Queen Charlotte, portrayed by Golda Rosheuvel in Netflix’s “Bridgerton” series, will get her own spinoff series. (Photo courtesy Netflix via Twitter)
By AFRO Staff
“All Hail the Queen.”
Netflix on May 14 announced it would be running a limited series featuring the back story of Queen Charlotte, the Black English regent featured in the highly popular “Bridgerton” television show.
It is welcome news for fans of the period drama, a Shondaland production that has been Netflix’s biggest series debut in its history, with over 82 million households tuning in since the December 25, 2020 launch. It is also the first of offering of the multiyear deal struck between Shondaland and the streaming service.
“This new series will be a limited prequel series that follows the rise and love life of a young Queen Charlotte…,” Shondaland staff wrote on their website. “And best of all? Shonda Rhimes herself will write the series and serve as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica.”
The Shondaland production is based on the novels by Julia Quinn. However, Shonda’s reimagined “Bridgerton” featured not only lush settings and costumes but also a diverse cast, including an interracial lead couple. The show’s Queen Charlotte, portrayed by Golda Rosheuvel, is another divergence from Quinn’s original books. However, her portrayal as someone of African descent is based on fact—a claim asserted by historian Mario de Valdes y Cocom in a 1997 PBS article.
“Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton,” said Netflix head of global TV Bela Bajaria as quoted by Deadline.
Netflix also announced on Twitter that the spinoff series would also feature young Violet Bridgerton and young Lady Danbury.
”With Bridgerton, I set out to make the period show I always wanted to see. could’ve anticipated how much the rest of the world also wanted to see it,” said said Seasons 1 and 2 showrunner Chris Van Dusen. “I’m deeply proud of this remarkable cast and incredible crew.”