Calling all Bridgerton fans who want more girl squad power in their irreverent period drama: it's time to check out The Buccaneers. Apple TV+'s show, inspired by Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel of the same name, stars an ensemble including Kristine Frøseth and Christina Hendricks and follows a group of young American women who turn London upside down when they debut in the old-fashioned social scene ready to find eligible husbands. The beloved first season, which concluded on December 13, 2023, wrapped up eight episodes of whirlwind romances, coming-of-age soul-searching, anachronistic needle drops, and Gilded Age fashions. Thankfully for fans, just days later, Apple TV+ announced that the witty series has been renewed for a second season.
"It’s been a complete thrill to watch people all over the world fall in love with these characters, who’ve been brought to such vibrant life by our spectacular cast," series creator Katherine Jakeways said in a statement. "We know season one left audiences desperate to know what’s next for our buccaneers, so I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to explore the further adventures of this smart, joyful, messy sisterhood."
With more of the hit romance series on the way, we're breaking down everything we know about The Buccaneers season 2 below.
When will 'The Buccaneers' season 2 come out?
We finally know when The Buccaneers will return to Apple TV+! In mid-March, the streamer announced that the series will premiere on Wednesday, June 18. Along with the announcement, Apple TV+ confirmed that season 2 will feature eight episodes, each airing weekly until August 6.
The news was announced with an enticing teaser trailer featuring the cast in costume, looking like they're up to no good in a luxurious mansion. The only dialogue uttered is by Theo (Guy Remmers) and Guy (Matthew Boome), who say in a voice-over, "She chose me," and, "Did she?" respectively. We can't wait!
Mia Threapleton and Josie Totah in a first-look photo at season 2.
Which of the cast will return for 'The Buccaneers' season 2?
Apple TV+ has confirmed that the main ensemble cast will be returning, including Kristine Frøseth (Nan St. George), Alisha Boe (Conchita Closson), Josie Totah (Mabel Elmsworth), Aubri Ibrag (Lizzy Elmsworth), Imogen Waterhouse (Jinny St. George), Christina Hendricks (Mrs. St. George), Mia Threapleton (Honoria Marable), Josh Dylan (Lord Richard Marable), Guy Remmers (Theo, Duke of Tintagel), Matthew Broome (Guy Thwarte), and Barney Fishwick (Lord James Seadown).
Are there any new cast members in 'The Bucaneers' season 2?
Yes! On October 1, 2024, Apple TV+ shared the thrilling news that an icon from another hit TV show has joined The Buccaneers season 2. Gossip Girl alum Leighton Meester is among the stars of the forthcoming season in an undisclosed role.
The streamer shared the casting news with a heartwarming Reel on Instagram, featuring the caption, "Darlings, welcome Leighton Meester to The Buccaneers Season 2." The cast puts on their best Gossip Girl as Boe hears the news over a phone call and promptly tells her costars, who spread it to the other cast members on set. At the end of the clip, the stars go to answer a door to find Meester smiling on the other side, already dressed in costume in a pink gown.
We can't wait to see Blair Waldorf herself in the finest Gilded Age-era gowns.
In a February interview with TV Insider, Meester teased her top-secret role, assuring fans that the new season is "worth the wait."
"The truth is, being a fan of the first season, I was so happy to come on to play any role!" she told the outlet. "That being said, this is the best possible role that I could have ever asked for, and it’s going to be a secret until it comes out. Trust me, it’s worth the wait."
Deadline announced the rest of season 2's new cast in December 2024, including newcomers Jacob Ifan (A Discovery of Witches), Grace Ambrose (Amen), and Maria Almeida (The Strays). English actor Greg Wise also joins the Apple TV+ series, three decades after he originally played Guy Thwaite in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Wharton's novel.
Guy Remmers in a first-look photo for season 2.
What will 'The Buccaneers' season 2 be about?
Apple TV+ has shared an official logline for season 2: "In the first season of The Buccaneers, a group of fun-loving young American girls exploded into the tightly corseted London of the 1870s…setting hearts racing and kicking off an Anglo-American culture clash. Now the Buccaneers are no longer the invaders—England is their home. In fact they’re practically running the place. Nan is the Duchess of Tintagel, the most influential woman in the country. Conchita is Lady Brightlingsea, heroine to a wave of young American heiresses. And Jinny is on every front-page, wanted for the kidnap of her unborn child. All of the girls have been forced to grow up and now have to fight to be heard, as they wrestle with romance, lust, jealousy, births, and deaths...themes consuming all women of any age, no matter what year it is. Last time we got a taste of England. This time we’re in for a veritable feast."
More specifically, fans may be able to recall that the season 1 finale wraps up the main arc of Nan St. George's love triangle (are you Team Theo or Team Guy?) with her lavish wedding. However, several cliffhangers tee up the second season, including Jinny's abusive marriage, Mr. and Mrs. St. George's divorce, and the identity of Nan's birth mother. Readers of Wharton's source novel will know that Nan's marriage came very early on in the pages, so there's still plenty of drama in store for all of the girls to deal with after they say, "I do." Since the book was famously unfinished, Jakeways and the creative team have plenty of room to apply their spin to the story.
Grace Ambrose, Imogen Waterhouse and Matthew Broome in a first-look photo for season 2.
What have the cast and crew said about 'The Buccaneers' season 2?
In an interview with Town & Country, Frøseth told the outlet that she hopes the season 2 plot goes "back to [Edith Wharton's book]."
"I think Nan and Theo have a really interesting relationship in the book and I'd actually really like to see that translate into screen," she said. "They have an awful marriage, and just the subtleties of that and how their dynamic is forced, and how she secretly wants Guy. But she also miscarries a lot, and there's a lot of pressure for her to have a baby, to have a baby boy. So that's interesting."
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