It was a cold winter evening in early 2021 when Lisa sat down with a cup of tea, excited to binge-watch the most talked-about series of the year—Bridgerton. Like millions of viewers worldwide, she was captivated by the show’s vibrant costumes, opulent settings, and scandalous romance. But it was Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, who truly stole her heart. His smoldering intensity, undeniable chemistry with Daphne Bridgerton, and complex character arc left Lisa and countless other fans completely enchanted. As the season ended, she couldn’t wait to see more of Simon and Daphne’s life together in Season 2. Is simon in season 2 of bridgerton
But as rumors began to swirl and Bridgerton’s next season approached, Lisa and many other fans were in for a disappointment: Simon, the Duke of Hastings, would not be returning for Season 2. For a show that had captivated audiences with its dashing male lead, the question loomed large—why wasn’t Simon coming back? And how would Bridgerton fare without one of its most beloved characters?
This article explains why Simon doesn’t appear in Season 2 of Bridgerton, what Regé-Jean Page said about the decision, and how the show has evolved without him. We’ll also dive into statistics that reveal how Bridgerton has fared in its second season and discuss the broader impact of losing a fan-favorite character.
Why Is Simon Not in Season 2 of Bridgerton?
Regé-Jean Page’s Exit from the Series
The departure of Simon Basset, portrayed by Regé-Jean Page, from Bridgerton shocked many fans, especially after the massive popularity of Season 1. Simon’s love story with Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) was the central focus of the show’s debut season, and their relationship became the emotional heart of the series. Page’s portrayal of the dashing yet damaged Duke of Hastings earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
So, why didn’t Regé-Jean Page return for Season 2?
In April 2021, Bridgerton’s official Twitter account confirmed that the Duke of Hastings would not appear in the second season. Page himself later elaborated on the reasons for his departure in interviews. He revealed to Variety that his involvement in the show was always intended for just one season. “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end—give us a year,” he said, explaining that Simon’s story had a clear and complete resolution by the end of Season 1.
The Duke’s departure fits the overall structure of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels, which the series is based on. Each book focuses on a different member of the Bridgerton family, with the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, shifting the focus to Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest son. Page’s decision to exit the show aligns with this narrative shift.
The Impact of Page’s Hollywood Rise
Another factor that likely contributed to Page’s departure was his meteoric rise to fame following Bridgerton’s release. Almost overnight, Regé-Jean Page became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. By the time Season 1 had concluded, Page had already lined up new projects, including starring roles in The Gray Man alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. His increasingly busy schedule and desire to pursue new opportunities outside of Bridgerton played a significant role in his decision not to return for a second season.
Despite his absence, Page remained supportive of the series, often expressing his appreciation for its success and excitement for its future directions.
How Did Fans React to Simon’s Absence?
Initial Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Confusion
The news of Simon’s departure caused an immediate stir on social media, with many fans expressing disappointment and confusion. After all, Simon was not just a central character but also a fan favorite whose chemistry with Daphne had been a key reason many viewers fell in love with the show. A Twitter user expressed the collective sentiment when they posted, “How am I supposed to watch Bridgerton Season 2 without Simon? He was the show!”
The departure was particularly difficult for fans who had hoped to see more of Simon and Daphne’s life together as new parents. While Daphne remains a part of Season 2’s narrative, Simon is notably absent, with his character only briefly mentioned in passing. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, some fans even launched petitions calling for Page to return, showcasing many viewers’ emotional attachment to the Duke of Hastings.
Social Media Stats and the Simon Effect
The impact of Simon’s absence was immediately visible across social media platforms. According to data from Brandwatch, mentions of “Simon Basset” on Twitter and Instagram dropped by 64% between the release of Season 1 and Season 2. In contrast, discussions surrounding Anthony Bridgerton, the new male lead in Season 2, increased by 73%, showing how the conversation shifted to the new storylines.
While Simon fans were vocal about their disappointment, the show managed to attract a new wave of excitement surrounding the romance of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, played by Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley, respectively. Focusing on new characters helped ease the transition for some viewers, but Simon’s absence was still a major talking point.
Bridgerton Season 2: How Did It Perform Without Simon?
Viewership Stats for Season 2
Despite initial concerns that Simon’s absence would hurt the show’s performance, Bridgerton Season 2 proved another massive success for Netflix. According to Netflix’s internal viewership data, Season 2 premiered in March 2022 and was watched by 193 million hours globally in its opening weekend alone. By the end of its first month, the season had racked up 627.11 million hours viewed, making it the most-watched English-language TV show on Netflix.
This impressive performance put to rest fears that Regé-Jean Page’s departure would significantly impact the show’s popularity. The strong viewership numbers suggest that while Simon was a beloved character, the show’s ensemble cast and engaging new storylines were enough to keep audiences hooked.
Critical Reception
While Simon’s absence was noted by fans and critics alike, the new season earned generally positive reviews. Many praised the development of Anthony Bridgerton as the central character and the chemistry between Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley, who played Kate Sharma, Anthony’s love interest.
Critics from outlets like The Guardian and Variety acknowledged that while the dynamic between Simon and Daphne had set a high bar for romantic tension in Season 1, the slow-burn romance between Anthony and Kate offered a different but equally compelling narrative. The decision to focus on a new love story allowed the series to explore various themes, including duty, family expectations, and personal growth, which helped keep the show fresh and engaging.
What’s Next for Bridgerton?
Expanding the Universe
With the success of Season 2, Bridgerton has solidified its status as one of Netflix’s flagship series, and the streaming giant is already planning future seasons. Each season will continue to adapt a different book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, meaning new members of the Bridgerton family will take center stage with each installment.
Season 3, for instance, is expected to focus on Colin Bridgerton and his romance with Penelope Featherington. This structure keeps the series fresh by introducing new storylines and characters while keeping familiar faces in supporting roles.
Will Simon Ever Return?
There’s been no definitive answer for fans still hoping that Simon Basset might return to the series. While Regé-Jean Page has expressed his gratitude for his time on the show, he has also been clear about his desire to move on to other projects. However, given the fluid nature of television, especially in an era where fan campaigns can sometimes bring back beloved characters, it’s not entirely out of the possibility that Simon could make a cameo in a future season.
For now, however, the Duke of Hastings fans must be content with his memorable appearances in Season 1.
Conclusion: A New Era for Bridgerton Without Simon
Though Simon Basset’s absence in Bridgerton Season 2 marked a significant shift in the series, it ultimately didn’t hinder the show’s success. Regé-Jean Page’s portrayal of the Duke of Hastings will undoubtedly remain iconic. Still, Bridgerton has shown that it has the depth and flexibility to thrive even as the focus shifts to new characters and stories.
As the series progresses, viewers can look forward to even more romance, intrigue, and the elegant world of the Bridgerton family. While Simon may no longer be a central figure, his legacy will continue to be felt throughout the series. After all, he remains part of the Bridgerton family’s ever-expanding story.
