Netflix has announced a new spin-off series from the popular Bridgerton franchise, focusing on Lady Violet Bridgerton, the family matriarch. The forthcoming show will explore her early life and her romance with Viscount Edmund Bridgerton, her late husband.
Lady Violet, portrayed by Ruth Gemmell in the original Bridgerton series, is a central figure as the widowed mother of eight Bridgerton siblings. A younger version of Lady Violet appeared in the previous spin-off, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, played by Connie Jenkins-Greig, though it has not yet been confirmed whether she will reprise her role in the upcoming series.
The project, directed by Tom Verica, known for his work on Ugly Betty, is described as being in a similar style to Queen Charlotte. Shonda Rhimes, the executive producer of Bridgerton and writer of Lady Violet’s notable lines, is co-writing the new show. Netflix has positioned the series to delve into Regency-era London high society, continuing the exploration of the Bridgerton family’s social dynamics, based on Julia Quinn’s book series.
While specific plot details remain limited, the show is expected to chronicle the patriarch’s romance as well as highlight the story of Francesca Bridgerton, the third of Lady Violet’s eight children, who is considered introverted in the series narrative.
The Bridgerton franchise has seen success across its multiple seasons and spin-offs, with recent episodes focusing on the romantic lives of the Bridgerton siblings, such as Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, and Colin Bridgerton’s relationship with Penelope Featherington Bridgerton. The latter season featured a carriage scene that garnered a BAFTA nomination.
Filming for the main Bridgerton series’ fifth season is currently underway. The new spin-off was teased via a letter from the fictional writer Lady Whistledown on social media, expressing excitement about turning attention to the Bridgerton family matriarch and the origins of the family’s love story.
Earlier this year, Verica mentioned in an interview that follow-up projects to Queen Charlotte were in development but did not provide further specifics until the official announcement of the Lady Violet-focused spin-off. Netflix and the show’s producers have not yet confirmed additional casting or a release date.