Is Bridgerton still worth the hype without the Duke?

Bridgerton has been renewed for seasons 3 and 4, but will the absence of the Duke make a difference? Will you still be watching despite Regé-Jean Page's decision to leave?

While we all love to hear what the next piece of scandalous tattles the goddess of gossip has to share, Lady Whistledown shocked the viewers of the extremely successful show Bridgerton when she very craftily, in her trademark digital letter, delivered the devastating news that the Duke of Hastings (played by Regé-Jean Page) won’t be returning back to the show for season two.

For the fans of the show, Bridgerton has been renewed for seasons three and four and as much as we would love to see Simon Basset make another enthralling appearance alongside his onscreen wife Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and their son, according to the statement by Netflix and Shondaland, season two will now focus on Daphne Bridgerton’s older brother- Lord Anthony Bridgerton, in his quest to find a Viscountess.

Set in the 19th-century regency era and based on the romance novels by Julia Quinn, the series is primarily about the Bridgerton family and how the high-society, close-knit siblings each with their unique and stark characteristics, power through societal norms while trying to find love.

Shonda Rhimes (producer) created a difference in mainstream Netflix period dramas by blending in diversity and creativity, producing a refreshing show that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Unlike any other British period drama, their 82 million record-breaking viewership is primarily attributed to their casting. Integrating people of colour in influential roles such as Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) married to King George III, Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), who was a mentor to Simon and a dear friend of his mum, Shondaland introduces a progressive and contemporary alternative to the white-supremacy laden history we’ve grown up learning.

As the name suggests, the series revolves around the Bridgerton family. Unbeknownst to most Simon Basset spoon sensualists, Rege-Jean Page was always signed up for one season.

Even the first book in the Bridgerton novels is titled ‘The Duke and I’!!!

Would this shock exit affect the series? I highly doubt it as we still get to see what’s in store for the remaining seven Bridgerton siblings. And Lady Whistledown - we are still yet to uncover more about her story and enjoy the drama she creates as she continues the humble job of alerting people of the next juicy piece of gossip.

Although we bid adieu to The Duke of Hastings, there are lots more scandals and secrets to look forward to in the upcoming seasons and who knows, the Duke may pop in an episode *fingers crossed*.

Edited by Hannah Youds