Bridgerton Series 2: Better or Worse than Season 1?

25 December 2020 will be remembered by many as the Covid-19 lockdown Christmas. But for some, it will also be remembered as the day Bridgerton series 1 was released on Netflix.

The eight-episode romance period drama based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series shot to success to become the most-watched Netflix series when it premiered.

Produced by Shonda Rhimes with a relatively unknown main cast, the story leapt right off the pages of the book and straight into our screens and hearts. It wasn’t long before Netflix announced the show had been renewed, not just for another season but three more.

With Bridgerton season 1 being such a success, the pressure is on for season 2 to be just as good, if not even better. Season 2 follows Anthony Bridgerton’s storyline as per the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me. Let’s see how this will compare to season 1 of Bridgerton. If you haven’t watched Bridgerton yet, then spoilers alert.

Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Novel Series

Quinn published The Duke and I, the first of the Bridgerton series, in 2000 and completed the eighth and final book in 2006.

Like many other historical romance readers, I read the Bridgerton series several years ago and loved it (well, mostly just the first three books). It baffled me that novel series like this and my personal favourite The Wallflower Series by Lisa Kleypas’ weren’t making it onto the big screen.

There’s always been a massive audience for historical romance in novels, movies and TV shows alike; just take Downton Abbey, for example.

So when I stumbled across the Bridgerton trailer, to say I was excited is an understatement. I always imagined these novels as potential movies, but a TV show with several hours of episodes to enjoy is a treat that’s hard to beat.

I could go on and on about why season 1 was so heavenly, starting with the diverse casting, beautiful costumes and choreographed scenes, but what everyone wants to know is whether Bridgerton season 2 will measure up to its predecessor. Let’s dive in.

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Reasons Bridgerton Season 2 will be Better.

1. Kate Sheffield is a better heroine.

Kate is one of the best heroines in the entire series. Her best attributes are:
a) She’s witty. Kate is an intelligent young woman who’s always ready with a quick comeback.
b) She’s protective. With a younger sister who is considered the ‘diamond of the first water’ of this ton’s season, Kate manages the men who try to win her sister’s heart – keeping away rakes at all cost!
c) She’s innocent. Having faced some tragedy early in life and almost past the desired marriageable age, Kate has insecurities she must face.

2. The chemistry between Kate and Anthony is better.

The dialogue between Kate and Anthony is funny, frank, and fast-paced. Their story is a hate to love, enemies to lovers storyline, so you can expect several shots being fired back and forth. In all honestly, if acted correctly, their chemistry should be better than Daphne and Simons. Many people believe The Viscount Who Loved Me is the best book in the series (book 3 is my favourite). For all those Daphne and Simon fans out there, this might be a hard one to swallow, but it’s true.

3. We know Lady Whistledown’s identity

At the end of season 1, the show revealed that Penelope Featherington is Lady Whistledown. This diverts from the book series, where we don’t discover Lady Whistledown’s identity until book 4. This is an exciting twist that will be capitalised on in season 2, as we’ll no doubt have to endure some close calls where Penelope’s identity is almost revealed.

Reasons Bridgerton Season 2 Will be Worse

1. Regé-Jean is not in season 2

Many viewers were saddened to learn that Regé-Jean would not be in season 2. It’s unusual for the lead character not to be main character throughout the show’s run unless killed off. However, it’s not as surprising when you’ve read the books and understand how the series works. Simon is in one scene in the novel, so they can easily explain his character’s absence. Although I’m still holding out hope he’ll make a brief appearance – one can dream!

2. We’re not in lockdown.

We can’t overlook the impact lockdown played in Bridgerton’s success as being released over Christmas when people were stuck at home without much to do, contributed to the high viewership. Lockdown may have encouraged people to start the show, but its quality kept people watching. With season 2 being released in 2022, it will be more challenging to capture the world’s attention than in 2020.

3. The element of surprise is gone.

It’s easier to make a lasting impression when there is generally no initial expectations. The first of anything is always special and the one to beat. Season 1 set the tone, and it’s now up to season 2 to match it.

Conclusion

Bridgerton Season 2 continues to be highly anticipated, and for a good reason. Season 2 will be just as good, if not better, than season 1. With the world-building already established and a more intriguing romance storyline to draw from, it has all the ingredients to make a delicious treat for us to enjoy!

Comment below to share whether you think Bridgerton season 2 will be better, worse or the same as season 1. If you liked this article, please follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

Further Reading:
Bridgerton Season 2 Review From A Disappointed Reader
10 Interesting Things We Learn From Regency Romances Like Bridgerton