Bridgerton Season 2 Review
Bridgerton intro displayed on laptop screen. Source: Noelle Alfano '25
After its addition to Netflix in December of 2020, the original series “Bridgerton” became an instant success. On March 25, 2022, the second season premiered and evoked increasingly favorable reactions from fans almost immediately upon its release. This season has officially broken Netflix’s record for most-viewed English-language series after racking up 251.74 hours of viewership during the first week of its release.
This season focuses on Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his long-awaited pursuit of a bride. This dreaded process adds many conflicts in the season as Anthony is stubborn and controlling – two qualities not desired by most women.
This season’s focus on the viscount was one that Marist students valued. Tess Donovan ‘25 said, “I liked that we got to see the world of ‘Bridgerton’ from Anthony’s perspective.”
With this new storyline came the addition of admirable cast members — along with the disappointing loss of a rather popular character. Simon Basset (The Duke of Hastings), played by Rege-Jean Page, was not present this season, but his character still exists and is referenced throughout. Page stated to Variety that his intended time on the hit show was always meant to be short-lived as “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year.”
When it came to casting, “Bridgerton” did not miss the mark. One of the show’s main appeals is its element of diversity. The show's executive producer Chris Van Dusen made it clear that their casting process is colorblind. This means the characters are not assigned a particular race and the role goes to whoever represents it best. Many of the main characters in both seasons were people of color, including the Queen of England herself.
As for this season, three new characters of Indian background were introduced to the cast: Kate, Edwina and Mary Sharma. Considering this show takes place in Regency England, the addition of non-white cast members adds a modern twist that is both embraced and widely appreciated.
While this important diversity is seemingly positive on the surface, some critics believe the hit show’s way of incorporating minorities into the show is not realistic and simply lacks a sense of racial awareness. This argument can be made in regards to the eventual marriage between Anthony and Kate (Simone Ashley), as this romantic match ignores the real-world issue regarding interracial relationships present during the 1800s in Britain.
Despite the slight controversy regarding the show's heightened element of diversity, it remains to be a crucial reason for the show’s triumph. Cadie Chiasson ‘25 said, “Although it may be inaccurate, I think it is a necessity for shows today to include diversity.”
“Bridgerton” tackles another normative concern originally introduced in season one, but to a much larger extent. Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) makes her societal debut in season two, despite her strong opinions against the courting system in England. She does not believe a woman must marry to be granted a positive reputation in society.
She eventually takes a liking to a lower-class printer’s assistant — a relationship supported by fans, but not so much by those in the “Bridgerton'' world. Her lack of a filter adds much-needed comedic relief to this season’s stresses and highlights a sense of feminism that is both empowering and relatable for viewers.
Romance is definitely the center point in “Bridgerton”, and after Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon’s love story, this new season had a lot to live up to. Anthony started this courting season with the intention of marrying Miss Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), but falls for her older sister Kate in the process. Their stark differences and constant bickering provides Anthony with the element of challenge he craves in a relationship. Although it takes the entire eight episodes for them to get together, the slow burn, as well as the enemies-to-lovers trope, is what the fans adore.
“I feel like the relationship between Kate and Anthony was a lot better than the Duke and the Duchess,” said Alex Doerr ‘25. “I feel like season two caught viewers’ attention more than season one did.”
When it comes to these romantic relationships, “Bridgerton” doesn’t shy away from intimate scenes between characters. This being said, season two is not nearly as raunchy or suggestive as its predecessor.
“We have less actual physical, intimate scenes in Season 2, but it was never really about quantity for us anyway,” Van Dusen said. “I think the looks between Anthony and Kate across the room and the fingers and hands grazing and touching are just as sexy, if not more, as a sex montage around an ancestral estate.”
Another charming element of the show is its unique soundtrack. “Bridgerton” transforms songs of all genres – specifically pop and rock – into beautiful, classical renditions. Some of the variations in season two come from “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, “Material Girl” by Madonna and “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.
“I chose all of these songs for very specific reasons,” said Van Dusen. “Each one is incredibly powerful and deeply emotional in its own special way.”
Netflix has already renewed “Bridgerton'' for a third and fourth season.