Following the love story between the Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton, most of us assumed the renewal of the show would follow their new family life. But with the lack of the Duke, the soppy storylines are handed over to Daphne’s older brother, the Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathon Bailey). And I can happily say, he did not disappoint.
This series introduces the Sharma sisters (Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran), who make quite an impact in the new social season, leading Anthony to be torn between the two, causing, as you would expect, much drama and chaos. So, despite not seeing everyone’s favourite Duke, the Viscount steals all our hearts through a carefully written enemies to lover’s trope. And as a (not so secret) hopeless romantic, I couldn’t have been happier binging this in one sitting!
But of course, Anthony and Daphne have many more siblings, along with the other members of the ton, including the newly unveiled Lady Whistledown, also known as Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlin) (apologies for the spoiler, I assume you have watched series 1!). Knowing her true identity, you watch the show in a whole new light, and the topic of gossip is heightened. It still holds true that despite the lack of technology and social media in the regency period, thanks to papers such as those from Lady Whistledown, gossip was perhaps even more rife, especially in social circles during the new social season. Much to the disgust of my personal favourite character, Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie).
Unwillingly entering her first season as an eligible young woman to be wed, Eloise stays strong to her feminist views and portrays a refreshing storyline far from that of a soppy love story in which a woman only marries as a duty to a man. She isn’t aware, however, that she is best friends with the creator of all this gossip, which causes rifts between the two giggling friends. But that doesn’t stop Eloise from understanding what love means to her – yet another reason to love the show's many storylines, suiting multiple audience members.
From the will-they-won’t-they romances, to the incredible costumes and classic takes on modern music, Series 2 of Bridgerton has surprisingly lived up to the first series’ hype. Having only been released recently, this bingeable show clearly has the kinds of love that many of us crave, and that’s simply the opinions of fans I’ve come across by scrolling on TikTok! So, despite my bias towards a certain handsome Viscount, this is definitely a must watch - mainly so you can prepare for the newly announced Series 3!
Stream both series now on Netflix.