Making the first hit is hard; making the second hit is harder.
Take it from Chris Van Dusen, the showrunnerofBridgerton.
Regardless, his audience doesnt seem to mind.
Even if its lost some of its steamy scenes,Bridgertonkept its spark.
Lady Whistledowns identity was revealed at the end of Season 1.
But then she gets to don her Lady Whistledown disguise and take on this other persona.
And she suddenly gets to be much louder and more brash and really more visible than ever.
Is it just me, or was the show less steamy this year?
I wouldn’t say its less steamy this year.
And I think we’re telling a different story these days.
I think we’re telling Anthony Bridgertons story.
And I think that’s in a really good way.
That’s really one of the things that got me so excited about this project in the first place.
Where did you get the idea to turn the Sheffields into the Sharmas?
Ive said this many times before in Season 1, thatBridgertonis not a colorblind show.
Race and color are very much a part of the world.
And that meant anyone watching would be able to see themselves reflected on screen.
And I assembled an incredible group of writers this year.
We collaborated with a number of researchers and historians.
And we all had the same goal of being as authentic as possible.
Did you ever consider alluding to it, or making that another layer to the story?
I definitely think we infused Season 2 with certain details linked to the heritage of our Sharmas.
You hear Kate speak a little Hindi in the first episode.
I think it’s the first words that she says, that you hear her say.
You see some of the traditions and rituals of this South Asian family throughout the season.
And that’s what I really love about the show.
And again, it’s what makesBridgerton,Bridgerton.
Especially given that its a romance show, and its not going to be focused on political struggles?
Like you said, it’s no secret that the show’s based on a series of romance novels.
And I was never interested in turningBridgertoninto a history lesson or a documentary… And I think that’s where I got this idea of inserting Queen Charlotte into this world.
I always wanted this show to be about more than just a single family.
I wanted to see what happens outside of just the confines of Mayfair.
And, again, making this show reflect the world that we live in today.
You mentioned working with historians.
That was something that was heavily researched and I leaned on our historical advisors for.
Is it strange for you now that your time withBridgertonis coming to a close?
It’s definitely saying goodbye to everyone on set, that was difficult and emotional for everyone.
I think the show’s always going to be my baby.
And I’m curious to see where the show goes from here.
I think future seasons of the show will definitely be interesting for me.
I am a very involved, in the trenches showrunner.
So I’m certainly curious to see where the show goes now.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
