Dearest reader, the world of Bridgerton is expanding! Netflix has announced that Shonda Rhimes (producer, How to Get Away With Murder) will be writing a series about Golda Rosheuvel’s (Lady Macbeth) Queen Charlotte, via The Hollywood Reporter.

The spinoff series is expected to be a prequel that will provide fans of Bridgerton with more of Queen Charlotte’s backstory. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the spinoff will likely be a limited series, seeing as it has to play into the events of the main show.

Much like Bridgerton, the series will include elements of the true history of Queen Charlotte while taking creative liberties to create a history of the royal within the Bridgerton world. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Queen Charlotte’s youth, love life, and rise to the throne will be explored.

Speaking on the Queen Charlotte spinoff, Netflix executive Bela Bajaria stated, “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. Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Over on Twitter, Netflix announced the upcoming series in a tweet. In addition to Queen Charlotte, the streaming giant’s tweet also confirmed that a young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury will be featured in the spinoff.

All Hail The Queen!

Thrilled to announce we’re expanding the Bridgerton universe with a limited series that will tell Queen Charlotte’s origin story — the series will also feature young Violet Bridgerton and young Lady Danbury pic.twitter.com/nshBfETMdN

— Netflix (@netflix) May 14, 2021

In addition to the news of the new series, Netflix announced that Jess Brownell (writer, Scandal) will serve as Bridgerton‘s showrunner for seasons three and four, via The Hollywood Reporter. Brownell will replace Chris Van Dusen (producer, Grey’s Anatomy), the current showrunner for the regency-era drama’s first and second seasons.