As Netflix viewers indulge in the latest episodes of “Bridgerton” Season 3, showrunner Jess Brownell has revealed some bittersweet news: fans will have to wait two more years for Season 4.
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Brownell shed light on the extensive process behind producing the hit Regency-era series. “We are working to try and put the seasons out more quickly, but they do take eight months to film and then they have to be edited, and then they have to be dubbed into every language,” Brownell explained. “And the writing takes a very long time as well, so we’re kind of on a two-year pace. We’re trying to speed up, but somewhere in that range.”
A Netflix spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Brownell offered some insights into the progress of Season 4. “We’re toward the end with the writers’ room season, with the scripts,” she revealed. “And I feel like it’s some of my best work and my writers’ room’s best work. We’ve just really gelled our collaboration, and we’re firing on all cylinders, so I can’t wait for fans to see what we have.”
Brownell expressed her pride in the current season’s reception. “I am so proud of how this season has performed and so grateful to the fans for tuning in. Every season, the momentum builds more and more, and we have a debt to pay to the actors in Seasons 1 and 2 for helping build enthusiasm. Then, I think Nicola and Luke have helped build a lot of enthusiasm,” she said, referencing stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton.
The conversation also touched on the future direction of “Bridgerton.” As Season 3 wraps up, fans are already speculating about which Bridgerton sibling will take the lead in Season 4. While Brownell remained tight-lipped, she hinted at the excitement brewing in the writers’ room.
“I have almost slipped up a couple of times, so keep asking, and maybe I’ll slip up,” Brownell teased when asked about the next lead. “I think one of the ships is going to be very, very happy.”
Extended Timeline for “Bridgerton” Series
Given the extensive source material from Julia Quinn’s novels, fans might expect a lengthy journey with the series. The show’s two-year production cycle means that each new season is carefully crafted to maintain the high standards set by its predecessors.
Projected timelines suggest:
- Season 4 in 2026
- Season 5 in 2028
- Season 6 in 2030
- Season 7 in 2032
- Season 8 in 2034
This extended timeline reflects Netflix’s commitment to fully adapting the eight mainline books, a process that could span 14 years from the series’ debut in 2020.
Potential for Spin-offs and Additional Content
The “Bridgerton” universe has the potential to expand beyond the main series. The success of “Queen Charlotte,” a spin-off focusing on a beloved character, has set a precedent for adapting other books within the “Bridgerton” world or creating other stand alones focused on fan-favorites such as one for Lady Danbury.
Possible future adaptations include:
- Prequel books like “Because of Miss Bridgerton” and “The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband”
- Standalone stories such as “The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After”
- A graphic novel, “Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron”
Given the rich source material, Netflix has ample opportunity to explore these stories, potentially threading them between main series seasons or as parallel timelines. With its strong viewership and high profile, “Bridgerton” continues to be a significant draw for Netflix. Fans can look forward to a decade of content, with the possibility of even more books being written by Julia Quinn in the future.
Originally read on THR.