Filming of Netflix’s second season of Bridgerton has been halted for the second time in one week due to two positive COVID tests, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Until the series’ producers and network come to a consensus on a time to return to filming, production has been paused indefinitely.
Production was shut down on Thursday for 24 hours when it was found that a crew member contracted the virus. The crewmember was isolated and all individuals working on the series were tested. However, no new positive tests were discovered, thus production was underway on Friday. When another positive test was revealed, production was shut down once more. However, it is currently unclear whether a cast member or crew member contracted COVID-19.
Based on the book series by Julia Quinn (An Offer from a Gentleman), Bridgerton follows the eight Bridgerton siblings as they navigate the Marriage Mart in Regency-era England. Quinn has been labeled a ‘contemporary Jane Austen,’ with her books following similar themes of marriage as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility – with raunchy twists. The series was a breakout hit for Netflix, becoming the most-watched series on the platform after its release in December 2020. It reached a record 82 million households globally.
Bridgerton‘s debut season was nominated for 12 Emmys, including a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series and for leading actor in a drama series for Regé-Jean Page, (For the People) who played the role of the Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett. Jean Page will not be returning for the show’s upcoming season, however, Jonathan Bailey (Crashing) will be reprising his role as the eldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony, alongside his love interest, Kate, played by Simone Ashley (Sex Education) and her sister, Edwina, played by newcomer Charithra Chandra.
Bridgerton was renewed for a third and fourth season in April, and is expected to continue for eight seasons – one for each of Quinn’s books – however, no further renewals have been announced.