Could the ‘Queen Charlotte’ Spin-Off Be Even More Addictive Than ‘Bridgerton’?

Ever since the second season of Bridgerton landed on screens last spring—replete with secret assignations, lavish balls, and bees—fans of Shonda Rhimes’s record-breaking Regency romp have been counting down to its third, Penelope-and-Colin-centric installment. But they also have another candy-colored period drama series to look forward to in 2023: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the show’s upcoming spin-off which will center on the titular monarch. Though the formidable, extravagantly dressed ruler, believed by many to be Britain’s first Black queen, is played by Golda Rosheuvel in Bridgerton, it was revealed back in March 2022 that newcomer India Amarteifio would portray her as a teenager in the prequel.

On September 23, 2022, Netflix released a dazzling first still from the production, which showed Amarteifio in costume—a delicately embroidered white ballgown worn with a glittering silver cloak and diamond-encrusted headpiece—as she stares into the camera, her expression uncertain as she embarks on a new chapter in her life that will change the course of history.

In the series, the actor, who’s had small roles in Doctor Who, Line of Duty, and Sex Education, will be joined by a host of other new additions to the Bridgerton universe: Corey Mylchreest as the young King George; Michelle Fairley as Augusta, the dowager princess who will do whatever it takes to secure her son’s position; and Arsema Thomas as the young Agatha Danbury, who uses Charlotte’s arrival to find her own way into high society. A first look at the latter, resplendent in feathers, jewels and a silver corset, was also unveiled on January 1.