Netflix & Shondaland working on ‘Bridgerton’ prequel

Netflix has commissioned a limited series spin-off to its Regency-era period drama Bridgerton.

Shonda Rhimes’ US prodco Shondaland will return to produce the as-yet-unnamed show, with Rhimes writing the series and serving as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica.

The spin-off will explore the origins of the Bridgerton character Queen Charlotte, following her rise and love life in her younger years, while also telling the stories of young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.

Netflix and Shondaland have also announced that Jess Brownell, who was a writer and producer on the first two seasons of the original show will serve as showrunner for the recently commissioned third and fourth seasons.

Based on the novels of Julia Quinn and created by Chris Van Dusen, Bridgerton follows the love lives of the various siblings of the wealthy Bridgerton family. The first season was particularly focused on daughter Daphne and her romance with the Duke of Hastings, while the second, which is currently in production, is set to focus on eldest sibling Anthony in his search for a suitable match.

“As we continue to expand the world of Bridgerton, we now have the opportunity to devote even more of the Shondaland fold to the Bridgerton-verse,” said Shondaland CEO Rhimes. “We’ve worked with Jess Brownell for over a decade and have long wanted to find the right project to place in her hands. When it came time to pass the baton, I knew this unique voice was vital to the future of the show.”

“Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton,” added Netflix’s global head of TV, Bela Bajaria.

“Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled.”