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Netflix’s Bridgerton Ending Explained (Plus Differences From The Books)

Netflix’s Bridgerton is a drama that is based off of a series books — and there are a lot of differences including the ending.

bridgerton poster

The latest Netflix craze is Bridgerton, which is an 1800s drama filled show that will have you hooked from the very beginning. This series is based on a series of books, and there are actually quite a bit of differences between the Bridgerton show, and these books. 

If you haven’t yet watched the first season, read my spoiler free Bridgerton review.

Warning: Major Spoilers for Netflix’s Bridgerton Ahead.

Netflix Bridgerton

BRIDGERTON (L to R) NICOLA COUGHLAN as PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON, HARRIET CAINS as PHILLIPA FEATHERINGTON, BESSIE CARTER as PRUDENCE FEATHERINGTON and POLLY WALKER as PORTIA FEATHERINGTON in episode 101 of BRIDGERTON Cr. LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX © 2020

Mr. Featherington

In the first book, Mr. Featherington has already died, however we see him in Netflix’s show. He does eventually die in the show as well, but not before a storyline about his gambling debt in introduced. This, of course, is completely different from the book series.

Daphne’s Second Season

In the Netflix show, this is Daphne’s premiere season, and in the book, this is her second season. She is very nervous about trying to find a husband, as she doesn’t want to have to deal with a third season. It is because of this that her and Simon come up with the scheme to fool everyone and get her a suitor. In the books, however, her older brother and Simon’s dear friend, Anthony, is in on the scheme. In the show, he knows nothing of it.

Marina Thompson

While Marina Thompson is in the books, she isn’t to this extent. She is wed to Phillip Crane because her love George, died in the war, much like in the show. However, she falls into a depression and attempts suicide in a river, before catching illness and eventually dying. In the books, Phillip becomes Eloise Bridgerton’s love interest.

Boxing

The bareknuckle boxing that we see in the Netflix show is actually nowhere in the first book. This is subtle change, but a change nonetheless. This seems to tie in with Mr. Feathington’s gambling problem, so it serves a purpose in the show.

Simon & Daphne’s Reconciliation

The reconciliation between Simon and Daphne is much different in the books than in the show. In the Netflix series the two return to London together after learning of the scandal involving Colin, while in the books Daphne returns alone to visit her family. 

When Simon decides to join her in London, he sees her fall of a horse. Much like the Netflix show, the couple were unsure if she was pregnant or not after she had her way with him. In the book this scene was a bit different as she was taking advantage of him while he was drunk and half asleep, in the show she climbs on top of him so that he can not withdraw himself, as he usually does when they make love.

When Simon sees Daphne fall off the horse he realizes how sad he would be if she lost his child. However, she already knew she was not pregnant at this point, but he did not. This makes him realize that he loves her more than he hates his father. This realization comes to him in a rainstorm in the show. 

Netflix Bridgerton

BRIDGERTON (L to R) BESSIE CARTER as PRUDENCE FEATHERINGTON and HARRIET CAINS as PHILLIPA FEATHERINGTON in episode 106 of BRIDGERTON Cr. NICK BRIGGS/NETFLIX © 2020

Other Differences Between The Bridgerton Show and Books

  • Lady Whistledown’s identity is not revealed until much later in the series. However, she is the very same person – Penelope Featherington.
  • The Queen never appears in person in the books, while she is a major enough character in the series.
  • Simon and Daphne have a daughter first, not a son.
  • Opera singer Siena Russo was never in the books. However, she is based off of Maria Rosso who is briefly in the book, only to make Anthony’s future wife Kate jealous.
  • Cressida Cowper has a much larger role in the series than in the books.
  • Simon’s boxer friend Will does not appear in the books.
  • Modiste Genevieve Delacroix does not appear in the books.
Netflix Bridgerton

BRIDGERTON GOLDA ROSHEUVEL as QUEEN CHARLOTTE in episode 102 of BRIDGERTON Cr. LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX © 2020

About Bridgerton

From Shondaland and Creator Chris Van Dusen, Bridgerton follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market. Hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, Daphne’s prospects initially seem to be unrivaled.

But as her older brother begins to rule out her potential suitors, the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown casts aspersions on Daphne. Enter the highly desirable and rebellious Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), committed bachelor and the catch of the season for the debutantes’ mamas.

Despite proclaiming that they want nothing the other has to offer, their attraction is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future.

Bridgerton is a romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all.

The series also stars Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Polly Walker, Ben Miller, Bessie Carter and Harriet Cains and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown. The series is inspired by Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels.

Binge Bridgerton on Netflix now!

Sarah

Wednesday 31st of March 2021

Aw, come on man. You really needed to mention the name of Anthony's future wife? It could end up being the same person in the show. Not cool :(