honour once again,” hinted Van Dusen.
Bridgerton has already been renewed for a third and fourth season at the streamer, and will presumably continue for as many books as Quinn wrote.
Speaking about the responsibility the creative team — led by powerhouse Shonda Rhimes — feel in adapting the series from the source material, Van Dusen said.
“There’s always been a pressure with this show from the beginning, being inspired by these beloved novels with fans who are so passionate and feel so strongly about these characters and these stories.
“There’s always been a healthy pressure there, I welcome it and I say keep the pressure on. It worked for the first season, and I hope people love this season and beyond as much as they did the first.”
And love it they do, with the show becoming Netflix’s biggest series ever with 82 million streams worldwide in January 2021.
Season one cast members, including Phoebe Dynevor, will return for the second outing along with newcomers Charithra Chandran, Shelley Conn, Calam Lynch and Rupert Young. Sex Education star Simone Ashley will play the role of Kate Sharma.
Unfortunately, fans of the steamy series will have to do without seeing breakout star Regé-Jean Page in the role of Simon Basset, as his character arc was only ever intended for one season. However, they can catch the heartthrob in the upcoming The Saint film, instead.
Stay tuned for updates on when Bridgerton season two will be on our screens.
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