It’s been weeks since Bridgerton season 2 was released and I still think about it DAILY. It also doesn’t help that my TikTok fyp is just as enamored with the show as I am, thereby just fueling my obsession.

Interestingly, this wasn’t my reaction after I watched the 1st season. I thought it was a fun series but forgot about it soon after. So what actually makes this new season a hundred times more romantic, relatable, and binge-worthy? Here are 7 (of the many) reasons why Bridgerton season 2 is much better than season 1:

     1. “You are the bane of my existence and the object of my desire.” – Anthony Bridgerton

No, I will not be elaborating further.

      2. South Asian Representation 

A brown girl! As the lead interest! Viewed as a regular girl and not just a token Brown Girl for the sake of diversity! More importantly, and there has been lots of discussion about this online, she’s a dark-skinned brown girl. The reason this is worth mentioning is if you are familiar with South Asian media such as Bollywood movies, tv serials, or even Pakistani movies and tv serials, 95% of mainstream actresses are light-skinned, which is an extremely skewed representation of the reality of South Asian faces. The fact that Netflix hired Simone Ashley (Kate) and Charithra Chandran (Edwina), girls who look the opposite of mainstream South Asian actresses, is both amazing and shameful for our South Asian industries. Not only do they defy traditional beauty standards but they were amazing in their roles, especially Simone.

       3. KANTHONY!!! 

Daphne and Simon who? The main leads from season 1 don’t hold a candle to Kate and Anthony. Hey directors, here’s a pro tip: more nudity does not equal better chemistry and Bridgerton season 2 is a testament to that. Compared to season 1, this time it was much tamer, and yet! I was sweating the whole way through. It was made for the female gaze and for the female gaze only.

       4. Enemies to Lovers Trope

It’s confirmed. This is the superior trope of all the tropes. There’s just something so frustratingly satisfying watching two people who start off as rivals eventually fall for each other, and in the most passionate way possible. Daphne and Simon didn’t have that- they were kind of just there….and then lusting for each other suddenly. There was no passion, whereas Kate and Anthony… whew *fans myself*

      5. The Incorporation and Celebration of South Asian Culture 

We heard a classical rendition of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, saw a haldi ceremony (a part of weddings), usage of South Asian jewelry, and proper chai amongst other subtle odes to the Sharma’s heritage. Who would’ve thought?

       6. Jonathon Bailey 

This man was brilliant! I didn’t realize what a static and dare I say boring actor Jean-Regé Page (Simon) was until we got to see Jonathan take the lead this season. His micro-expressions were more communicative than an entire Jean-Regé monologue, unfortunately. I was captivated every time he was in the frame because of the way he truly became the character and made me believe he and Anthony were the same person. Another win for the gays.

       7. Relatability of the Family Dilemma

As the eldest sibling (like Kate and Anthony), I was triggered watching this season. In season 1 we saw Anthony break up with his partner because she wouldn’t make a suitable wife due to his high status as a Viscount. In season 2, he’s hell-bent on finding the perfect wife because as the eldest son, he is the caretaker of his family. Similarly, Kate is hell-bent on finding Edwina a perfect husband because as the eldest daughter, she is responsible for providing for her family. When the two end up falling for each other, they are willing to sacrifice their love for the sake of their families. As the eldest sibling (especially from a POC immigrant family) this hit hard. We are constantly expected to put others above ourselves and seeing Kanthony experience the same was tough but relateable. I posted a TikTok about this and it seems as though MANY other siblings also agreed.

Honestly, if I could make all my reasons “Kanthony” I would.

And with that, dear reader, let’s sit in anticipation for Bridgerton Season 3.

– Lady Whistledown.

Just kidding, Fatima.