Netflix has officially confirmed a Bridgerton spin-off series, with Shonda Rhimes at the helm, and fans cannot believe it. The streamer announced a long-awaited spin-off centred on Lady Violet, portrayed by Ruth Gemmell, and set during the younger years of the Bridgerton matriarch's life and her romance with Viscount Edmund Bridgerton.
Lady Whistledown announces the news
The limited series will have Shonda Rhimes leading production. On X, previously known as Twitter, the official Bridgerton account posted a letter from Lady Whistledown announcing the development, which stated: "This author writes to you with the most exciting news. The time has come for us to turn our attention to the Matriarch of our beloved Bridgertons."
The letter added: "The love match that started it all shall soon be yours to see, dear reader. This author shall be sure to inform you of any updates. Until then..."
Fans react with disbelief
Enthusiasts rushed to the comments section, unanimously expressing disbelief that the series would genuinely materialise, reports the Mirror. One shared: "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine y'all would actually give us this omfggg." [Sic] Another posted: "Holy s*** this is legit isn't it?"
A third supporter was visibly moved, writing: "This is just so special to me. I can't wait for this." Another fan remarked: "I'VE PRAYED FOR THIS I'VE PRAYED FOR THIS." One viewer echoed the prevailing sentiment, declaring: "Can't believe it's actually happening." Another emotional supporter added: "This story is going to make me cry omfg."
Earlier hints and casting
Back in January, Bridgerton's executive producer and director, Tom Verica, revealed a spin-off was in development, though he stopped short of disclosing specific details about its subject matter. Speaking to Deadline, Verica explained: "With Queen Charlotte, we thoroughly enjoyed that experience. It was a smaller look at a particular love story that's spanned over those episodes and I think we caught something that people really responded to. So, we are in talks of some other projects, hopefully, something, some news will be coming out at some point, hopefully."
As yet, no confirmation has been made regarding which actors will portray the younger versions of the characters. Actress Gemmell previously spoke candidly about her role and how her character frequently finds herself caught between deep grief and an unwavering resolve to support her children, telling Flanelle magazine: "I think because she had such a great love, and that he was taken from her and the children so cruelly, she desperately wants her children to know the same. It is one of the things that binds her still to Edmund, to make sure their children thrive. As far as playing those emotions: I think grief is something universal – we have all lost something, and I think it's important to portray that."
The Lady Violet Bridgerton spin-off will air on Netflix.
