Bridgerton Promotion: The Covid Excuse

UPDATE:  I did not have the source for my first image, I have now updated with the source for that image.  

Bridgerton has begun its season 4 era with a small promotional blitz - not too unlike what they did for season 3, but whilst many are welcoming the promotion that the season 4 leads are getting it has also raised questions again around why the season 2 leads did not gain the same level of promotion.  Within the fandom the most common excuse that is given for why there was very little promotion of the season 2 leads is covid, but does this stand up as an excuse, or is it a lazy way for some to ignore the obvious disparity in the treatment of the season 2 leads?  Personally I do not believe that the covid excuse does stand up, and I do believe that it is an easy (and lazy) way for many to dismiss the very real concerns surrounding the perception of homophobia and colourism from Netflix.  

Image Credit: @penguinempress8 on X 

The main complaint - and biggest issue - with the promotion of season 2 is how the leads were not promoted properly as leads when compared to the leads of season 1 and season 3 - and even season 4. Yes, covid meant that they couldn't have the big world tour that season 3 got, but covid wasn't the reason the leads were not promoted together as a leading couple in a romance, that every interview with the leads included a third party indicates covid was not a consideration. Also, we have to remember that covid didn't stop other cast members from being promoted together, and it didn't stop there constantly being a third person present in the promotion of the leads. 

Image Credit: Ben Weller for British Vogue

Season 1 began filming in 2019, completing production in early 2020, and was released Christmas 2020.  Lockdowns in the UK began in March 2020, so Covid didn't impact the filming of Season 1, but as the lockdowns continued through 2020 including one over Christmas 2020, this situation was the perfect storm for Bridgerton to take off and become a sensation, but it wasn't the perfect timing for a lot of more traditional promotion with much having to be done remotely.  Whilst the timing of the release meant that all the press was done via Zoom, there was a good mix of press with some interviews involving all the cast and some with just the leads, and the leads themselves were promoted as a leading couple in a romance show.  But noticeably among all the media and promotion were a number of BTS interviews with Phoebe Dynevor and Rege Jean Page done during their filming, in these they played trivia games, talked about their characters, talked about scenes and other interactions.  In addition to the interviews and BTS interviews Phoebe and Rege also did a British Vogue photoshoot for the December 2020 issue of Vogue.  It is likely that the photoshoot was done during the ease on restrictions during the summer of 2020, however, whilst some things were opened up it was still in the midst of Covid and some activities were restricted.  This is important to note, as some of the arguments as to why the season 1 leads had a photoshoot but the season 2 leads did not is that season 1 was filmed before covid. The fact it was filmed before covid explains having more BTS interviews, but the covid argument does not take into account that season 1 was released at the height of covid in late 2020 and they still managed to have interviews and a photoshoot with the leads of the season. 

Yes, season 2 was filmed predominantly through the Covid period, there were Covid protocols in place, and to an extent that could explain the lack of couple BTS interviews. Well covid could explain the lack of BTS interviews with the leads if there were no BTS interviews with multiple cast members together. It seems strange that the romantic leads were unable to be together for BTS interviews but Nicola Coughlan and Claudia Jessie could do some BTS content at the beginning of filming.  The BTS interviews are not the only things that show a disparity in how each of the seasons leads have been promoted, the main poster for season 2 was one of the two romantic leads and a supporting cast member, not a lead, but a second woman appearing on the poster (this is another issue that will be dealt with separately). Posters of the season are the main promotional image for the season, and to not have the romantic leads on the main promotional material for the season is a failure for Netflix. Not only did it send the wrong message regarding the season, it also caused a lot of fan backlash, and is now one of many factors that has contributed to the negative perception that many fans have of the production. 

When it comes to season 2 promotion, the suggestion is not that it should have had a world tour like the leads received in season 3, because the reality is that covid would have precluded that happneing, however, covid cannot be an excuse for the lack of promotion for the lead couple, especially when you look at the promotion that season 2 did get. The promotion for season 2 did exclude the leads to a large extent, or at the very least it excluded them being promoted as the leads and more importantly as the leading romantic couple in a romance show. The season 2 leads did have some solo photoshoots, (though I am unsure if they were directly related to Bridgerton or ones organised by their individual teams),   however, one of the first main Bridgerton photoshoots to be done was for the Entertainment Weekly cover for the February 2022 issue and completely excluded the leads. The photoshoot in question was done at a London hotel, and involved Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie and Charithra Chandran, and I was told that by someone who works in the hotel that it was done around November of 2021.  It is believed that Nicola Coughlan was filming Derry Girls at the time and was flown back from Ireland to do the photoshoot, despite the leads being in London at the time.  This photoshoot alone debunks the idea that the leads could not have a photoshoot due to covid, because it has to be asked that if covid was preventing two people  who had been working in a bubble together from having photos, why could a cast member be flown into the city from another location and have a photoshoot with 3 other cast members? If covid was the reason for Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey not being able to have a photoshoot, then how was it possible for Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie and Charithra Chandran to have a photoshoot in the same circumstances? 

Image Credit:  Entertainment Weekly

Another issue for some is that the season 2 leads had no interviews of just the two of them, in fact the only 'couple' interviews for season 2 were for the couple that would later be named as the leads for season 3.  Instead of having interviews with the leads only Bridgerton season 2 included a supporting cast member in every single interview the leads did, yes she was an important part of their story, but she was not a lead and she should not have been included in all interviews with the leads. I understand that there was benefit in including the three of them in some interviews, however, it was painfully obvious in some of those interviews that Charithra was a third wheel, she looked uncomfortable and out of place when Simone and Jonathan were discussing Kate and Anthony's story and growth, and this is on the PR team from Netflix putting her in this situation.  But the question has to be, how did Covid make it okay for three people to be in the interviews and not the leads only, further, how was it that Covid made it acceptable for the leads of season 3 be interviewed together, but not the leads of season 2? 

