Belgravia: The Next Chapter — 2024 Guide & Season 2 News
Belgravia: The Next Chapter picks up 25 years after the original, introducing a new generation of characters while keeping the Trenchard family legacy alive. This guide breaks down the differences, cast, and season 2 prospects.
Creator: Helen Edmundson ·
Number of episodes (Season 1): 8 ·
Premiere date: January 14, 2024 ·
Original network: MGM+ ·
Based on: Belgravia (2020)
Quick snapshot
- Period drama set in 1870s London (Wikipedia)
- Created by Helen Edmundson (Wikipedia)
- Follows the Trenchard family and new characters (Metacritic)
- Premiered on January 14, 2024 on MGM+ (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Benjamin Wainwright as Frederick Trenchard (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Harriet Slater as Clara Dunn (Metacritic)
- Edward Bluemel as Dr. Stephen Ellerby (Metacritic)
- Claude Perron as The Marquise D’Étagnac (Metacritic)
- Exclusively on MGM+ in the US (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Also available on ITVX in the UK (Wikipedia)
- No official renewal announced as of early 2025
- Rumors of possible renewal persist
Six key facts about the show, each verified by official sources.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Creator | Helen Edmundson | Wikipedia |
| Episodes (Season 1) | 8 | Austenprose |
| Premiere Date | January 14, 2024 | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Network | MGM+ | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Original Series | Belgravia (2020) | Metacritic |
| Setting | 1870s Belgrave Square, London | Wikipedia |
New viewers can jump into The Next Chapter without watching the original, but fans who saw the 2020 series will catch deeper family ties and returning faces.
Do you need to watch Belgravia before Belgravia: The Next Chapter season?
Standalone viewing experience
The Next Chapter is set 25 years after the original, with an almost entirely new cast. The story focuses on Frederick Trenchard (Benjamin Wainwright) and Clara Dunn (Harriet Slater) and their families in 1871 London (Metacritic). The series was designed to be accessible to new viewers — you don’t need to have seen the 2020 miniseries to follow the romance, intrigue, and social maneuvering.
Connections to the original Belgravia
That said, familiarity with the original adds depth. Alice Eve and Richard Goulding return from the original series as Susan and Oliver Trenchard (Austenprose). The Trenchard family legacy — especially the backstory of James Trenchard — is referenced throughout. Frederick is the grandson of James, a fact that shapes his inheritance and social position (Wikipedia).
The implication: Watching the original enriches the experience but is not a prerequisite.
What is the difference between Belgravia and Belgravia in the next chapter?
Time period and setting
The original Belgravia (2020) takes place in the 1840s, during the early years of the Belgravia district’s development. The Next Chapter leaps forward to 1871 (Wikipedia). The architectural and social landscape has shifted: the area is now established, and the Victorian era’s later decades bring new codes of behavior, fashion, and conflict.
Cast and characters
- Original: Main cast included Tamsin Greig, Philip Glenister, Harriet Walter, and Alice Eve.
- The Next Chapter: Leads are Benjamin Wainwright, Harriet Slater, Edward Bluemel, and Claude Perron (Rotten Tomatoes). Only a few characters return, primarily Alice Eve’s Susan Trenchard and Richard Goulding as Oliver (Austenprose).
Tone and narrative focus
The original series was a taut limited series about secrets from the Battle of Waterloo. The Next Chapter turns toward a younger generation’s romantic entanglements and the weight of family legacy (Metacritic). The pacing is lighter, with more emphasis on courtship and scandal.
The pattern: Both series share Fellowes’ sharp social commentary, but The Next Chapter trades wartime drama for drawn-out romantic tension.
What is the connection between Belgravia and Belgravia in the next chapter?
Timeline and legacy
The Next Chapter is a direct sequel, following the Trenchard family 25 years after the events of the original (Wikipedia). Both are set in Belgrave Square, London, and both draw from Julian Fellowes’ novel Belgravia (Metacritic).
Returning characters and references
The most notable return is Alice Eve as Susan Trenchard, now more established in society (Austenprose). Other original characters are mentioned in dialogue — the Brook family, the Bellasis name — but they do not appear.
What this means: The Next Chapter honors its predecessor without relying on it, striking a balance between continuity and fresh storytelling.
Is there a season 2 of Belgravia next chapter?
Official renewal status
As of early 2025, MGM+ has not announced a second season. No official press release or network update confirms a renewal (Rotten Tomatoes). The series’ Wikipedia page also lacks any mention of future episodes (Wikipedia).
Rumors and expected timeline
Some entertainment blogs speculate that because the series was well-received critically — it holds a 78% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes (Rotten Tomatoes) — a renewal is possible. However, MGM+ has not commented, and no production timeline has leaked.
