Bridgerton is one of Netflix’s hit series, based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling book series of the same name. The series, set in Regency-era London, follows the titular family and its children on their journey to find love.
The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, follows an anthology-like format, switching the main characters every season to allow every Bridgerton sibling to get their chance at glory. The show kicked off with Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton, the second-oldest child and the eldest daughter, and Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Bassett. The latter recently addressed whether he would be willing to reprise his role as the Duke of Hastings in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight.
While promoting his latest film, the spy thriller Black Bag, the actor was asked about returning to Bridgerton. Although the romance series follows a different main couple every season, most of the other characters return to reprise their roles, except Page. The actor played the main character in Season 1 and left the show to pursue other projects. However, Simon had a big impact on the show’s fandom and everyone would love to have him back.
Dynevor returned to reprise her role in Season 2 without the Duke of Hastings, but hasn’t returned in Season 3. “I’m very happy to support everyone who’s in the show,” Page noted when asked about a possible return. “Everyone’s finding fantastic success, both with the show and personal projects, I’m just super happy to say that.” While, slightly optimistic, his answer does not confirm a definite return.
The cast has since found success in other roles, while still making appearances in the Netflix show. Arguably the most notable actors are Jonathan Bailey, who stars in Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good as Fiyero, as well as the new installment of Jurassic Park alongside Scarlett Johansson, among other projects. Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington (now Bridgerton), has also received critical acclaim for her lead role in Season 3.
Simone Ashley, who plays Kate Sharma (now Bridgerton), stars in the new Prime Video rom-com Picture This, and will appear in an undisclosed role in Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1. Dynevor was recently cast in M. Night Shyamalan and Nicolas Sparks’ untitled project alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
Bridgerton Is One of Netflix’s Most Popular Shows
With three seasons to date, Bridgerton is the only series so far to have every season in Netflix’s Top 10 Most Popular English Language TV Shows. Although the number one spot goes to Wednesday Season 1 with 252.1 million views, Bridgerton has better numbers with 313.1 million views on the platform for all three seasons. Stranger Things might have bigger numbers, but it only has two seasons in the Most Popular Top 10, ranking at 235.5 million.
Naturally, the two fall behind the South Korean series Squid Game, which is the most successful Netflix production with 455.3 million views across its first two seasons. However, Bridgerton was the only show in 2024 to add more views than previous seasons, and Season 3, starring Coughlan’s Penelope and Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton, ranks higher than Season 2, per What’s On Netflix.
With Wednesday Season 2, Stranger Things Season 5, and Squid Game Season 3 set for release soon, Bridgerton is expected to leave the list, as Season 2 is in the 10th spot. However, the show is expected to run for eight seasons, giving it more opportunities to improve its numbers. The next season will follow the rightful Season 3 protagonist, Luke Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton. With so many seasons to go, Regé-Jean Page could find a way to pop by, even as a guest star.
