“Bridgerton” Is Getting A Spinoff About A Young Queen Charlotte
Bridgerton, the Shonda Rhimes fancy wig show that became Netflix’s biggest hit to date, is getting its very own spinoff. The limited prequel series will go back in time and follow the origin story of Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte. The character, currently played by Golda Rosheuvel, is based on the real Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), who married King George, the dude best known for going “mad”.
The spinoff will also tell the backstories of young Violet Bridgerton (the mom) and Lady Danbury (the Duke’s mentor). What about the messy, manipulative Baroness Featherington? If she’s not in the spinoff, please consider giving her one of her own. And casting a scheming little weasel with cleavage?
The series will be written by Shonda herself, and she will also serve as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica. The Netflix head of global TV, Bela Bajaria, said (via Deadline):
“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.”
There are also changes going on behind the scenes of the original show (in addition to Regé-Jean Page peacing out after Season 1). Seasons 3 and 4 have already been greenlit by Netflix (although there are plans for at least eight), and after the upcoming second season, Jess Brownell will replace creator Chris Van Dusen as showrunner. It doesn’t seem to be a dramatic split? They all gave statements about how great everyone is…
Shonda said:
“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,” Shondaland CEO Rhimes said. “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.”
Added Shondaland’s Betsy Beers, “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 said:
“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.
Netflix head Bela Bajaria added:
“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.”
Insatiable is right. Everybody’s all horned up for Bridgerton! Apparently, it’s the most-shouted-out name during sex for 2021. At least in my bedroom! Actually, no, I like to scream “Alfred Molina as Doc Ockkk!” when I climax, but that doesn’t work for this Bridgerton post.
Pic: Netflix