The idea that Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey have been sidelined for promotion of their season in order to seemingly benefit the season 3 leads is an uncomfortable topic for many in the fandom, and I believe this is why they like to fall back on the covid excuse. For these fans it is easier to believe that covid is the reason for the disparity in the promotion between the season 2 leads and the leads from other seasons as leads because then they don't have to acknowledge that perhaps a straight white pairing benefited from Netflix and Shondaland treating diverse actors badly. 

Bridgerton Season 3: How successful was Bridgerton Season 3?

The extensive, and over the top, promotion of Bridgerton season 3 appears to have resulted in a successful season, however, a source has revealed that the Netflix executives are not happy with the viewing numbers for season 3, and are considering the season a failure, despite the positive spin in the press.  The executives at Netflix were expecting a much bigger return on season three than they got, considering the amount of money and effort put into the promotion and world tour.  Currently season 3 is sitting on 105 million views putting it at number 6 on the all time top 10 English Language shows, which is about 12 million more views than season 2. Whilst the numbers look impressive to most of the fans, when digging into the trends, and looking at viewer behaviour, this is probably not the bump in viewers Netflix executives were expecting or wanting for season 3 when they agreed to an extensive promotional campaign. 

Image Credit: Jason Bell

But let's look at the numbers more closely.  Whilst the initial viewing numbers were very high, there was a much quicker and sharper drop off of viewers from week to week, with part 2 providing a slight bump.  However, the viewing number for part 2 were down on those for part 1, and again dropped off quickly and sharply week to week.  This suggests a high abandonment rate or, more importantly, a failure to attract a lot of new viewers when the new viewers brought in over the two years since season 2 released is taken into consideration.  It is important to note that this is speculation on my behalf, and mostly my opinion as to the reasons for the trends, and the unhappiness of the Netflix executives as I don't have access to all the data and metrics that Netflix uses. 

What I do have is an idea of the numbers of subscribers to Netflix, which for season 2 was approximately 207 million, whilst for the release of season 3 the number of subscribers was around 277 million subscribers (a 25% increase in the two years), whilst for the release of season 1 there were only about 195 million subscribers.  Looking at the views for the first 90 days as a percentage of the subscribers, we can see that season 1 comes out on top by a significant margin with the views being approximately 58% of subscribers.  For season 2, the first season released after lockdown ended we see that the views are approximately 45% of subscribers, whilst for season 3 the views are only about 38% of subscribers.  

These numbers work on the assumption that each view is a unique view from individual viewers, however, an analysis of viewing habits of Netflix subscribers showed that approximately 26% of viewers will rewatch a show on the platform, thus reducing the overall number of unique views.  Applying this to Bridgerton, this would translate to: aproximately 43% of subscribers tuning in for season 1; approximately 34% of subscribers tuning in for season 2; and approximately 28% of subscribers tuning in for season 3. 

But the viewing trends are not the only indication that season 3 did not live up to the expectations of the Netflix executives.  The Social Media engagement also suggests that Colin and Penelope did not capture the imagination of viewers outside the fandom. With the exception of one or two posts the majority of engagement since the beginning of season 3 promotion comes from posts of other characters, not Colin and Penelope.  Currently on the official Bridgerton Twitter account the most liked post is the season 4 announcement for Benedict, whilst on Instagram it is a short promotion of Kate and Anthony.  On Youtube the season 3 part 1 trailer is the best performing video in terms of engagement, with an almost 50% drop off in engagement for the part 2 trailer.  Also, on all platforms (when I looked) the solo promotions of Penelope/Colin and the majority of the couple promotions were often out performed by other characters for season 3, for example Kate and Eloise have more engagement than Penelope and Colin in the 'gossip chain' videos.  This suggests that it is not Penelope and Colin that drives Bridgerton engagement, but also that perhaps they did not capture the interest of the general audience, and new viewers, in the same way Daphne & Simon or Kate & Anthony did.  Another factor to note is that there wasn't the same level of viral moments from season 3 that we saw from season 1 or season 2, nor were there as many memorable lines from the leads as what we saw for the previous two seasons.  In fact one of the most viral moments from season 3 came from Philippa, as did one of the most memorable lines, all adding up to a season that didn't perform to expectations.  

I will say that I am not suggesting season 3 was a complete bomb, it is still one of the most watched Netflix shows after all, but it also isn't as successful as some may believe, nor is it the success the Netflix executives were hoping for or expecting.  The over the top promotion for season 3 did not pay off for Netflix in terms of the main metrics they measure, and from all accounts they are not happy with the performance of the season. It is understood that the Netflix executives are more than aware that it is characters such as Benedict, and Kate & Anthony that drives the engagement, and that it is Simon that the viewers are missing the most from the show. Everything was gambled on Penelope & Colin's season, and they lost, not just in the views, but also in the goodwill of many viewers.  How this will impact future seasons and their promotion is hard to know, but it is likely that future seasons won't get the same level of promotion as Netflix will not want to risk putting so much money, time and effort into promoting a season that will again fail to live up to expectations. 

Sources: 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/250934/quarterly-number-of-netflix-streaming-subscribers-worldwide/  https://wifitalents.com/statistic/netflix-viewership/ https://www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/most-popular/tv

Bridgerton Season 4: Five Things we need to see in season 4 and Two Things I want to see

With season 4 about to begin filming many in the Bridgerton fandom are turning their attention to what they want to see in season 4.  Whilst there are things we want to see that are connected to our favourite characters, sometimes we overlook what plot points are needed for storytelling purposes. The scenes we need to see may be big or small, they may be to move a story forward, to complete a character arc, or to show a character's growth.  

