Warning: SPOILERS for Bridgerton season 1 and the fourth book in the Bridgerton series, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.
Bridgerton, the new Netflix show based on a series of romance novels by Julia Quinn, reveals Lady Whistledown’s identity much earlier than the books. Each of Julia Quinn's eight books focuses on a different Bridgerton child. While all eight alphabetically named Bridgerton siblings all appear in season 1 of Bridgerton, the season is primarily based on the first book in the Bridgerton series, The Duke and I, which tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon, Duke of Hastings. The Netflix show, of course, diverges from The Duke and I in several ways, but one of the biggest moments in the season isn’t in the first book at all.
In the books, Lady Whistledown’s identity isn’t revealed until the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. The plot revolves around Colin Bridgerton and his love interest, Penelope Featherington, who is revealed during Romancing Mr. Bridgerton to be none other than Lady Whistledown. Penelope’s alter ego becomes a point of conflict in their relationship. Lady Whistledown has been a nuisance for Colin by constantly publishing private details of his life, but, before Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, her identity had been a well-kept secret. However, the Netflix series chose to reveal Lady Whistledown much earlier at the end of season 1.
Near the end of Bridgerton’s season 1 finale, “After the Rain,” it's revealed that Penelope Featherington has been Lady Whistledown all along, marking a significant departure from the books. But there are a few practical reasons that could explain why the change was made. First, it’s a great way to resolve the tension built by the season’s biggest question: Who is Lady Whistledown? Since Lady Whistledown is voiced by Julie Andrews and features heavily in the Bridgerton trailers, the showrunners likely knew that the mysterious character would be one of the main hooks for audiences and the surprise reveal is a way to pay off the investment that viewers have made in the show. Second, it wasn't yet official that the show would get another chance to reveal Lady Whistledown.
Another (though less likely) reason that Lady Whistledown was revealed so early is that the Netflix show has not been renewed for a second season, even though filming for season 2 has already been planned. In the case that Bridgerton had been canceled after only one season, it would have left a massive loose end forever untied and the season would no longer be a self-contained story. Though season 1 left many questions unanswered, the main plot with Simon and Daphne was wrapped up satisfactorily and the reveal of Lady Whistledown’s identity answered the season’s biggest question.
The early reveal seems unusual, especially when compared with similar shows like Gossip Girl or How I Met Your Mother that waited until the last minute to reveal their big secrets - and the shocking scene was apparently tacked onto the Bridgerton finale in a last-minute addition. But since Penelope’s reveal asks as many questions as it answers, Bridgerton will keep many viewers interested in watching future seasons.
Despite being such a huge reveal, Lady Whistledown’s unmasking is still a cliffhanger and sets up a major thread for Bridgerton season 2. Lady Whistledown is the third most prominent character following Simon and Daphne, but Penelope Featherington was a relatively minor character in season 1. We don’t know why or how Penelope became Lady Whistledown and we don’t know what she plans to do with the unfettered power she currently wields. Luckily for Bridgerton fans, after the breakout success of season 1, it’s very likely that Netflix will order more seasons of Bridgerton, and Penelope’s story will be told.