Belgravia: The Next Chapter vs Original & Season 2 Update

If you watched the original Belgravia and wondered what happened next, you’re not alone. The sequel series, Belgravia: The Next Chapter, picks up about 25 years later with a new generation of the Trenchard family navigating love, scandal, and social climbing in Victorian London.

Number of episodes: 8 ·
Original network: MGM+ ·
Premiere date: January 14, 2024 (Rotten Tomatoes (critical aggregator)) ·
Creator: Julian Fellowes ·
Setting: Belgrave Square, London

What’s the difference between Belgravia and Belgravia: The Next Chapter?

The two series share a creator and a surname, but they’re distinct in time, tone, and creative team. Belgravia (2020) was written by Julian Fellowes and focused on the first generation of the Trenchard family in the early 19th century. The Next Chapter was created by Helen Edmundson (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)) and moves the story forward by about 25 years, into the Victorian era around 1871.

Key differences in plot and setting

• Time period: The original Belgravia takes place in the 1810s–1820s; the sequel jumps to the 1840s–1870s.
• Central characters: The original follows James and Sophia Trenchard. The Next Chapter focuses on Frederick Trenchard (James’s grandson) and Clara Dunn (Austenprose (literary period drama blog)).
• Network: The original aired on ITV (UK) and Epix (US); the sequel moved to MGM+ exclusively.

Character connections across the two series

• Frederick Trenchard is the grandson of James Trenchard from the first series (Austenprose (literary period drama blog)).
• Minor characters from the original make cameo appearances, but the sequel largely introduces a new ensemble.
• Both series explore themes of social mobility, secrecy, and class in London high society.

Seven differences, one pattern: the sequel feels more romance-driven and less constrained by the original’s limited-series format. The implication: returning viewers get a fresh story with familiar DNA, while new viewers can jump in without needing the backstory.

Here is how the two series compare directly.

Do I need to watch Belgravia before Belgravia: The Next Chapter?

Why watching the original helps

• The original introduces the Trenchard family tree and the scandal that haunts the family in the sequel.
• Key locations – including the house on Belgrave Square – are established in the first series.
• Viewers who watched the original will catch references to events from 30 years prior.

Can you enjoy the sequel without it?

• Yes – The Next Chapter is designed as a standalone story with its own romance and conflict.
• The new lead characters are introduced fresh, so no prior knowledge is required.
• Critical reception suggests that newcomers found the series accessible (Classic British Period Dramas (period drama review)).

The pattern: watching the original enriches the experience but isn’t a gatekeeper. The implication: if you have limited time, you can start with The Next Chapter and circle back later.

Is there a season 2 of Belgravia: The Next Chapter?

Renewal status

• As of early 2025, no official season 2 renewal has been announced (TVSeriesFinale (cancellation tracker)).
• The series was originally described as a limited series, which means another season was not guaranteed at launch.
• MGM+ has not canceled it either – the show is in limbo.

Expected release date and where to watch

• If renewed, a second season would likely air on MGM+ in the US and through Amazon Prime Video’s MGM+ channel.
• Production would take at least 12–18 months, so a potential 2026 release is possible.
• Cast speculation: Harriet Slater and Ben Wainwright could return, but nothing is confirmed (Austenprose (literary period drama blog)).

The trade-off: limited series format gives season 1 a complete arc, but a second season would depend on the platform’s subscriber growth targets.

Is Belgravia: The Next Chapter worth watching?

Critical reception

• Rotten Tomatoes reports a critic score of X% and an audience score of Y% (exact numbers not provided in research). Early reviews praise the performances and production design.
• On IMDb, the series holds a rating of Z/10 (exact figure not available).
• Comparisons to Downton Abbey are frequent – viewers call it “the next best thing” for period drama lovers.

Audience reviews and comparisons to Downton Abbey

• Reddit users on r/PeriodDramas have called episodes 7 and 8 “masterpieces” (Reddit (fan community)).
• A Substack review describes the series as “a Sunday tonic” that balances romance and tension (Classic British Period Dramas (period drama review)).
• Some critics note that while it lacks Downton‘s ensemble depth, its focused story is a strength.

The implication: if you’re a period drama fan deciding where to spend your watch time, The Next Chapter delivers a solid romantic drama with high production value – but don’t expect the sprawling saga of Downton.

Why is Julian Fellowes in a wheelchair?

Who is Julian Fellowes?

• Julian Fellowes is the Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park and creator of Downton Abbey and Belgravia.
• He created the characters and world of Belgravia and served as executive producer on The Next Chapter (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)).

His health and role in Belgravia

• Fellowes has been seen using a wheelchair in recent public appearances.
• The exact reason for his wheelchair use has not been publicly confirmed by him or his representatives.

The takeaway: Julian Fellowes remains actively involved in the Belgravia franchise despite health challenges, but the exact reason for his wheelchair use has not been publicly confirmed.

Confirmed facts and what’s unclear

What viewers are saying

“Episodes 7 and 8 are masterpieces – the payoff is worth the setup.”

– Reddit user on r/PeriodDramas (Reddit (fan community))

“It’s a Sunday tonic. The two-family dynamic creates just the right amount of tension over eight hours.”

– Classic British Period Dramas Substack (Substack (period drama review))

Summary

For period drama fans in the US, the decision is clear: watch The Next Chapter on MGM+ for a satisfying romantic drama that stands alone – but if you want the full Trenchard backstory, start with the original Belgravia. The future of the franchise depends on streaming numbers, so binge early to signal your support, or risk leaving the story at a single season. Viewers should stream season 1 now to signal demand for a continuation.

Frequently asked questions