Simone Ashley Says "Bridgerton" Season 2 Has More "Sexual Tension" and is "Grittier" Than Season 1

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Welcome to the scandalous world of the Ton. Where no one is safe from the all-seeing eyes of the one and only Lady Whistledown. No one knows Lady Whistledown’s identity, but in Bridgerton, she shares everyone's secrets, good and bad, as the young elite try to find the perfect life partner while attending exclusive, lavish balls. If you haven't seen the Netflix series, then you're certainly in for a special treat. The show is possibly one of the best that the streaming giant has released, and you won't regret watching a single second of it. But if you just finished watching and are hoping to find out a little bit more about what might happen next, we've got you covered.

*Major spoilers for season 1 of Bridgerton below!*

Here's everything we know about Bridgerton season 2.

Are there episode titles for season 2?

Dear readers, we are so close to the release of season 2. And in the lead-up to its March 25 premiere date, Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen revealed all eight episode titles for the upcoming season. The premiere episode is named "Capital R Rake," which is a signal to Lady Whistledown's column in chapter one of author Julia Quinn's second Bridgerton novel, The Viscount Who Loved Me. The second episode is titled, "Off to the Races," and is followed by "A Bee in Your Bonnet," "Victory," "An Unthinkable Fate," "The Choice," "Harmony," and finally, "The Viscount Who Loved Me."

Is there a playlist for season 2?

Get ready for more classical covers! Season 1 of Bridgerton charmed the Ton with instrumental versions of tracks such as Shawn Mendes' "In My Blood," Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next," and Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy," and season 2 is set to deliver even more Regency-era remixes of your favorite pop songs. On March 7, Netflix's companion site Tudum revealed the playlist for this season, and it includes tracks such as "Diamonds" by Rihanna, "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles, "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus, and more. See below for each and every song featured in season 2.

• "Stay Away" by Nirvana, performed by Vitamin String Quartet

• "Material Girl" by Madonna, performed by Kris Bowers

• "Diamonds" by Rihanna, performed by Hannah V and Joe Rodwell

• "Dancing On My Own" by Robyn, performed by Vitamin String Quartet

• "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette, performed by Duomo

• "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" performed by Kris Bowers

• "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles, performed by Steve Horner

• "What About Us" by P!nk, performed by Duomo

• "How Deep Is Your Love" by Calvin Harris and Disciples, performed by Kiris

• "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus, performed by Midnight String Quartet

Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen provided some insight into how he selected the tunes for the upcoming season: "I chose all of these songs for very specific reasons. Each one is incredibly powerful and deeply emotional in its own special way. I always try many different songs for any one scene before landing on the perfect one to use. This season, I couldn’t be more thrilled about our musical playlist," he told Tudum.

Is there a trailer for season 2?

Yes! In the official trailer released on March 9, 2022, we get a glimpse into Anthony's love affair with the Sharma sisters. "It is only out of the greatest love of my family that I am to choose a wife with head and not my … heart," he says in the clip.

Netflix also dropped a trailer for the highly-anticipated second season of Bridgerton on February 14, 2022 via Twitter, and dear readers, it's just as good as you imagined. In it, Penelope (a.k.a Lady Whistledown) pens a letter teasing at what's to come and we simply can't wait for March 25 to come.

Are there any new clips or photos from the upcoming season?

Netflix just graced us with pics from the upcoming season of Bridgerton and we're more than ready to see all our faves back in action again soon. The first look at the new season was shared in a tweet on January 19, 2022.

The streaming platform also held its annual TUDUM fan event on September 25, 2021, and it definitely brought some goodies for Bridgerton fans. We finally get a glimpse into season 2 thanks to the brand new clip from the event, where can witness Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma's meet-cute.

During the TUDUM panel, Simone Ashley (who plays Kate) said that although she and Anthony get off on the wrong foot, they definitely "aren't lacking in passion." After Anthony's affair with his mistress in season 1, Kate comes in as his new love interest in season 2. Just because this upcoming season doesn't focus on the Duke and Daphne doesn't mean there isn't enough romance to go around for the rest of the Bridgerton bunch.

That's not all — Netflix also graced us with new photos of the Sharma family in the upcoming season, and I have lost all ability to chill.

Are there any new cast members joining Bridgerton season 2?

In a surprise twist, Netflix has announced that Rupert Evans will be joining the cast as Edmund Bridgerton, "the loving and devoted husband of Violet Bridgerton and an endlessly patient and kind father who takes special pride in guiding his eldest son Anthony through life."

Obviously, this means we'll be seeing some flashbacks in season two and possibly a bit of Violet and Edmund's love story. There's no word on how many episodes he'll be in, but if he's anything like the rest of the Bridgerton family, we're definitely going to want to see him in the series a lot more.

