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What book is Bridgerton based on?

The Duke and I, book 1 of Bridgerton, by Julia Quinn.

The book behind Bridgerton

The Duke and I

2000 · book 1 of Bridgerton · by Julia Quinn

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Should you read it first?

Read The Duke and I first. Avon published it in January 2000 as the opening book of the Bridgerton series of Regency romances, and each of the other seven novels centers on one sibling.

Book vs series

  • Season 4 renames Sophie Beckett as Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, and leaves out the novel's two-year time skip.
  • Season 3 (2024) adapts book 4 before season 4 adapts book 3, a shift a 2022 Deadline headline called diverging from book series order.
  • Queen Charlotte (2023) is a prequel centered on young Queen Charlotte, who does not appear in the Bridgerton novels.
  • Julia Quinn said of the show's changed setting: 'This is already romantic fantasy.'
Show the big differences (spoilers)

After Anthony challenges Simon to a duel, Simon agrees to marry Daphne but warns he can never have children.

Which book is each season based on?

SeasonBook
Season 1 (2020)The Duke and I · Daphne and Simon
Season 2 (2022)The Viscount Who Loved Me · Anthony and Kate
Season 3 (2024)Romancing Mister Bridgerton · Colin and Penelope, out of book order
Season 4 (2026)An Offer from a Gentleman · Benedict and Sophie, two parts

What to read next

The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000). Season 2 adapts it, and it follows Anthony, the eldest brother.

Bridgerton in order

  1. 1The Duke and I 2000
  2. 2The Viscount Who Loved Me 2000
  3. 3An Offer from a Gentleman 2001
  4. 4Romancing Mister Bridgerton 2002
  5. 5To Sir Phillip, With Love 2003
  6. 6When He Was Wicked 2004
  7. 7It's in His Kiss 2005
  8. 8On the Way to the Wedding 2006

Full reading order and editions →

All Bridgerton movies and series →

Updated Nov 2, 2026 · MoviesBooks editors