After following the steamy love story between Daphne Bridgerton and Duke Simon Basset in Bridgerton season 1, the series shifted focus to Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma's love story for the show's sophomore run.

Prior to the premiere on Friday, it was announced that the actor who portrayed Simon — Regé-Jean Page — would not return for season 2. The popular Regency drama wasted no time acknowledging his absence in the new season.