Below are five things that I believe we need to see in season 4: 

Image Credit: Netflix

Kate and Anthony with baby Edmund, and potentially baby number 2 on its way (or being born)  

This is something that I believe has more importance than some may want to acknowledge.  During season 2 we saw Kate yearn for a child - not in so many words, but it was obvious in her expressions.  More than just Kate yearning for a child of her own to love, Kate needs a way to belong, to feel loved unconditionally, and whilst she is finding that with the Bridgertons to an extent, they are not her blood relatives.  Kate seemingly has no blood relatives left - at least no full blood relatives, and a child of her own will mean that there is a piece of herself - and her parents - continuing into the future.  But baby Edmund isn't something that we need for just Kate's storyline, Anthony has many 'daddy issues' (to use a modern phrase), and Edmund will help him moving past those and perhaps finally being able to give in to his grief over his father's death and move forward knowing that Edmund's legacy is continuing.  A lot of Kate and Anthony's story is about their past, and Edmund will be the final push for them to look more towards the future and less into the past.  Finally, Kate and Anthony's story arc in season 3 was about having the heir, and Kate being pregnant, by not showing us baby Edmund the writer's failed to complete the story arc they began - which I find both unprofessional and sloppy - so in order to truly complete Kate and Anthony's story arc from season 3 we need to see them with baby Edmund, and with a potential timeskip we can see them with baby number 2 on the way (and being born).  

In a postscript (of sorts) it is pertinent to note here that having Kate give birth onscreen was actually something that the writers of season 3 should have included for the continuity and rounding out of Anthony's story, and potentially beginning Eloise's.  In season 2 we saw the trauma of Hyacinth's birth, and whilst that appears to be being kept for Eloise, it also impacted Anthony, so seeing him deal with Kate giving birth could allow him, and Eloise, to deal with the trauma they both experienced from Hyacinth's birth.  

Penelope apologising to Kate for the slur she used in season 2

One thing that has not been addressed, (and most likely will never be addressed), but is very much an issue with some fans, is the slur used by Penelope when talking about Kate in season 2.  Many (myself included) were hoping against hope that a production that claims to be all about diversity would show some courage and awareness, and deal with this issue in the most recent seasons, but they didn't.  Many fans need to see Penelope show that she has grown as a character, something that the writers of season 3 failed at, and one way they can show a new maturity and self awareness in Penelope is by having her be accountable for her blatant racism in the Lady Whistledown column.  Whilst many don't see what Penelope said as terrible, and don't believe she owes Kate any kind of apology, I believe that view just exposes an underlying racism within the fandom, and it appears to be one that is present in the writer's room.  There is very much a perception that they don't believe a white woman should be apologising to a woman of colour for the use of a dehumanising slur. However, these characters are now sisters in law, and this slur still lies between them, anything less than acknowledgement of it and an apology by Penelope will certainly be viewed as the writers brushing racism under the carpet and not treating it seriously - worse it may look like they put more value on a white character over a character that is a woman of colour.  Penelope said in season 3 that she had changed, that she understood the harm she did with her Lady Whistledown column, well let the viewers see that she does truly understand that harm and show Penelope having a heartfelt conversation with Kate about her use of the slur, and let Kate be hurt and reluctant to have Penelope in her home without an apology.  One of the worst aspects of season 3 was the way none of the Bridgertons cared that Penelope was Lady Whistledown and not one stood up for Kate, whom they claimed they all loved, whilst the writers sent Kate and Anthony away before the denouement of Penelope in order to not have to deal with that aspect. The writers ensured all the discussions that about Lady Whistledown and the hurt she caused focused primarily on the white members of the Bridgerton family - Daphne, Eloise and Colin, with not one mention of the racism towards Kate and Penelope's deliberate dehumanisation of her.  

Queen Charlotte's death

If season 4 shows the two year time jump then it will take the show to 1818, which will nicely lead into the death of Queen Charlotte, especially if they keep the show centred in Autumn/Winter as suggested by Jess during season 3 press. Queen Charlotte's story was told in the spin off, which ended inexplicably with the Duke and Duchess of Kent announcing they would be having a girl, potentially 2 years before Queen Victoria was even born!  We have seen Queen Charlotte's arc in Bridgerton play out with the unveiling of Lady Whistledown, and with no Bridgerton girls debuting for many years there is very little space for her in the show.  

The end of Lady Whistledown

I believe one of the mistakes in the writing of season 3 was having Penelope continue with Lady Whistledown, the most toxic part of Penelope's personality. By continuing to write the column she is hanging on to that toxicity, and we can't be sure she won't go back to what her column was before.  Season 3 showed us that, for Penelope, Lady Whistledown is the most important thing in her life - even more important than Colin as she was willing to give up Colin to keep Lady Whistledown, this is the manifestation of a toxicity in Penelope, but also an addiction. In season 2 the viewers were shown that Lady Whistledown isn't needed to drive the plot forward, the narrative did not contribute to Kate and Anthony's story. In order to truly grow and love herself Penelope needs to move on from the toxicity of Lady Whistledown and put her talents into a different focus. 

  

Marina's death  

Eloise's story will most likely be season 5, (assuming Bridgerton gets renewed), which means to set up her story we need to see the death of Marina. I think that could work well in season 4 with Eloise as the B plot, and allow Eloise to begin her correspondence with Philip on learning of Marina's death. 

