Bridgerton Season 2: Release Date, Cast, And New Details

"Bridgerton” took Netflix by storm in late 2020. The show marked the first from TV powerhouse Shonda Rhimes after inking a huge deal with the streaming service. The first season of the series, which was adapted from Julia Quinn's novels, followed Daphne Birdgeron (Phoebe Dynevor) as she entered London's social scene in hopes of finding her future husband. She later devises a scheme to avoid a loveless marriage and attract other desirable candidates (via Elle). When Daphne and the handsome Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) strike a deal they find themselves drawn to each other in an unexpected way.

The show instantly became a hit and had fans flocking to social media to talk about the steamy period drama. "Bridgerton" ended up being a huge success for Netflix, and broke the streamer's record by being watched by 82 million households around the world within the first four weeks after it's release, per Deadline.

Of course, fans are now not-so-patiently waiting for Season 2 to drop, but they won't have to wait much longer.

Hot on the heels of "Bridgerton" Season 1's success, Netflix announced plans for Season 2 of the series. In January 2021, fans were treated to a letter from the show's elusive gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, which shared the exciting news. "The incomparable cast of Bridgerton will return to production in the Spring of 2021," the letter stated, per Elle. "This author has been reliably informed that Lord Anthony Bridgerton intends to dominate the social season. I will have my pen ready to report on any and all of his romantic activities."

The show began filming in the spring of 2021, but was forced to pause production due to a COVID-19 outbreak on set (via Marie Claire). Several months later, fans were getting a bit restless when the Season 2 release date had yet to be announced. However, on the anniversary of Season 1's debut, Netflix announced that the sophomore season of the series would officially begin streaming on March 25, 2022.

Now, fans can mark their calendars as they countdown the days until the Bridgerton family returns to the small screen.

Fans can expect to see many of the "Bridgerton" cast members return for Season 2, per Good Housekeeping. However, the show's breakout star Regé-Jean Page has revealed that he will not be a part of the upcoming season. Meanwhile, his on-screen wife Phoebe Dynevor will return as Daphne Bridgerton as the story will follow her brother Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) as he looks to find a wife. Actors Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, and Luke Thompson will also return as the Bridgerton siblings, while Ruth Gemmell will reprise her role as the family's matriarch Lady Violet Bridgerton.

Nicola Coughlan, Polly Walker, Adjoa Andoh, Golda Rosheuvel, Ruby Barker, and Jessica Madsen will also be back for Season 2. Meanwhile, there are a number of new cast members joining the series as well. Actress Simone Ashley has been cast to play the role of Anthony's love interest Kate Sharma, while Charithra Chandran will play Edwina Sharma, and Rupert Young will portray a new character named Jack, who is not in the book series. Shelley Conn and Calam Lynch have also been added to the cast in Season 2.

According to Deadline, while Daphne and the Duke and Hastings were the main characters during the first season of "Bridgerton," Season 2 will focus on the oldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony. Jonathan Bailey will take the reins from Regé-Jean Page as the leading man as Anthony sets out to fulfill his duty to uphold the family name and take a wife. Of course, Anthony sets impossible standards for his future spouse, which causes plenty of difficulty in his search. When he sets his sights on Edwina Sharma from India, her sister Kate discovers Anthony's true intentions.

Kate decides to try to stop Anthony and Edwina's marriage which causes some serious friction and passion between her and Anthony. Their heated words bring them closer together, which complicates the situation even further. Meanwhile, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) continues to keep her secret identity under wraps from everyone, including her best friends and family members.

Season 2 of "Bridgerton" is sure to be one of the most-watched shows of 2022, and with a brand new storylines and characters to fall in love with, viewers can't wait to see what's in store.