Bridgerton creator drops huge announcement about show's future as she arrives in Scotland
Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind Netflix 's smash-hit period drama Bridgerton, has delivered thrilling news to fans ahead of the fourth series.
The acclaimed showrunner made a significant revelation about her beloved Regency-era production whilst appearing at the Edinburgh Film Festival today (August 20), which Reach Screen Time attended.
The streaming sensation, which racked up more than 100 million viewers during its debut series alone, revolves around the Bridgerton family and their amorous adventures.
During an on-stage chat with British broadcaster Mishal Husain, Rhimes disclosed details about Bridgerton's future.
"How many seasons do you think it will run for?" Husain enquired, prompting Rhimes to confirm: "Exactly eight."
Husain then pressed the celebrated Shondaland boss on whether she "would let her imagination run wild beyond that".
This led her to disclose: "The Bridgerton series is eight children. Violet Bridgerton and all eight of her children married. So every season is a child."
The thrills continued, however, as Rhimes also hinted there is "a possibility for spin-offs", given that Bridgerton novelist Julia Quinn has penned additional books that branch off from the main storyline, reports the Express.
This follows Netflix's triumphant prequel series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which explores the earlier lives of Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury.
Meanwhile, enthusiasts are keenly awaiting Bridgerton's comeback for series four, which will spotlight Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, who is at last prepared to discover genuine romance. Sophie Baek is set to portray romantic interest Yerin Ha, the enigmatic Lady in Silver at Lady Bridgerton's renowned masquerade ball.
Netflix has previously unveiled a teaser featuring various glimpses of Ton society members enjoying the latest Lady Whistledown publication, whilst the caption declares: "Next season's most compelling match will be unmasked. Welcome to the marriage mart, Benedict."
Audiences will also be delighted to witness best mates Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) reconciled and "more bonded than ever".
Discussing his expanded role in series four with Netflix's Tudum, Thompson confessed he's eager for the star-crossed lovers' tale to be brought to the screen.
"The scripts that Jess [Brownell] and her team have crafted are dynamite. They're really, really, really exciting," he revealed.
"The storyline is a bit of a twist on 'Cinderella.' You remember being told those stories as a child - the magic and the romance of them. It's really exciting to have that weaved into the world that we know of Bridgerton... It's such a great story, but it's also, I hope, really relatable."
The initial three series of Bridgerton concentrated on siblings Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Colin (Luke Newton) respectively, with the third series also providing screen time to Francesca's (Hannah Dodd) blossoming romantic storyline.
While Benedict's story is up next and Francesca's tale is yet to be concluded, viewers are still anticipating future series focusing on Eloise (portrayed by Claudia Jessie) and their younger siblings Hyacinth (played by Florence Hunt) and Gregory (acted by Will Tilston).
Bridgerton season 4 is set to premiere in 2026. Seasons 1-3 can currently be streamed exclusively on Netflix.
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