Is Daphne & Simon's Story Really Over?

Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset’s love story was all but finished as of the Bridgerton season 1 finale, and that’s a good thing for the series. Bridgerton, inspired by a series of romance novels, centers on the large Bridgerton family. In the Julia Quinn novels, each child of the family is the center of their own book, and thus, is the focus of their own season of the Netflix streaming series. Daphne and Simon had a tumultuous courtship born from them pretending to court to appease society throughout season 1, but their story felt complete at season’s end.

The pair had a whirlwind courtship filled to the brim with drama, scandal, and romance. However, there were as many downs as there were ups in Daphne and Simon’s relationship, so it’s best if the Netflix show moved on from their relationship to focus on other characters and plots instead. With Regé-Jean Page not returning as Simon after the first season, and Phoebe Dynevor making a handful of appearances as Daphne in Bridgerton season 2, the series has been able to shift its focus, and pass the torch, so to speak, to the next courtship in the large Bridgerton family.

Despite viewers consistently hoping to see more from Daphne and Simon after their initial season came to a close, Bridgerton hasn’t delivered more of the show’s first couple. As the show approaches a fifth season, Bridgerton appears to be finished with its earliest story despite intense pushback from its audience.

Daphne And Simon’s Bridgerton Story

Daphne was undoubtedly Queen Charlotte’s favorite young woman at the start of Bridgerton season 1. As such, Daphne was the primary choice for marriage in the Ton and the eldest Bridgerton daughter was hosting a number of gentleman callers in the early episodes of the series. Despite capturing the attention of Queen Charlotte’s nephew, Prince Friedrich, Daphne was smitten with Simon, the Duke of Hastings. Daphne and Simon’s relationship started off well enough, with a meet-cute that ultimately led to a mutually beneficial pact. As the couple’s story developed, the unfortunate holes in their new relationship became more apparent.

For one, Daphne wanted nothing more than to marry for love and have a family. Being a mother was something she greatly desired, and it wasn’t because society demanded that she become one, either, despite sister Eloise’s accusations. Simon, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with marriage or family even though he had grown to love Daphne during their fake courtship. Daphne wanted to marry Simon despite his protestations, but he told her that he would rather finish the duel (and possibly die) rather than marry her, primarily because Simon knew that he couldn’t make Daphne truly happy.

What’s more, Simon lied to her about why he didn’t want children and the series took too long for them to have an open, honest conversation about their individual wants and needs for the sake of drama. This led Simon and Daphne’s romance to become toxic in various ways. There’s also the issue of Daphne’s assault, which has been condemned by fans and critics alike. Bridgerton season 1 ended with Simon and Daphne ultimately getting their happy ending, which was a relief because the series is now free to explore the lives of other characters and relationships in the Ton.

How Bridgerton Moved On From Daphne & Simon

The second season of Bridgerton was able to take a small step in moving away from Simon and Daphne’s romance to focus on Anthony Bridgerton’s search for a wife. The focus was mostly on his love story with Kate during the season, but Daphne still appeared at Bridgerton family gatherings, giving small updates on her life with Simon, but also providing a sounding board for her family since the time between seasons meant she was more seasoned in the ways of mature relationships. Daphne was there to help get Eloise ready for her debut and discuss Anthony’s romantic prospects.

While Daphne didn’t feature heavily in the season, her appearances made it clear that she’s still close to her family, but living her own life with her husband and her children. As the series has moved along, Daphne and Simon haven’t made another appearance. Neither Bridgerton season 3 nor season 4 feature the first season’s pair, but kept Anthony and Kate in the story, albeit in a lighter way. Regardless, the second season’s pair’s relationship with the Bridgerton family is different, since Anthony is the head of the family and needed to approve of his younger siblings’ marriage prospects.

After Bridgerton season 3 followed Colin Bridgerton and his friend-turned-love Penelope Featherington and Bridgerton season 4 followed Benedict Bridgerton and his now-wife Sophie Baek, several Bridgerton siblings still remain. The show can take different avenues with plenty of storylines to delve into, including how Bridgerton will handle the reinvention of Lady Whistledown after her identity reveal at the end of the last season. Ultimately, Simon and Daphne will continue being a part of the story as their family will likely mention them, but the chapter on their romance has concluded, which is for the best of the Netflix show’s future.

Could Daphne & Simon Return For Bridgerton Season 5? What The Showrunner Has Said

Daphne Bridgerton sitting in a well-decorated room, mid-conversation.

Although it feels like Daphne and Simon’s story has essentially come to a close, their presence on Bridgerton would always certainly be welcome. Some viewers have wondered if it’s possible for the pair to return for Bridgerton season 5, which will be a landmark for the series as Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling will bring the show’s first queer love story to life. While Page has been consistently uninterested in returning to the series, Dynevor has been slightly more open to another appearance. Showrunner Jess Brownell has been diplomatic about what’s to come, sharing Bridgerton is open to reunions.

Brownell, after being questioned about why Daphne and Simon weren’t present at Francesca’s late husband, John Stirling’s, funeral by Variety, explained that the series, “would love to find a time to bring everyone back at some point in the future,” if it’s possible. Though she revealed that, in her eyes, Daphne and Simon were a part of the funeral despite not appearing on screen, Brownell’s comments make it clear that should schedules permit, she’d be open to bringing past Bridgerton stars back to the series.

Daphne & Simon’s Bridgerton Recasting Rumors Explained

Daphne and Simon in Bridgerton season 1.

Although the series is open to returns from past cast members like Page and Dynevor, there were some rumors swirling about Bridgerton’s first couple potentially being recast for upcoming seasons. Though Dynevor has been open to returning, Page has been upfront about feeling that chapter of his career is closed. While recasting may have been the simplest path forward, Brownell swiftly shut down the idea, sharing Bridgerton’s “not interested” in recasting, as it would “feel like a disservice” to the work Page and Dynevor put into the series.

Brownwell explained that bringing the characters back would need to make sense, sharing that “we want to make sure we bring them back when we have something really meaty for them” to return to. Recasting the characters simply so they can be present for the stories happening around them doesn’t feel like a need, but instead a want from the Bridgerton audience. Despite the rumors, it appears that Daphne and Simon’s story is something that will continue off screen, at least fore the foreseeable future.

Source: Variety

Release Date: 2020 – 2026-00-00
Network: Netflix
Directors: Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson
Writers: Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin