Here’s everything we know about Bridgerton season 2’s most highly-anticipated new character Kate. Season 1 of the Netflix series, created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes, premiered on December 25, 2020. Viewers were immediately entranced by the characters adapted from Julia Quinn’s series of romance novels set in Regency-era London. Bridgerton became the streaming services’ most-watched series, with 82 million households globally watching the season in its entirety or partially within four weeks. In January 2021, Netflix renewed Bridgerton for another season, and in April, the streamer confirmed seasons 3 and 4.
Season 1, based on Quinn’s The Duke and I, revolved around eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne’s (Phoebe Dynevor) search for a husband among the eligible men of the ton during London’s social or, more accurately, mating season. Daphne’s steamy love scenes with Simon Bassett, Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) helped Page achieve heartthrob status. The couple became fan favorites along with Daphne’s younger, free-spirited sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who is also infamous gossip columnist Mrs. Whistledown, and Daphne’s elder brothers Colin (Luke Newton) and Benedict (Luke Thompson). Excitement over season 2 was dampened when Netflix announced that Page would not return for season 2, which will focus primarily on Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest son and head of the family.
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After having his heart broken by opera singer Sienna Rosso, Anthony told Daphne and Simon he was resigned to finding a suitable wife, but love would not factor into his decision. Season 2 will be an adaptation of Quinn’s The Viscount Who Loved Me, which is set in 1814 at the start of a new social season. Anthony has already chosen his bride to be – the season’s “Diamond of the First Water,” Edwina Sheffield. However, Anthony learns that even the best-laid plans can get unexpectedly derailed when it comes to matters of the heart. With Bridgerton season 2 on the way, and here’s everything we know so far about the woman who turns Anthony’s world upside down, Kate.
Who Is Bridgerton’s Kate Sharma?
Bridgerton season 2 continues to paint a more diverse and inclusive picture of 19th century London by making Anthony’s love interest and her family of Indian descent and changing their last name from Sheffield to Sharma. Kate is Edwina’s (Charithra Chandran) protective older sister, who disapproves of Anthony as a match for her sibling. In the book, Kate is a seasoned veteran in the London social scene: a spinster of sorts due to her tempestuous nature. Kate’s backstory gets a makeover with her being a new arrival to London. However, Bridgerton’s Kate does share some key personality traits with her literary counterpart. “Kate is a smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools — Anthony Bridgerton very much included,” according to Deadline.
In a first look teaser, which was released by Netflix during the streamer’s Tudum fan event on September 27, Kate’s headstrong personality is central in her interaction with Anthony, who is caught off guard by her displeasure with the “requirements” he has for a potential wife. Kate doesn’t like the way Anthony views women (and thinks his character is utterly lacking). She also has no issue in telling him so. This exchange, although brief, says a lot about what fans can further expect from Kate, who isn’t so easily disarmed by Anthony’s flirting or a flashing of his smile. The scene from Bridgerton season 2 shows that Kate can read Anthony very well and has no qualms standing up to him.
Who Plays Kate In Bridgerton Season 2
British actress Simone Ashley plays Kate. Fans of another Netflix hit show, Sex Education, will recognize Ashley as Olivia Hanan, a member of the clique known as “The Untouchables.” The 26-year-old’s other acting credits include Broadchurch and Because the Night. Ashley also appeared in three episodes of The Sister, a British miniseries, and will voice an animated character for the short film Bulldog.
Why Is Kate Important In Season 2?
Edwina is the Sharma sister who catches Anthony’s eye, but it’s Kate who captures his heart. The couple’s path to happily ever after is going to involve overcoming a series of Jane Austen-esque hurdles, among them their initial disdain for each other and, most importantly, Kate’s loyalty to her sister. Kate, a new addition to the cast, will be at the epicenter of all of the season 2 drama. Expectations among fans are high after Bridgerton’s stellar first season, and Bailey’s dour Anthony suffered compared to Regé-Jean Page’s charismatic Simon. Transforming Anthony into a dashing romantic lead on par with his predecessor will require serious on-screen chemistry with Kate.
Their interaction in the first look teaser certainly has some fire, with Kate understanding that Anthony is no good, at least on the surface. Even as she berates him, he seems taken by her, so there will likely be a lot of push-pull with them this season. It’s possible Kate will ultimately be the one to peel away at Anthony’s layers, especially since Bridgerton season 1 made him somewhat unlikable because of his behavior. Fans are eager to see Kate and Anthony’s love story unfold during Bridgerton season 2 and, if the first look is anything to go by, there is far more enchantment and intrigue to explore in their relationship. All of it will happen under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Whistledown, of course.
NEXT: Bridgerton Isn’t Telling It’s Best Story Until Season 5
