After a popular first season, Netflix’s hit series, Bridgerton, released its second season on Mar. 25.  The first season was one of Netflix’s biggest hits ever, with over 82 million household viewers in just the first month.  So far, it’s been evident that season 2 is not measuring up to its predecessor.  

Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton is set during the regency time period and makes a point to include the extravagant fashion,  especially the elaborate ball gowns.  Moreover, the show features detailed  sets that give the audience a glimpse into life as a young debutante navigating their way through a social season.  

“I loved season one of Bridgerton and was super excited when the second season came out. Although it is definitely different from the first, I still really enjoyed it” said freshman Fiona Zeng.

Taking place in the early 1800s, Bridgerton follows the complex social season of London’s noble families.  During the first season, the show followed the debut of Ms. Daphne Bridgerton and her relationship with the Duke.  Season two, in contrast, shifts gears to focus on Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, Daphne’s eldest brother, and his journey in finding a suitable wife to fill the position of the viscountess.  As the Viscount begins courting Ms. Edwina Sharma, however, he struggles to suppress his feelings for her sister, Kate.

 One of the most important things to avoid is scandal, however, this will prove to be quite difficult with the presence of Lady Whistledown. Although the true identity of Lady Whistledown is unknown, she is notorious amongst the most prestigious families, even stirring trouble for Queen Charlotte of England. 

“Although season two had an interesting plot, in my opinion season one’s plot was more compelling and engaging.” said freshman Julianna Betanco.   

Unfortunately, one of the first season’s main characters, the Duke of Hastings, did not make a return this season.  In an instagram post on the official Bridgerton account, Lady Whistledown announced that Regé-Jean Page, the actor who portrayed the Duke, would not be returning.  The actor has made a point to stress that his withdrawal from the show was completely amicable.  Moreover, as the new season turned its focus away from Daphne and the Duke, the show’s plot was not drastically affected by his absence.  Still, many fans were very disheartened at the vacancy of one of their favorite characters. 

“I was disappointed that the main characters from the first season had little to no roles in the second season. Although I liked the new characters, Edwnia and Kate, I wished Daphne or the Duke were still major parts of the plot” said freshman Ryann Engel.

Although a few of the major characters did not return to season 2, new and important characters were added, including Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran),  Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), and Mary Sharma (Shelley Conn).  Edwina is introduced as the young lady being courted by Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, with Kate as Edwina’s older sister and Mary Sharma as their mother.  Edwina and Kate both play an instrumental role in the plot of the second season. 

“Regé-Jean Page’s Duke may be missing in this second season, but there’s a great new couple in the making,” said film historian Sheena Scott in her article for Forbes. 

Throughout the show, whether in ballrooms or intense moments, instrumental versions of modern songs are played.  Some of the more notable include “Stay Away” by Nirvana, “Material Girl” by Madonna, “Diamonds” by Rihanna, and “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn. 

Many reviewers are able to agree on one thing, expressing that despite the success of the second season, its predecessor was simply far more captivating in terms of the romance, plot, and cast.  

TV critic Jen Chaney said, “Despite its positives, Bridgerton is ultimately not as fully, effectively transportive as this go-round.  Even though both seasons rely heavily on the tropes of romantic storytelling, this one makes it easier to spot those tropes and become distracted by their presence,” in her review for Vulture.  

Critics are also saying that Jonathan Bailey, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, does not compare to the charisma that Regé-Jean Page had.  Overall, critics and viewers were left disappointed in the second season after a sensational first season, despite the show receiving high ratings.
Bridgerton is only available on Netflix.  Currently seasons one and two are out; however, Shonda Rhimes has revealed there are definite plans for a third and fourth season.