There are many aspects that make Bridgerton the successful series that it is, but one of the most important is the time period in which the romance series takes place, and more specifically, the year each season is set in. Overall, the Bridgerton franchise takes place during the Regency Era. This is a time period spanning from 1795 to 1837 that occurred in British history. The term “regency” is used because regents held the British throne during this time: George IV. This era is characterized by the abundant riches and refinery of the British upper class.

At this time, there are four installments in the Bridgerton franchise, all of which take place during different years in the Regency Era. In order, there is Bridgerton season 1, Bridgerton season 2, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, and lastly, Bridgerton season 3. Although the specific year in which each season is set does not necessarily make a huge difference between seasons, it is an interesting detail to examine. This is especially true considering the historical ties of Queen Charlotte. Regardless, it is interesting to see how Bridgerton uses the Regency Era to improve on its story and its romances.

Bridgerton Season 1 Timeline Explained

Year: 1813

The very first season of Bridgerton takes place in the middle of the Regency Era, in 1813. In this season, audiences meet the Bridgerton family, made up of eight siblings and a widowed mother. The fourth child, Daphne, has just come of age to enter court, and more importantly, is eligible to take a husband. Despite being the diamond of the season, Daphne struggles to pick a partner, that is until the Duke of Hastings arrives in the ton. Overall, Bridgerton season 1 successfully shows what the Regency Era was like through the traditions of the courting season.

There are a few historical distinctions Bridgerton introduces in season 1 that are quite different from real life. 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 with all the power. Furthermore, the series does not mention England’s conflicts at the time, such as the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars.

Bridgerton Season 2 Timeline Explained

Year: 1814

The following season of Bridgerton takes place one year after the first, ushering audiences into the next courting season. In 1814, Bridgerton heir, Anthony, is on the market for a bride and becomes unexpectedly infatuated with a woman thought to be a spinster, setting off a passionate and feisty love affair. Once again, Bridgerton season 2 sets the historical period with the courting season, but more specifically, openly uses the arbitrary rules of the time such as acceptable marriage age and rules of betrothal. Overall, Anthony and Kate’s statuses in society say a lot about the time period.

Historically, little changed politically in 1814. King George III was still the monarch and the War of 1812 still raged on in America. However, some romantic news did continue to occur. In 1814, Jane Austen published her novel “Mansfield Park,” meanwhile Romantic great Lord Byron published his tales in verse, “The Corsair.” Furthermore, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley abandoned his pregnant wife during that summer and ran away with Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, who would go on to write “Frankenstein.” In this way, Bridgerton’s more angsty romance between Anthony and Kate is fitting for 1814.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Timeline Explained

Years: 1761 and 1817

Interestingly, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’s timeline brings audiences both back in time, and into the future. The spinoff series has two different timelines. In 1761, Charlotte meets and marries King George III, meanwhile in 1817, Queen Charlotte’s heir dies, putting pressure on her other children to produce more babies. Although 1817 is only a couple of years ahead of the main Bridgerton series, 1761 is quite different from what audiences are used to. In fact, 1761 is before the Regency Era, when King George III still maintained his mental health and was able to rule somewhat efficiently.

While the 1817 part of Queen Charlotte is not very telling, the 1761 timeline says a lot more about the years before the Regency Era. This part of Queen Charlotte explores the history of the real Charlotte and George, who were real rulers of the British monarchy. And more specifically, the series delves into King George’s mental health issues, and the atrocious ways in which they were dealt with by his advisors. Although much of Queen Charlotte is not quite accurate in terms of years and details, the series says plenty about mental health and the monarchy at this time.

Bridgerton Season 3 Timeline Explained

Year: ~1815

The third season of Bridgerton is set to premiere on May 16, 2024, so it is unclear at this point what year the season takes place in, however it seems likely that it will occur in 1815 or somewhere around that time. In the past, Bridgerton seasons have only had a year between them, so 1815 makes sense, and based on the season’s promotions, none of the characters look as though they have aged significantly. In Bridgerton season 3, Penelope Featherington dedicates herself to finding a husband, despite harboring a long-time crush on neighbor Colin Bridgerton.

Notably, 1815 was a successful year in the United Kingdom when it came to ending wars. The Napoleonic Wars ended with a decisive win at the Battle of Waterloo, and the War of 1812 ended as well. Jane Austen and Lord Byron continued to be active in this year as well, as Austen published her novel “Emma” and Byron not only published “Hebrew Melodies,” but also married Anna Isabella Milbanke. Overall, this year is quite similar to the past two of Bridgerton, however hopefully season 3 can provide some insights as to what year it is set in.

Over the years, Bridgerton has done a good job of providing a dramatic and enticing story, while also providing key historical facts and important themes throughout. Though the Regency Era may seem a random time to set this story, it actually adds quite a lot to the tale of the Bridgertons. Each child is facing their own dilemmas and issues, and though their situations have different meanings in the Regency Era, they are still relatable in many ways. Though their specific years don’t make too much of a difference, the time period of Bridgerton does a lot for the show.