And now for two things I want to see in season 4: 

Anthony calling Newton 'our dog' when talking to Kate  

I can't claim full credit for this, someone I am friendly with on Social Media actually said this, and I was very much like 'yes'!  Whilst this is a tiny thing, I think it will also show Anthony's growth, his acceptance of Newton as a part of his and Kate's family, especially after previous seasons where he made a point of calling Newton Kate's dog.  

Image Credit:  Netflix

Kate and Gregory relationship  

Kate and Anthony are the couple that made Gregory believe in love, it was them that showed him what he wanted when finding a partner in life, and I would like to see this shown a bit in season 4.  Also, to see Gregory enamoured with Kate and willing to do anything for her will be a joy to watch.  

Will we get to see any of these in season 4?  Probably not, but that doesn't mean we can't express what we think needs to be present in order to make the show something we will want to come back to again and again. 

Bridgerton Season 4: How an in season time jump could benefit Bridgerton's storytelling

Image Credit:  Pinterest

In An Offer From a Gentleman there is a two year gap between the Masquerade Ball where Benedict meets Sophie and when he finally locates her and the main part of their story takes place.  Heading into season 4, which is confirmed as Benedict's season, it is a good time to ask if the time jump will happen in the show, and if it does how could it impact other storylines.  Prior to the announcement that Benedict's story was being told in season 4 there were a small group in the Bridgerton fandom suggesting that this 2 year time jump in the story could only happen if the masquerade happened in the season before (hence the argument for Eloise's story to be season 4), however, I think it can work in season 4.  

We don't know how the Bridgerton writers will manage season 4 and Benedict's season, but I believe that the time jump will be something that could be incorporated to the benefit of a number of storylines.  Further I think that a time jump could fix some of the issues that have arisen in season 3, if the writers (and show runner) were so inclined.  

Before I look at how an in-season time jump could help the show, let's revisit an interview from Jess Brownell.  When talking about season 4 during the season 3 press, Jess said that season 4 would happen in a different 'season', heavily implying that as well as going out of London, season 4 would take place outside the Spring social season.  Taking this into account that makes me believe that season 4 could possibly begin up to 18 months after season 3, in Autumn or Winter of 1816. 

If season 4 was to take place over Autumn 1816, or Winter 1816/1817, then I think it could begin with the Masquerade ball in episode 1, perhaps as a harvest ball, or as a winter or Christmas ball, potentially with episode 1 ending with Sophie running away.  This would set the season up for episode 2 to begin 2 years later in 1818, which then makes way for several plot points to take place.  

Image Credit:  Netflix

We could see Kate and Anthony return in episode 2 (if they don't return in episode 1), they could return with baby Edmund, and Kate pregnant again.  This would give a little more believability to the idea that they went to India, if they return anywhere from 18 months to 3 years after the events in season 3.  I think this could be a great way to tie up their story, as it seems unlikely that we will see them much in the show after a brief appearance in season 4, so bringing them back from Edmund, introducing us to Edmund, and then seeing Kate have baby number 2 onscreen will give the fans at least one of their major life events onscreen after missing them all.  

A time jump could help with moving other stories forward, we could have the death of Marina to set up Eloise's season, and allow for Eloise (and the twins) to age up as well.  Whilst the twins still wouldn't be around the same ages as they are in the books, if there is an in season time jump in Benedict's season, and it takes place over the winter, realistically his season would finish in 1819, allowing for Eloise's season to take place in 1820.  On the subject of it allowing for characters to be aged up, it will allow for Gregory and Hyacinth to almost catch up to the ages of the actors.  In season 2 Hyacinth was meant to be 10 or 11, placing her at age 12 or 13 in season 3, but she was dressed much older (more the age of the actress), so a time jump means that in season 4 they could potentially have Hyacinth as a teenager or around 15 or so, whilst Gregory will be around 17 and finishing Eton.  Having the 2 years in season and allowing the aging up of Gregory and Hyacinth means that they don't have to write Gregory out as being 'at Eton', by having him basically have completed his schooling. 

Image Credit: Netflix

The idea of a time jump would allow for Francesca and John to show an established relationship prior to his death and Francesca's story.  I think what could happen with this is that they could write the actual marriage of Francesca and John a little longer, but it is possible we could see him get sick - or die - towards the end of season 4, and this will set Francesca up for a mourning period in season 5 ahead of her season.  In saying this we don't know that the show will keep the relationship with Francesca and John the same, and it is possible with the change they have already made that they could take this in a completely different direction.  My thoughts are that they may not have the infertility storyline, and we will see Francesca have John's baby, something that could happen with a time jump in season 4. 

Image Credit:  Netflix

Lastly, I think that a time jump can set it up for the show to stay close to history and write in the death of Queen Charlotte (1818).  I have already written how I feel that Queen Charlotte's story arc in Bridgerton is at an end with the reveal of Lady Whistledown, and writing in her death will bring her time in Bridgerton to a natural conclusion.  

These are my thoughts on how they can utilise an in season time jump for the benefit of the storytelling in season 4, but will they?  I am not sure that the Bridgerton show runner, or writers, actually will have the courage, or will, for this, and so I will be surprised if they do a time jump in the middle of the season.  

Bridgerton Promotion: Season 4 casting announcement failures cementing the negative perception

Those that have followed my posts for some time will be aware that I have previously written on the negative perception that some viewers and fans have of the Bridgerton production and Netflix as a result of promotional strategies, specifically for season 2 promotion.  Netflix and Bridgerton had an opportunity to reverse this negative perception in season 3, but they fumbled and subsequently increased the negative perception.  Another opportunity to reverse the negative perception of the production presented itself when season 4 was announced as being Benedict's season.  With the leak that the production was looking for an East Asian actress to play Sophie, the production could show that they had taken on board some of the complaints from the fans and that their promotional strategy had changed when dealing with a couple that included a woman of colour, however, with the leak of who has been cast as Sophie the production and Netflix have fumbled yet again, cementing a negative perception relating to their promotional strategies. 

