ENTERTAINMENT
Is the Bridgerton show very different from the books? These are the main differences
Here’s the differences between the Bridgerton series and the books, both of which are still hugely popular.
With the new series of Bridgerton turning everyone into period drama fans, we thought it might be a nice idea to dive deep into the original books upon which the show is based. The eight-part book series, written by Julia Quinn, was released between 2000 and 2006, with the show largely sticking to the script of how the family lives in high society.
However, there are a few key details that the series did not copy, so let’s take a look, book by book...
Book One differences: The Duke and I
The first season of Bridgerton is based on the novel The Duke and I. Both the book and the series follow Daphne Bridgerton as her feigned courtship with Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, blossoms into a genuine romance.
The first major difference starts with Daphne. In the book, she is in her second social season, and most men think of her a friend instead of a wife. However, the show portrays Daphne as entering her first social season.
Another huge difference is that the identity of Lady Whistledown is revealed to viewers in the final episode of Bridgerton Season 1. However, in the books, Lady Whistledown’s identity isn’t revealed until the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton.
Finally, Bridgerton features more subplots and new characters not present in the book, such as Queen Charlotte, Siena Rosso, Prince Friederich, Genevieve Delacroix, and Henry Granville.
Book Two differences: The Viscount Who Loved Me
There is quite a huge difference between the plot of the book and the series, as in The Viscount Who Loved Me, Anthony Bridgerton is torn between Kate and Edwina Sheffield from London whereas in the show he struggles to choose between Kate and Edwina Sharma from India, with the love triangle played out much more dramatically than in the book.
The famous bee sting scene is also slightly different. In the book, Anthony tries to suck the venom out of Kate and upon being caught by Lady Bridgerton and Lady Featherington, the two are forced to marry.
Another difference is that Eloise wants to find out who Lady Whistledown is and encounters Theo Sharpe. Neither the subplot nor the character of Theo appear in the book.
Book Three differences: An Offer from a Gentleman
The third book is based on the story of Benedict Bridgerton and how he met and fell in love with Sophie Beckett. The series simply skipped out this storyline, moving straight to Colin and Penelope.
Book Four differences: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
The upcoming Season 3 of Bridgerton is based on Romancing Mister Bridgerton and will follow Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Check back once we’ve seen the show.
Book Five differences: To Sir Phillip, With Love
To Sir Phillip, With Love is based on Eloise Bridgerton’s story. We haven’t seen a Bridgerton season based on this book.
Book Six differences: When He Was Wicked
Book six takes us through the story between Francesca Bridgerton and Michael Stirling, but we haven’t had a series yet.
Book Seven differences: It’s In His Kiss
As with the other previous books, we’re still waiting for the Netflix adaptation.
Book Eight differences: On the Way to the Wedding
The final Bridgerton book is about Gregory Bridgerton’s story and and details his relationships with Miss Hermione Watson and Lady Lucinda Abernathy. However, we’ve not had a Bridgerton series yet on this book.
As you can see, the series has not followed the books, going out of order and, ahem, rewriting the script.
Series showrunner Jess Bromnell told Entertainment Tonight that “we’ve spent two seasons really getting to know Pen and Colin. We’ve been watching Pen’s crush and seeing how oblivious Colin is to it. That’s a dynamic that you can only play out for so long before something has to change. This really felt like the right time to lean into what’s been set up with them”.
“On the Benedict side, he’s such a fun character and such a fan favourite that we are really excited to play with him for a little bit more and let him have more fun before he settles down.”