Why isn’t Francesca in Bridgerton season 2?

Everyone’s favorite period piece is back and surely it’s what everyone is talking about. Bridgerton season 2 has finally landed on Netflix after a long wait, and fans are enjoying this season just as much as the first season.

Sadly, the insanely handsome and kind-natured Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) doesn’t appear in the second season, but viewers do get to see his wife Daphne Bridgerton/Basset (Phoebe Dynevor) appear in some episodes. The Duke of Hastings absence is definitely felt, but viewers quickly learn of his whereabouts very early in season 2.

But the Duke of Hastings isn’t the only character absent from the second installment of the hit original series. After watching Bridgerton season 2, we couldn’t help but notice that a character goes M.I.A. after appearing in several episodes. That person is Francesca Bridgerton.

Here’s what we know about Francesca Bridgerton’s absence below!

Why isn’t Francesca in Bridgerton season 2?

Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen spoke with TVLine and gave the reasoning behind Francesca’s absence. He said that the actress who plays Francesca, Ruby Stokes, was only able to shoot three episodes of Bridgerton season 2 due to scheduling conflicts. Stokes was also shooting for another Netflix original series at the time. The show being the upcoming thriller Lockwood & Co. The creator and Stokes really tried to make things work, but Stokes sadly had to depart the series.

Chris intended on Francesca having more screentime and playing a bigger part this season, but that just couldn’t happen due to Stokes having other commitments. However, viewers can remain hopeful about Francesca’s return in season 3. Chris tells TVLine, “Perhaps Season 3 will be the charm.”

Bridgerton season 3 is based on the third book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series. The book is titled An Offer from a Gentleman and follows the love story of Benedict Bridgerton. Although the story won’t focus on Francesca, it’s safe to say that she will be in the third season. She is a Bridgerton after all.

Season 3 won’t be the last we see of Francesca either. According to the book order, Francesca takes center stage in book 6, which matches up with Bridgerton season 6. Unfortunately, Netflix has not renewed Bridgerton for a sixth season yet, but we remain hopeful!

Bridgerton season 2 is now streaming on Netflix!