Image Credit: Getty Images

A week ago Variety posted an article, citing sources, that reported Korean-Australian actress Yerin Ha had been cast as Sophie in Bridgerton season 4, but when asked for comment Shondaland and Netflix declined.  The article was picked up and reported by a number of outlets, including Deadline.  Deadline is the publication that Shondaland often uses to publicise casting announcements, and is rumoured to have a deal with Shondaland for the exclusive on Yerin Ha's casting announcement.  Information on Briderton season 4 has been updated in Production Weekly - an industry subscription service that provides updates on productions.  The update in Production Weekly credits Yerin Ha as Sophie, further confirming her casting, though Netflix and Shondaland remain silent.  

So what is the reasoning for Netflix and Shondaland remaining silent on the casting of Yerin Ha?  Without being a part of the marketing team we can't know for sure why Netflix and Shondaland have so far refused to acknowledge the casting of Yerin Ha, however, it doesn't help Netflix and Shondaland with the negative perception they need to overcome.  I have been told by a source, that Shondaland and Netflix have had the press release and press pack ready to go for the announcement since before the casting leak.  If this source is correct (I don't have reason to believe they aren't), then there is no reason to remain silent on the casting for a week or more.  The handling of this announcement by Shondaland, Bridgerton and Netflix doesn't have great optics, especially when you consider how the season 2 and season 3 leads were announced.  The casting of Simone Ashley was leaked, and in order to cut it off quickly the official accounts posted an official announcement that was shared by a number of accounts connected to Bridgerton.  The handling of the season 3 leads was slightly different as they were known to the viewers, but they announced their season at an event during season 2 promotion - something that has been seen as trying to deflect from the season 2 leads and focus on the season 3 leads.  

The failure to acknowledge the casting of Yerin Ha does play into the negative perception many have of the production, but this was compounded when the official account posted some clips from the season 3 promotion midweek.  A source said several weeks ago that the marketing plan from Shondaland and Netflix was to extend the promotional period for season 3 as long as possible, something that explains the post from the official account last week - potentially it was to try and deflect from talk of the casting for Sophie.  I understand that some will be sceptical of an unknown source, however, their information fits with Jess Brownell also deflecting away from questions about season 4 by saying that they wanted to remain focussed on season 3 for now.  

This has, understandably, fed into more of the negative perceptions of the production as Netflix gave the impression they wanted to move on from season 2 very quickly to season 3 and the season 3 leads.  That the production and Netflix appear reluctant to move on from season 3 now will not only cement the negative perceptions, but will also have some questioning how committed Netflix and the Bridgerton production are to the idea of their diverse casting, especially as the leads they have spent the most time focused on, and have spent the most time and effort promoting, are both white. That is not saying the ethnicity of the actors is the reason for these decisions as none of us are in the meetings where the strategy is discussed, however, the perception is that it is because of the ethnicity of the actors - specifically the female actors.  

Netflix have a choice to make.  They can continue to focus on promoting the season 3 leads and effectively continue to ignore the casting of the season 4 female lead, or they can step up and begin to promote the season 4 leads, giving them the promotion they didn't give the season 2 leads (but did give the season 3 leads in abundance). How the next two years or so goes in terms of promotion from both Netflix and the official Bridgerton accounts will send a message to the fans about who they consider important in the show.  Bridgerton needs to decide if the message they want to send is that the only leads they think are worth promotion are the white leads, or if they do value the women of colour leads as well.  Their promotion of the season 2 female lead, both in her season and for the early season 3 promotion, suggested to some that Bridgerton are perhaps not as interested in promoting women of colour, and perhaps not as committed to the diverse casting as they claim. The poor handling with the casting announcement for the season 4 female lead - also a woman of colour - is reinforcing this message from the season 2 promotion.  

Bridgerton, Shondaland and Netflix have an uphill battle to turn around the negative perception many currently hold of their production, season 4 is their chance to do that, but so far it is not off to a good start.  

Bridgerton Season 4: How Could a potential friendship between Kate and Penelope be received by fans?

There are some fans that are looking forward to seeing a close friendship between Kate and Penelope in season 4.  Some of the reasons for why Kate and Penelope will be close friends is because they are both married to a Bridgerton son, they are both mothers, and both their sons are heirs to titles (the assumption being that they keep baby Edmund as Kate and Anthony's first).  These seem to be very tenuous connections on which to build a close friendship that is believable in the show - especially between two characters that have not really interacted in any meaningful way.  But more than their lack of interaction in the show, the biggest obstacle to building a believable friendship - close or otherwise - lies in Penelope's use of a slur against Kate when she first arrived in the country.  

I can hear some fans groaning, saying it was two years ago and to get over it, however, this in itself is part of the problem as they dismiss concerns of women of colour around how Bridgerton writes for, and treats, the characters who are women of colour.  What I see within the fandom are opposing groups of fans that have markedly different views of the use of the slur by Penelope towards Kate, (I am not going to go back into the problematic aspects of it I have written about it here).  One group of fans that think there was nothing wrong with it - it was 'the truth' (because Penelope only spoke the truth according to these fans), or it was a reference to The Taming of the Shrew, or Kate wasn't bothered, (actually the show never gave anyone the opportunity to know how Kate felt about it) and other excuses are used to diminish the use of the slur.  Another group of fans (including myself) were offended, insulted, and hurt by the use of a word that is a slur against people of colour - especially in a show that uses diversity to market itself.  Unsurprisingly these opposing groups of fans hold different views of a friendship between Kate and Penelope, especially a close friendship, with the former thinking it would be a great thing whilst the latter see it as problematic considering Penelope has not addressed what she wrote about Kate.  

