The Viscount beat the Duke: Bridgerton season 2 becomes most popular Netflix series of all time

Now, we’re not going to pit two handsome gentlemen against each other, but if there was an unspoken competition going on between the Viscount and the Duke, there’s a clear winner. Bridgerton season 2 has now overtaken the show’s first season in ratings rankings.

The second season of the hit series had previously made Netflix ratings history with its opening weekend viewership figures, but almost one month removed from the premiere of season 2, Variety reports that the follow-up has now eclipsed the predecessor’s standing.

According to the report, by April 17, Bridgerton season 2 had amassed over 627 million hours viewed following the huge premiere on March 25. That’s enough hours to edge out the debut season, but also enough to make Bridgerton the first Netflix series to hold both the first and second spots in the most popular rankings with each of its seasons.

The series has now become the biggest English-language series of all time on Netflix. It’s no wonder that Bridgerton’s popularity has only managed to rise, even after a divisive season that found fans of Julia Quinn’s book series troubled by the show’s changes. Not to mention, fans were worried about Regé-Jean Page’s departure as the beloved Duke.

Bridgerton season 2 most popular Netflix show of all time

Clearly, Bridgerton fans found something to love in the second season of the romantic drama, and that’s most likely the slow burn relationship between Anthony, the Viscount, and Kate Sharma. Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley’s chemistry was undeniable, so much so that they had some viewers wondering if they are dating in real life. (Afraid not!)

The couple will be back in Bridgerton season 3, and fingers crossed, season 4. So far, Netflix has renewed Bridgerton for two more seasons, though there’s talk about adapting all of the books in the series. There’s even a prequel in the works, meaning the show’s reign will last many more years and millions more hours viewed.

For more on Bridgerton season 2’s viewership numbers, check out Netflix’s Lady Whistledown-esque announcement in the quote obtained from Variety:

"“After four weeks atop the English TV list, Lady Whistledown is most pleased to reveal that Bridgerton Season 2 has ascended to the #1 spot on the Most Popular list with 627.11M hours viewed, ahead of Bridgerton Season 1 in second place. This marks the first-ever series to hold both the first and second place on a Most Popular list. This week, Season 2 clocked 66.61M hours viewed and appeared in the Top 10 in 88 countries"

With only one month post-release for Bridgerton season 2, it will be interesting to see how the series and its latest season will continue to rise and make more Netflix history. Right now, it’s already staked its claim as the most popular English-language series on the streamer of all time, and it doesn’t seem to be giving up that title any time soon.

What did you think of Bridgerton season 2? Share your thoughts in the comments!