Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ Timeline Explained: When Do All The Seasons and The Prequal Happens?

Attention, gentle readers! A new season of Netflix’s much-loved period drama, Bridgerton, is here.  

Right from the release of season 1 in December 2020, the Netflix period drama has captivated the world’s imagination with the sheer splendour of the courting season during the regency era marked by lavish balls, leisurely promenades, regal romances and Scandalous secrets. 

The first season was centred around the rather passionate romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), followed by season 2 that focussed on another steamy romance between Daphne’s older brother Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).

With season 3 turning its attention to Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) classic friend-turned-lovers romance, the show is once again all over the internet, making fans dissect all the details and timeline.

 

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Apart from Ladies dressed to the nines in tight-as-hell corsets and elaborate gowns vying for attention from handsome Lords, the Bridgerton timeline in itself makes the show a hit as it provides an escape for viewers to jump back to a different time period and enjoy some royal drama.

Breaking down the ‘Bridgerton’-verse

Overall, the Bridgerton franchise takes place during the Regency Era – from 1795 to 1837 – in British History. The term ‘regency’ is used because regents held the British throne during this time, in lieu of George IV. This era, as emulated in the show, is characterised by the abundant riches and refineries of the British upper crust.

Created by Chris Van Dusen, the show is based on the book series by Julia Quinn that chronicles the love life of all eight Bridgerton siblings.

But the Netflix show currently has four instalments – Bridgerton season 1 (2020), Bridgerton season 2 (2022), Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (the 2023 spin-off), and the recently released, Bridgerton season 3 (2024). Although the specific year in which each season is set does not necessarily make a key difference between seasons, it is an interesting detail to examine, especially with figuring out where Queen Charlotte fits into the timeline. 

Whether you are new to the Bridgerton-verse or a fan looking for a refresher, here’s a breakdown of how much time passes in the three seasons and the 2023 spin-off. Read on…

‘Bridgerton’ season 1 timeline explained

Set in the year: 1813

The Bridgerton story begins with season 1 set in 1813 racially-integrated London, where the elite ton have begun another season of the marriage market — the circuit of social events where eligible young men and women try to find a spouse. The debut season is all about making the audiences meet the Bridgerton family, consisting of eight siblings (all named alphabetically) – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Hyacinth and Gregory – and their widowed mother Lady Violet Bridgerton. 

The fourth child, Daphne, has just come of age to enter court and is eligible to take a husband. Despite being picked as the diamond of the season by the queen, she struggles to find a partner, that is until the Duke of Hastings arrives.

Overall, Bridgerton season 1 successfully shows what the Regency Era was like through the traditions of the courting season.

However, there are a few historical liberties that the makers take with Bridgerton season 1. First and foremost, King George III was the King of England in 1813, however, the country was truly ruled by his son, the Prince Regent, George IV. Bridgerton reimagines this so that Queen Charlotte is the one shown with all the power.

‘Bridgerton’ season 2 timeline explained

Set in the year: 1814

Bridgerton season 2 starts exactly after a year from where the debut season ends, transporting viewers to the next courting season. Set in 1814, the plot follows Anthony, the heir and the eldest son of the Bridgerton family, who embarks on a quest to find a suitable match. Unexpectedly, he finds himself enamoured with a woman – Kate Sharma – believed to be a spinster.

A tumultuous romance ensues igniting a rather passionate and controversial love affair as she turns out to be the sister of the diamond of season 2 – Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) who supposedly is the ideal match for Anthony.

Once again, the second season of Bridgerton captures the essence of the historical period, highlighting the societal norms of the time, including acceptable marriage age and betrothal rules. The social statuses and many passions and hobbies of Anthony and Kate provide valuable insights into the era. 

In terms of politics, 1814 witnessed minimal changes. King George III continued to reign, and the War of 1812 persisted in America. 

How and where does ‘Queen Charlotte’ fit into the ‘Bridgerton’ timeline?

Set in the years: 1761 and 1817

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story‘s timeline is intriguing as it takes viewers on a journey both into the past and the future. The 2023 spinoff series unfolds through two distinct timelines. In 1761, Charlotte married King George III, while in 1817, the death of Queen Charlotte’s heir added pressure on her other children to produce heirs.

The year 1817 is only slightly ahead of the main Bridgerton series’ seasons 1 and 2, but 1761 offers a stark contrast to what audiences are accustomed to. This period predates the Regency Era when King George III was still a true charmer, mentally sound enough to govern the country with some efficiency.

While the 1817 timeline in Queen Charlotte reveals little, the 1761 timeline provides a deeper insight into the years preceding the Regency Era. This aspect of Queen Charlotte delves into the true History of Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and George (Corey Mylchreest), who were actual rulers of the British monarchy.

Despite some inaccuracies in terms of timelines and details, the spin-off sheds light on mental Health and the monarchy during this period.

‘Bridgerton’ season 3 timeline explained

Set in the year: 1815

In contrast to the initial two seasons, the third season of Bridgerton diverges from the book series’ sequence to focus on Colin Bridgerton, the third sibling, inspired by Quinn’s novel Romancing Mister Bridgerton. Season 3 which premiered on 16 May 2024, is set in 1815, immediately following Colin’s return from a seven-month European journey in time for the courting season.

During this season, Penelope Featherington commits herself to securing a husband, despite nursing a long-standing affection for her neighbour and friend, Colin Bridgerton. Colin volunteers to assist Penelope in finding and captivating an ideal suitor by imparting lessons on the art of courtship and using charm to woo an eligible suitor. However, amidst this process, he unexpectedly falls for Penelope, leading the two into a whirlwind of passion and romance.

What happens next in this love saga of ‘friends-turned-lovers’ is something we will get to see in the second part of Bridgerton season 3, which will premiere in June 2024.

To put things in perspective, the United Kingdom in 1815 saw the successful conclusion of important wars, such as the Napoleonic Wars with the Battle of Waterloo and the War of 1812.

(Header and feature image courtesy: Instagram/Bridgerton/Netflix)

The story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What time is Bridgerton set in?
Bridgerton is set in the Regency era, spanning from 1795 to 1837, in British History.

– What is the timeline of Bridgerton season 3?
Season 3 is set in 1815. However, Part 2 of the third season is yet to release and it may cover events from the following or previous years, as well.