Will Netflix and Shonda Rhimes Finally Adapt Bridgerton’s Best Book? Timeline Decoded

Bridgerton Season 4 is locked and dated, and of course we are already skipping ahead. Netflix has the series renewed through Season 6, Season 4 is coming in two parts (January 29 and February 26, 2026), and it is finally Benedict time — a Cinderella-flavored romance with Sophie Baek. But the loudest drumbeat I am hearing isn’t about Hyacinth or Gregory next. It’s about Violet and Edmund Bridgerton. Yes, the parents. And honestly, I get it.

What is 'Violet in Bloom' and why are fans obsessed?

Here’s the slightly nerdy wrinkle: the story fans want isn’t one of the main eight books. It’s 'Book 8.6' — a bonus novella called 'Violet in Bloom' tucked into Julia Quinn’s collection 'The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After.' Odd numbering, essential content.

The novella charts Violet’s life in snapshots: a spirited 8-year-old plotting payback on one Edmund Bridgerton after a childhood prank; a teen reencounter where that annoying boy turns unexpectedly charming (hello, enemies-to-lovers energy); then a swoony courtship, a deeply loving marriage, the births of eight children, and the gut punch — Edmund’s death, leaving Violet widowed at 38.

It’s the origin story of the Bridgerton matriarch we know: the sharp, warm, matchmaking mother who understands each child better than they understand themselves. Before that, she had an epic, all-consuming love — and it changed everything. Even Julia Quinn has said on her blog she loves Violet, but a full novel would be too heartbreaking because of Edmund’s death. Fair.

Does Shonda want to make this?

There’s reason for optimism. Shonda Rhimes has flagged Violet more than once. Back in May 2023 at the London premiere of 'Queen Charlotte,' she told Hello! that writing the prequel sparked ideas:

"Although, in writing it [Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story] I got very interested in Violet’s story. So, we’ll see."

She later said at an August 2025 Edinburgh Film Festival appearance that there is "a possibility for spinoffs" beyond the eight main seasons (as reported by the Express). She didn’t name names, but connect the dots with that Violet comment and you can see where this could go. She has also repeatedly said the plan is eight seasons and every Bridgerton gets married — something fans have echoed in their recaps of her remarks.

And the format is already proven. 'Queen Charlotte' — a six-episode limited series that braided young Charlotte and George’s romance with present-day reflection — pulled a 94% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, topping the mothership’s 84%. That same structure fits Violet and Edmund perfectly: a sweeping first love threaded with present-day Violet cherishing those memories surrounded by her grown kids and grandkids.

Will Netflix actually pull the trigger?

No official Violet spinoff is announced. But the pieces line up: creative interest, a hungry fanbase that wants to finally meet Edmund beyond mentions and flashbacks, and a business case. Bridgerton seasons take roughly two years to make; a limited series can keep the Ton buzzing between main drops — just like 'Queen Charlotte' did between Seasons 2 and 3.

Reality check: the timeline

Here’s where things stand — confirmed dates and reasonable estimates based on existing production patterns:

• Season 4: 'An Offer from a Gentleman' (Book 3) — Benedict and Sophie Baek. Confirmed. Two parts on Netflix: January 29 and February 26, 2026.
• Season 5: 'To Sir Phillip, With Love' (Book 5) — Eloise. Confirmed. Expected to start filming Spring 2026 and likely land Spring 2027 (per Tudum).
• Season 6: 'When He Was Wicked' (Book 6) — Francesca. Confirmed. Estimated 2029, given the show’s cadence.
• Season 7: 'It’s in His Kiss' (Book 7) — Hyacinth. Not officially announced.
• Season 8: 'On the Way to the Wedding' (Book 8) — Gregory. Not officially announced.
• 'Violet in Bloom' spinoff: Book 8.6 — Violet and Edmund. Not announced; timing TBD.

If Netflix goes for 'Violet in Bloom,' the earliest realistic windows are late 2027 or 2028 (between Seasons 4 and 5) or around 2029 (between Seasons 5 and 6). There’s also a strong case to hold it as a capstone — a 'return to the beginning' after all eight main seasons, which would make for a tidy bookend.

Where to watch now

All three seasons of Bridgerton are streaming on Netflix, along with 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.' Season 4 begins January 29, 2026. The Ton will be ready — and if Netflix is smart, Violet and Edmund won’t be far behind.