Image Credit: Netflix

As a newly arrived immigrant in season 2, and of a lower social status to Penelope, Kate was an easy target for Penelope's poison pen, with her use of misogynistic and racist language towards Kate being particularly nasty, marking a turning point for some fans in how they viewed Penelope as a character.  This change in how these fans saw Penelope as a character was not moved in season 3, partially in the lack of acknowledgement of Penelope's words against Kate, something that I wonder if the writers were cognisant of as they ensured that neither Kate nor Anthony were present for the Lady Whistledown reveal.  There was no need for Penelope to go as far as she did with the insults towards Kate in her Lady Whistledown column, and that the writers thought this was a good idea for the character who was going to be the lead in season 3 shows a lack of judgement on their part, and a complete lack of awareness of how that would be perceived by many viewers.  

So, with this background, could a friendship between Kate and Penelope work in the show?  Well of course it could if that is what the writers want to have happen, they can make anything happen, which means the question that should be asked is whether such a friendship will be accepted by viewers?  With some viewers it will be accepted and welcomed, but with others it may be a harder sell.  How could the writers believably have Kate be friends with the woman that so publicly dehumanised her with a racial slur, and then not address it onscreen? 

it is in the dealings with Lady Whistledown that we see a disconnect between the Bridgerton production and many of the viewers.  Whilst the producers and writers appear think that all is well in the world of Bridgerton, and that they have brought diversity to a genre of television that hasn't had much diversity, many viewers see issues with the representation in the show, and a tone deafness from the writers.  Any potential friendship between Kate and Penelope that the writers might try to force on the viewers will definitely be met with pushback without properly addressing Penelope's words, and some viewers may wonder why the writers think it is a good idea.  When they allowed the racism to seep into the character of Penelope via Lady Whistledown, and then ignored it as if it never happened, the production left themselves in an impossible position of having it taint anything they write between Kate and Penelope in upcoming seasons.  

Personally, if Kate is back for season 4 (which I doubt), I don't want to see a friendship between Kate and Penelope without this issue being addressed in the show, until that happens the writers have no right to try and make the viewers buy into such a friendship.  Will the writers be brave and address this can of worms they opened in season 2, or will they continue to pretend it didn't happen and seemingly use the women of colour on the show to validate Penelope and her actions?   

Bridgerton Fandom: The underlying racism when discussing the announcement of the Season 4 female lead

Video Credit:  BridgertonNetflix on Instagram

Now that it is confirmed that Benedict will be the Bridgerton in the spotlight for season 4, attention in the fandom has shifted to speculation on when the actress playing Sophie will be announced.  However, despite excitement and speculation from the majority of fans online, a small group within a subset of the fandom have advocated for a marketing strategy that has the undertones of racism.  

Details of the casting for Sophie that have leaked suggests that she will most likely be of East Asian ethnicity, making her the second woman of colour lead in Bridgerton. This is something that causes concern among some fans due to the current negative perceptions around how the production promotes a couple with a woman of colour. Whilst the production can use the season 4 promotion to attempt to turn around this negative perception, there is a small group of fans online suggesting that it would be a good idea to not announce the actress, and hide her for a reveal when the season releases.  

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I first saw the suggestion to 'hide' who was playing Sophie in a post on Reddit just under three weeks ago. The OP of the post suggested that the identity of the actress playing Sophie was hidden so the viewers find out who she is at the same time as Benedict. This suggestion was made saying it was good marketing, and whilst for some it seems like a good strategy, for a show like Bridgerton it will backfire on the production. As mentioned in the paragraph above, Bridgerton already faces a negative perception in the disparity between the way the woman of colour lead in season 2 was promoted vs the white season 3 lead. To suggest that the show hides the casting of a woman of colour lead in the season following a huge promotional push for a white lead, shows an underlying unconscious disregard for the optics of seemingly reducing a woman of colour to a marketing gimmick as opposed to being the lead in one of Netflix's biggest shows.  

I am not suggesting the OP is prejudiced, but their suggestion for this marketing strategy shows a fundamental lack of care for the potential racist undertones of such a move.  The way that Bridgerton promotes the female leads in the show, and specifically the disparity in the promotion given to the season 1 and season 3 female leads had in comparison to the season 2 female lead, is a discussion that has been ongoing in some areas of the fandom for some years. In this context, and environment, the suggestion that another woman of colour lead not get the same promotion as the white female leads, especially the white female lead for the season immediately preceding, is problematic at best, and exposes unconscious (or conscious) casual racism within the Bridgerton Fandom. Interestingly the comments on this Reddit post disagreeing with the OP do so because the casting is likely to leak due to social media, only one comment brought up the optics of hiding the identity of a lead that is a woman of colour. But even with one user pointing out the negative optics of keeping a woman of colour lead hidden the OP was lacklustre in their response with an idea of how they could still prevent the actress being named. 

This issue could have remained on one obscure Reddit post soon forgotten, however, some users on X have picked up the idea of hiding the actress who will be playing Sophie, and not announcing her, all on the pretext of it being 'good marketing'. However, more insidiously, some of these users on X have gone on to suggest that Nicola Coughlan should be used as one of the main actors to promote S4. This (more so than the Reddit post) gives a racist subtext to their posts around this, with the suggestions that a white woman is in a better position to promote a season of Bridgerton that has a woman of colour lead. It is not surprising that many of these same users defended the heavy reliance on Nicola for season 2 promotion ahead of the leads (a woman of colour and gay man), and also defended why the season 2 woman of colour lead should have to be promoted in tandem with another woman (this will be the subject of a later post so I won't go into it much at present). Some of the suggestions made on X range from not announcing who will be Sophie until the 2025 Tudum, to not announcing her at all and have her unveiled when the season releases.  

