Netflix’s Bridgerton made its debut late last year and it became an instant hit. What some described as the 1800s version of Gossip Girl, Bridgerton centered on the Bridgerton family, mostly the eldest daughter, Daphne, and her blossoming relationship with Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. After Netflix announced a Season 2 renewal, Regé-Jean Page, who portrays Simon, announced he’d be leaving the series. Now the actress playing the eldest Bridgerton daughter, Phoebe Dynevor, is previewing what the upcoming season will look like without Simon by Daphne’s side.
Season 1 of Bridgerton ended with Daphne giving birth to her and Simon’s baby, which would have seemingly indicated that we would be seeing them navigate their time as a growing family in the second season. But following Regé-Jean Page’s exit, it was a question of what would happen to that storyline. Phoebe Dynevor told The Wrap that despite his exit, Simon will still be brought up:
I think he’ll definitely be referred to a lot. I think we’ll see the baby. And we’ll just focus more on her relationship with the Bridgerton Family.
Bridgerton is based on the popular Julia Quinn series of novels, all focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling finding true love. With the second novel, The Viscount Who Loved Me, being adapted for the second season, Phoebe Dynevor is stepping into a supporting role while Jonathan Bailey is stepping into the spotlight as Anthony Bridgerton. Dynevor weighs in on the idea of the different stories being played out and why it’s so great to be on a show like Bridgerton:
It’s definitely different. And I’ve said it before, but I think the fans who have read the books and know the books are aware that every season will focus on a different sibling’s journey. And it might be a little bit more of a — not shock, but like a surprise for the fans that love Daphne and Simon’s story so much. But I think that’s honestly the joy of the show in the long-term, getting to see these different love stories play out.
Following Bridgerton’s renewal after the success of the series' launch, Netflix decided to renew the drama for two more seasons. That isn’t surprising, considering the series racked up 82 million households in the first four weeks after its Christmas debut last year. After only ten days, Bridgerton became the fifth biggest launch in Netflix history.
Although Simon will dearly be missed in the upcoming season, there is still hope that fans will still be able to see the baby and Daphne taking care of her little one, as well as updates on how Simon is doing. It’s likely he’ll still be in Daphne's life, just off screen. But what else will happen in Season 2 and where will Anthony Bridgerton’s journey take him? The first season of Bridgerton is streaming on Netflix for your rewatching pleasure until the second season is ready to premiere.
