7 Ways Netflix Improved Bridgerton's Kanthony, Making It Our New Addiction

Season 2 of Bridgerton was a visual feast for all fans of the Regency-era show.

The season's lead couple, Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton, aka Kanthony, enchanted viewers with palpable chemistry, longing glances, electric sexual tension, and a sweet romantic storyline.

To create such an incredibly addictive atmosphere, the show's writers made some changes to the season's source material, Julia Quinn's The Viscount Who Loved Me, and fans catching up on their reading in anticipation of Season 3 are discovering that the show has greatly improved on the novel's pairing. Here's how the creators pulled it off.

Cultural Aspect

The main change the show has made to the source material is the creation of an alternate reality of the Regency era, where love has conquered racism, and people of all races have access to the ton. This allowed the creators to cast Indian actresses in the roles of Kate and her sister Edwina, adding an exciting cultural layer to their backgrounds and attitudes towards life.

Father Issues

In the book, the main characters have very different motivations and conflicts from their show counterparts. Anthony is driven by the fear of dying young like his father, while Kate is insecure about being less attractive than her sister. In the show, they are both affected by the death of their fathers and are determined to sacrifice their own happiness for the good of their families.

The show's conflict is much more relatable and emotionally effective.

Higher Stakes

In the show, at least one of the Sharma sisters, presumably Edwina, must marry well because the family has no other way to survive. In contrast, in the book, if Edwina doesn't find a husband, it's not a tragedy, and the family simply moves back into their house and lives the rest of their lives without any struggle. Of course, the show's version of events is much more dramatic and suspenseful.

Age Difference

Another good decision by the show's creators is to make Anthony younger and bring the main couple closer in age. In Season 2, Anthony is 29, while in the book, he is 31. Kate is 26 in both stories. The difference of only three years allows them to relate to each other on a whole new level.

First Encounter

The show and book couples meet in different ways. In Quinn's novel, Anthony meets Kate at a ball, while in the show, they have a steamy morning horseback ride interaction that sets the stage for their entire romance.

Bee Scene

In both the show and the book, the bee scene is a pivotal moment in the Kanthony relationship. But in the book, it plays out in a much more dramatic and somewhat cringeworthy way. After Kate is stung by a bee, book Anthony, terrified, sucks the venom out of her chest, and the couple is caught in this compromising position.

Their mothers then force them to marry to protect Kate's honour. The show did a good job of replacing this story with Anthony's engagement to Edwina to not mirror the Season 1 storyline.

Toxic Relationship

The Kanthony book relationship is hardly sweet. Anthony is more aggressive and displays traits of toxic masculinity. Instead of cute jokes, flirty banter, and friendly competition, there is kicking, biting, locking Kate in the library, choking, and humiliating her, which doesn't sit well with many readers. The show has done an excellent job of toning down the violence and showing Anthony's vulnerable side instead.