Whilst some of these fans probably think they are just coming up with extra clever marketing ideas when they suggest hiding the actress playing Sophie and using Nicola Coughlan instead, what they are actually doing is exposing some of the underlying racism in the Bridgerton fandom. Whilst I am not suggesting that all of the comments from these fans are driven by underlying racism, there is certainly distasteful racist undertones in the suggestions that a woman of colour should be 'hidden' while a white woman takes centre stage in her place. 

Bridgerton Season 4: What message could a substantive subplot for Polin send?

In an interview published by Business Insider in May, Jess Brownell talked about season 3, including the return of Kate and Anthony.  In response to a question about the thought process behind sending them away almost immediately in episode 1, Jess responded that it felt right.  She said that Kate and Anthony are putting themselves first, and that if they kept them around they would have to mire them in conflict, (I disagree with this, but that is a topic for another post).  Jess went on to say that we get to check in with Kate and Anthony then send them off and we then get to focus on Penelope and Colin, which is understandable as it was their season. 

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Unfortunately, as much as I would like to see Penelope and Colin be treated in a similar manner in season 4 - sent away so that we can focus on Benedict and Sophie - I fear this may not be the case.  In an interview with Variety in June, Jess Brownell said they weren't done with Lady Whistledown (as much as I wish there were), and that could provide a storyline for Penelope in season 4.  Jess's response raises the question of how it will be perceived if Colin and Penelope have a substantial storyline that keeps them around in season 4, as opposed to them being removed from the season so that focus can be put on Benedict and Sophie. 

After Kate and Anthony were sent away in season 3 not once, not twice, but three times (all without any onscreen farewell to their family), there is an expectation that Penelope and Colin will also be sent away for the majority of season 4.  If this does not happen, questions could - and should - be asked about Bridgerton, and Netflix's, commitment to the diverse characters and actors in Bridgerton, especially those that are (or have been) leads. I believe that a Penelope and Colin storyline could be viewed negatively by some viewers, and perhaps even seen as them getting a substantive storyline after their season because they are a white couple, knowing that Sophie will most likely be of East Asian ethnicity. 

Image Credit: Netflix

If the reason for sending Kate and Anthony away in season 3 was so the focus could move to the leads, but in season 4, Penelope and Colin aren't sent away in a similar manner for focus to go to the leads, then the message that the production is sending can be interpreted is that people of colour are not valued.  Bridgerton is already suffering with a perception problem in the way they handled the season 3 storyline for Kate and Anthony in general, but also Kate more specifically in tying her whole purpose in the season to Anthony and not giving her a storyline of her own, something that many believe that won't happen with Penelope in season 4. It is suspected from interviews with Jess Brownell that Penelope will have a storyline independent of Colin, and she will continue to be written as a character in her own right, not just as an extension of her husband.  

Image Credit:  Netflix

It isn't just about how differently the season 2 and season 3 female protagonists have been treated as characters, and potentially how differently they will continue to be treated, it is also about the respect for the season 4 leads. If sending Kate and Anthony away was to ensure the focus was on the protagonists in season 3, but then the writers keep Penelope and Colin around with a storyline in season 4, it will tell viewers that the production has little respect, or care, for the season 4 leads - another couple that will include a woman of colour. What message does this send to women of colour who watch the show?  For many it tells them that the show runner and writers, as well as the production chiefs, don't value women of colour and mixed relationships on the show, but rather wish to focus the show on a white couple, something that is problematic for them in the way the show is set up, as well as the focus they have on the diverse casting.  

Image Credit: Netflix

A Penelope and Colin storyline won't only be sending a negative message about how the production views other couples, and the season 4 leads specifically, but also how little they value diversity in the show.  The show runner, writers, and production have presented a smug, self congratulatory attitude around the inclusion of diverse casting, but they have again and again prioritised white cast members for the storytelling.  Having Penelope and Colin in season 4 more than they had Kate and Anthony in season 3 will be another example of the production seemingly prioritising white characters over those that are people of colour. 

Bridgerton Season 4: Five Characters that I don't think should return

As season 4 filming is about to begin much attention is turning from season 3 and to what will happen in season 4.  Jess Brownell has hinted that season 4 will be different, and potentially move away from London - and into a different season, potentially Autumn.  These differences for season 4 open the door for Jess Brownell to make the show fresh, new and interesting, if she is brave enough. With this in mind, season 4 presents the opportunity to write out characters whose storylines are getting stale, repetitive and boring, whilst introducing a number of new characters that will connect directly in with the main storyline and not be on the fringes of the stories being told.  

Below are five characters I think should be written out of Bridgerton. 

Image Credit:  Netflix

Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte's storylines for the 3 seasons of Bridgerton have centred on the unmasking of Lady Whistledown, and involving herself in the season of the diamond.  However, with no Bridgerton girls to be presented, and Penelope having been unveiled as Lady Whistledown, what storyline can Queen Charlotte have without it looking repetitive or forced, especially as Penelope and Colin's story is completed, and as with Kate and Anthony they should now be taking a back seat to other characters and storylines. In addition to these factors, Jess Brownell has suggested that the following seasons will be focused more outside of London, and potentially in a different season of the year, which could negate any requirement for the Queen to be present - especially if the action takes place during the off season when most of the Ton will retire to their country estates. With all of this in mind the purpose of Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton has ended, and to keep her in the show can only be for a repetition of previous storylines, and none of it will feel fresh and new. 

