Netflix confirms brand-new Queen Charlotte-style Bridgerton spinoff with fan-favourite character

Bridgerton has confirmed a new spin-off series, this time focused on Lady Violet Bridgerton. It follows the success of its first prequel Queen Charlotte, which debuted back in 2023.

The currently untitled limited series will follow in a similar vein, chronicling the early years of the Bridgerton matriarch, played by Ruth Gemmell in the main series. It will also "tell the story of her romance with Viscount Edmund Bridgerton".

Details such as casting are yet to be announced, but we do know the new prequel will be written, showrun and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Nicholas Nardini, and directed by Bridgerton veteran Tom Verica.

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Bridgerton, which first premiered in 2020, is based on the book series by Julia Quinn and has become a cultural phenomenon over the years.

The spin-off news comes ahead of the show's fifth season, which will focus on the romance between Francesca and Michaela.

"Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons," the synopsis teases.

"But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran's complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions."

The new season will be the first sapphic romance to take centre stage on the show, with showrunner Jess Brownell calling it "groundbreaking".

"Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love," she told Tudum. "We're not the first by any means... But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge."

Meanwhile, Nicola Coughlan confirmed earlier this year that her character Penelope will have a reduced role in season five.

Bridgerton seasons 1-4 are streaming on Netflix, along with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.