Season 2 of the modernized period piece, Bridgerton got over 193 million streaming hours on premiere weekend. 

While the story of the Duke and Daphne Bridgerton left all who watched speechless, the Viscount and Kate Sharma left everyone wanting more. However captivating the season might have been, viewers had a lot to say about the Duke not making an appearance. Most viewers needed a little more of the Duke and Duchess to solidify their match and all its perfection. This was something that the book gifted to its readers. 

Regé-Jean Page’s original attraction to his role in the series was how “limited” it was. He was told that the series would have a beginning, middle, and end and that is exactly what he wanted.

He addresses his role as Simon Bassett, the Duke, in an Instagram post early April 2021. “It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined. The love is real and will just keep growing,” he wrote. 

The appearance of the Duke was by no means necessary, as it is prevalent that the series was a success without it; however, it would have served as a comfort for all Bridgerton viewers, just like it did its readers.