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Portia Featherington

As the Featherington heir storyline having been resolved with Portia keeping the money and Penelope keeping her secret, and all of Portia's daughters now married and mothers, Portia's story arcs are complete. Also, as mentioned above, Penelope and Colin should be taking a back seat to other characters based on the precedence set with Kate and Anthony in season 3. So with all of her story arcs complete, and with Penelope not featuring as much in the show, Portia should also take a back seat to allow for new characters related to current and future storylines take more prominence. Now, I realise some will say that she is required to be a foil to Violet, but why does it have to be Portia that is the foil?  Why couldn't it be another character?  Season 3 appeared to set up a future storyline with Cressida, which means Lady Cowper could act as the foil for Violet, or with it being Benedict's season the introduction of Sophie's step mother could act in that role, there is nothing that says it has to be Portia because it has been her for the previous 3 seasons.  

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Prudence and Philippa Featherington

As with Portia, Prudence and Philippa's story arcs are completed with their marriages and their children. The relationship between Prudence, Philippa and Penelope was set up to contrast with the relationship between the Bridgerton siblings, but with their relationship repaired there is no purpose for the continued presence of Prudence and Philippa. 

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Madame Delacroix

Madame Delacroix has been a fixture in all three seasons, first she appeared as the modiste that all the debutantes went to for their new wardrobes, and later she also became Penelope's co-conspirator in her Lady Whistledown. With the potential that season 4 won't be set during the main social season, with no Bridgerton girls (or love interests) debuting, and with Penelope having been revealed as Lady Whistledown, where will Madame Delacroix fit in during season 4? There may still be an odd scene or two at the modiste, but in general, as Sophie will not be a major player in society and Penelope's reveal in season 3 negating her need for assistance with Lady Whistledown, there appears to be no requirement for Madame Delacroix's presence. In saying that, of the five characters I have discussed, Madame Delacroix is the one that could be brought back without feeling forced or shoehorned into the show, mostly as we could have scenes with Sophie's stepsisters at the modiste, or she could play a part with Sophie's preparations for the masquerade ball, however, if the action is taken out of London it will limit the role she could play. 

These are the five main characters that I think have had their time on Bridgerton, and whose absence in season 4 won't, I believe, severely impact the storylines. I realise that perhaps many will believe the same about other characters from season 3, however, I can see where some of those characters could have a part to play in future storylines, or in Benedict's storyline, and thus have a place in the show going forward. 

Bridgerton Season 4: Will Kate and Anthony Return?

 In episode 7 of season 3 the writers sent Kate and Anthony to India (even though Kate was pregnant), which Jess Brownell has said in interviews was a plot device to write them out, leaving the way open for a return if possible.  For many fans this has led to the belief that Kate and Anthony won't be returning in season 4, despite the public comments from Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey about their commitment to the show.  The belief that Kate and Anthony won't be returning has been reinforced by Luke Newton letting slip in an interview that he had already seen his first script and Polin's first scene, something that Simone and Jonathan don't appear to have had the privilege of (even for season 3 after being the season 2 leads), indicating that the new show runner is perhaps less than committed to Kate and Anthony.  In interviews, Simone and Jonathan have repeatedly said they want to return, but it is up to the production, and so far the production - or rather the show runner - has come across as less than enthusiastic about the idea, and seems to be non committal about their return.

Image Credit: Netflix

I realise that many will come back saying that Jess said that she hasn't written Kate and Anthony outIn 2022, ahead of the filming for season 3 Jess Brownell, the new show runner, stated in an interview that Phoebe Dynevor (who plays Daphne, Duchess of Hastings) would be returning in season 3, however, as it transpired Phoebe did not return, leaving Jess Brownell looking less than truthful about her plans.  Having it committed in writing from Jess about Daphne returning when she didn't has led many fans to be sceptical about anything that Jess says about the return of Kate and Anthony, which could be a fair assessment based on information of previous actions.  

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Whilst the past behaviour from Jess is not definitive, there are other things to consider when wondering if Kate and Anthony will be returning in Season 4, specifically the availability of Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey.  Simone is currently filming the F1 movie, and travelling to a number of Grand Prix races around the world in order to film scenes, this is not due to complete until December, though it is hard to know if it will require a full time commitment from her for it, or if she is only required a few days a month.  In an interview with Vogue India Simone also hinted that she is working on another project set in India, though it is unsure if it is in pre-production or if she has been filming it.  Meanwhile Jonathan Bailey is currently filming Jurassic World in Malta, due to finish in October, but then he will soon after be beginning rehearsals for Henry II which runs in London from February to May 2025.  

In addition to filming and theatre commitments, both Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley have projects coming out this year, in fact Simone Ashley has 2, possibly 3, movies all of which she is the lead (yes, one is animated), which will all require some form of promotion.  It is hard to know how much these projects will be promoted and how involved in the promotion they both will be, but it is logical to assume Simone will be heavily involved in the promotion of her projects as the lead, as well as being an executive producer for one of them. With these commitments it is hard to see where they will have the time to commit to Bridgerton much, and if they do I don't expect them in it for more than a scene or two in one episode.  

Further, it is being reported on social media today that the hair and makeup artists that have worked on Simone for Bridgerton are not returning for season 4. Farida Ghwedar and Jessie Deol have been the only team to work on Simone for Bridgerton, and whilst they also did Nicola in season 3, I do not believe that they had been the ones to work on her in previous seasons. If these two are departing Bridgerton, could there be a possibility it is in part because Simone is not returning? This is a possibility. 

As much as this disappoints me, especially when you look at how badly Jess Brownell handled their story in season 3, and failed to complete their story arc in season 3, it is understandable as to why they may not return for season 4. I just wish we had received a good ending for them, and seeing at least one major life event for Kate onscreen.