Netflix and Shondaland Announce Exciting ‘Bridgerton’ Spinoff & Welcome Jess Brownell as Showrunner for Seasons 3 & 4

Season 2 is Currently In Production with Showrunner Chris Van Dusen at the Helm

• The Bridgerton-verse is expanding! Netflix and Shondaland today announced plans for an all-new limited series based on the origins of Queen Charlotte — the reimagined and beloved character who captivated 82 Million households around the world in Season 1. While the series will center on the rise and love life of a young Queen Charlotte, it will also tell the stories of young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. Shonda Rhimes will write the series and serve as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica. An official title and more details will be revealed at a later time.

• Additionally, Netflix and Shondaland are proud to welcome Jess Brownell (Bridgerton S1 & S2, Inventing Anna, and Scandal) as Showrunner for Seasons 3 and 4.

• Showrunner Chris Van Dusen who brilliantly brought Season 1 to life is currently in production on Season 2.

• Based upon the series of novels by Julia Quinn, season 2 focuses on Anthony Bridgerton’s quest for love. 

Quotes:

• Bela Bajaria: “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. 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.”

• Shondaland:  “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,” says CEO of Shondaland, Shonda 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.” Betsy Beers added, “Chris has been part of the Shondaland team for his entire entertainment career, and Shonda and I are very proud of all he contributed to help create this series for fans around the globe.”

• Chris Van Dusen:”With Bridgerton, I set out to make the period show I always wanted to see.  I never could’ve anticipated how much the rest of the world also wanted to see it.  I’m deeply proud of this remarkable cast and incredible crew, and I’m so grateful for the enduring support of Shonda, who I’ve worked alongside for 17 years.  Shondaland is where I learned how to make TV, craft incredibly complex characters and how to tell stories.  And while it’s been an incredible journey, I have my sights set on a few new stories to tell.  To that end, I’ll continue as showrunner — writing and producing season two of Bridgerton — and look forward to seeing Jess continue the magic in seasons three and four.  I’d also like to thank Julia Quinn and her passionate fans — for embracing my vision for bringing these beloved books to the screen.  See you in Grosvenor Square!”

• Jess Brownell: “It’s been incredibly rewarding working alongside Shonda, Betsy, and Chris Van Dusen on the first two seasons of Bridgerton,” says Brownell. “And now, as these beloved characters are entrusted to me, I cannot wait to lend my unique vision to the next two seasons. I feel so fortunate to have found a home at Shondaland and to have the support of Shonda and Betsy as I move forward into this new chapter.”

Jess Brownell Bio & Headshot:

13-year Shondaland veteran writer/producer Jess Brownell has worked on several Shondaland series, including Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2, and the highly anticipated upcoming series Inventing Anna. Additionally, Brownell co-hosted Shondaland Audio’s “Bridgerton: The Official Podcast”, giving fans more insight into the makings of the reimagined world. Most recently Jess has served as a writer on Bridgerton S1, writer/producer on Bridgerton S2, and writer/producer on Inventing Anna. Notably, Brownell was a staff writer on Scandal.  She is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.       

About Bridgerton:

Bridgerton is a romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all. The series stars Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Bridgerton), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton”), Simone Ashley (“Kate Sharma”), Charithra Chandran (“Edwina Sharma”), Shelley Conn (“Mary Sharma”), Nicola Coughlan (“Penelope Featherington”), Claudia Jessie (“Eloise Bridgerton”), Ruby Barker (“Marina Thompson”), Adjoa Andoh (“Lady Danbury”), Golda Rosheuvel (“Queen Charlotte”), Luke Thompson (“Benedict Bridgerton”), Luke Newton (“Colin Bridgerton”), Ruby Stokes (“Francesca Bridgerton”), Will Tilston (“Gregory Bridgerton”), Florence Hunt (“Hyacinth Bridgerton”), Ruth Gemmell (“Lady Violet Bridgerton”), Bessie Carter (“Prudence Featherington”), Harriet Cains (“Philipa Featherington”), Polly Walker (“Lady Portia Featherington”), Calam Lynch (“Theo Sharpe”), Rupert Young (“Jack”), Martins Imhangbe (“Will Mondrich”), Lorraine Ashbourne (“Mrs. Varley”),  Jessica Madsen (“Cressida Cowper”), Kathryn Drysdale (“Genevieve Delacroix”) Joanna Bobin (“Lady Cowper”), Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich), Hugh Sachs (Brimsley) and Julie Andrews (“Voice of Lady Whistledown”).