And since this upcoming season will be following Anthony in his journey to find love, there will no doubt be some new faces joining in on the fun. Fans of the series have long been hoping to find out who will be playing Kate and now Netflix has officially revealed that Simone Ashley won out the coveted role.

And the Sheffield Sharma wouldn't be complete without Kate's sister, Edwina. Deadline confirms that Charithra Chandran, a newcomer, won out the coveted role. She is also set to star in season 2 of Alex Rider.

Meanwhile, Rupert Young, who previously appeared in Merlin as Sir Leon, is also joining the series in a brand new mystery role. He will play, "Jack, the newest member of the Ton with a connection to one of its most notable families and a Bridgerton mystery. The character was created for the series; he is not in the books," according to Deadline.

How long did Bridgerton season 2 film for?

After a false alarm earlier this year, the Bridgerton cast is back together for another matching season. On May 1, People reported that filming has started for the show's highly anticipated second season. In the photos, most of the Bridgerton family can be seen recording a scene together with newcomer Simone Ashley, who is playing Anthony Bridgerton's new love interest, Kate. No doubt this is just the beginning and we'll see some more parts being filmed over the next couple of months as they continue to work on season 2.

Showrunner Chris Van Dusen confirmed in early August that production is back on track after it was put on hold due to a positive Coronavirus case in July.

"We are back underway. We had to delay because of COVID, but we’re back in it," Chris told Variety. "Right now I’m in post, editing our first couple episodes, which are looking great."

According to a report by Deadline, the crew member went into isolation on July 16 and everyone else involved was tested for COVID.

Chris also shared a photo on November 20, 2021 to celebrate the end of filming for season 2. "That's a wrap on Season Two! So proud of this cast and crew who brought their A-games to work each and every day in this very challenging year," he tweeted.

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes gave another update on the show in December 2021. "Everybody was so upset about Regé not coming back as the Duke, and I said early on our goal is that every season, you have a couple that you’re obsessed with, and that you can't believe that we're not going to see more of their story next season, because we're telling a complete love story every season," Shonda told Adweek. "And that is the beauty of what Season 2 is. We’re halfway through editing all the episodes, and they're gorgeous."

Are there any characters who aren't coming back?

Unfortunately, the Duke of Hastings won't be spotted with the rest of the Ton during this upcoming matching season. Netflix has announced that season 1 star Regé-Jean Page will not be returning to the series for the second season.

Is Bridgerton season 2 happening?

Bridgerton is officially coming back for another matching season of fun. This time it's Anthony's turn to find his perfect match and things are definitely bound to heat up in the ton.

What will Bridgerton season 2 be about?

Luckily for us, Bridgerton is based on a book series so it's easy for us to find out what will happen next. Season 2 is going to follow the second book in the series, The Viscount Who Loved Me. According to the book's Amazon page:

"Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry — he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield — the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands — and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister — but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself..."

If you're really wanting to know what happens, you can always check out the book series for yourself.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jonathan Bailey teased that season 2 will include a love triangle between his character, Anthony, and the Sharma sisters, Kate and Edwina. "You can understand why he's drawn to both and they're both drawn to him in turn. It's an interesting love triangle; it's dangerous when it's siblings. It's bestial between them in a way season 1 wasn't. They're all animals with each other," he told the outlet. And, about Anthony and Kate's relationship dynamic, Jonathan says that "Enemies to lovers is extreme."

"They can hit each other's buttons within a second, and it's something that's instinctive. Their sense of self they project to other people, they can't do that [with one another]; they're naked in front of each other," he added.

In an interview with Net-A-Porter, Simone Ashley dished that season 2 is "much grittier" than the first. "There's a lot of drama and a lot of sexual tension. My parents will be watching it – but not with me!" she told the outlet. "It's like a fairytale, but, you know, it's not a typical fairy tale because these [are] two incredibly complex characters. For want of a better expression, [it's] f–ked up people with a complicated history," she continued.

The show's creator, Chris Van Dusen, also dished to EW that "The main theme of season 2 is head versus heart."

"It's true for Anthony and Kate, and it's also true for Penelope," Chris said. "Her heart is with Lady Whistledown, but even she has to wonder if being London's most notorious gossip writer is the wisest thing."

When will Bridgerton season 2 be released?

On the 1-year anniversary of the series, the cast gathered around to read a *brand-new* report by Lady Whistledown herself. Naturally, Netflix shared the experience with fans on social media. Per the post, Bridgerton season 2 is slated to return on March 25, 2022, which makes it the perfect binge-watch for spring break.

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