The trade-off: Strong reviews suggest demand, but the niche platform and competition from other period dramas may delay a decision.
Where can you watch season 2 of Belgravia?
Current streaming availability for Season 1
Season 1 of Belgravia: The Next Chapter is available exclusively on MGM+ in the United States (Rotten Tomatoes). In the United Kingdom, it streams on ITVX (Wikipedia). It is not available on Netflix, Prime Video, or broadcast television.
How to watch future episodes
If a second season is ordered, it will almost certainly premiere on the same platforms — MGM+ for US viewers and ITVX for UK audiences. No free-to-air option has been announced (Austenprose).
MGM+ has a smaller subscriber base than mainstream platforms, meaning the show may be less accessible to casual viewers without a subscription.
Why this matters: Subscribing to MGM+ (US$5.99/month) is the only way to access the series. UK viewers can watch via an ITVX subscription or free with ads.
Belgravia vs. The Next Chapter: side-by-side comparison
Six differences at a glance — one pattern: the sequel broadens the canvas while narrowing the focus to romance.
| Attribute | Belgravia (2020) | The Next Chapter (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Time period | 1840s | 1871 |
| Creator | Julian Fellowes | Helen Edmundson |
| Main characters | Tamsin Greig, Philip Glenister, Harriet Walter | Benjamin Wainwright, Harriet Slater, Edward Bluemel |
| Number of episodes | 6 | 8 |
| Network | ITV (UK), Epix (US) | MGM+ (US), ITVX (UK) |
| Primary conflict | War secret, social climbing | Family legacy, romantic rivalry |
Upsides
- Accessible to newcomers — no prior knowledge required
- Strong performances from a talented ensemble (Metacritic)
- Costume and production design capture the late Victorian era authentically
- Julian Fellowes’ signature dialogue and social dynamics are present
Downsides
- Limited platform reach — MGM+ has a smaller subscriber base than Netflix or Prime Video
- Season 2 uncertain, leaving the story unresolved for now
- Some critics found the pacing slower than the original (Rotten Tomatoes)
- No broadcast option in markets without MGM+ or ITVX
Timeline of Belgravia: The Next Chapter
- 2020 — Original Belgravia miniseries airs on ITV and Epix (Metacritic)
- 2024 — Belgravia: The Next Chapter premieres on MGM+ (Rotten Tomatoes)
- 2025 (ongoing) — No renewal announced; decision pending
The sequence shows how the franchise has evolved from a limited series to a potential ongoing saga.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- The series premiered on January 14, 2024 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- It consists of eight episodes (Austenprose)
- It is a sequel set 25 years after the original (Metacritic)
- Streaming exclusively on MGM+ (US) and ITVX (UK) (Rotten Tomatoes)
What’s unclear
- Whether a second season will be ordered
- Exact release date for any future season
- Julian Fellowes’ health status following his tremor surgery (not directly related to the series but often asked)
- The timeline for any renewal decision remains unknown
These uncertainties leave fans waiting for official word from MGM+.
What viewers are saying
“The Next Chapter is a MUST WATCH!!! From Julian Fellowes. It is literally the best period drama worthy of Downton.”
— Reddit user review
“Running for a total of eight episodes, it mainly follows the lives of two families that live in Belgrave Square, London.”
— Classic British Period Dramas substack
The takeaway: Audience reception has been broadly positive, with many praising the performances and the rich period setting. The lack of a broader release platform is the most common frustration.
For a comprehensive rundown of the series, check out our detailed guide to Belgravia: The Next Chapter including cast bios and streaming options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the plot of Belgravia: The Next Chapter?
Set in 1871, the series follows Frederick Trenchard and Clara Dunn as they navigate love, family secrets, and social expectations in Belgrave Square, London.
Who plays Frederick Trenchard in Belgravia: The Next Chapter?
Benjamin Wainwright portrays Frederick Trenchard (Rotten Tomatoes).
Is Belgravia: The Next Chapter a sequel or a spin-off?
It is a direct sequel to the 2020 miniseries Belgravia, set 25 years later (Wikipedia).
What age rating is Belgravia: The Next Chapter?
The series carries a TV-14 rating in the US for language, sexual content, and thematic elements.
How many seasons are planned for Belgravia: The Next Chapter?
Only one season has been aired. No multi-season order has been announced (Rotten Tomatoes).
Is Belgravia: The Next Chapter based on a book?
It is based on Julian Fellowes’ novel Belgravia (2016), though the sequel storyline is original to the television series (Metacritic).
Can I watch Belgravia: The Next Chapter without seeing the original?
Yes, the series is designed to be standalone. However, watching the original enriches the experience by providing context for the Trenchard family history.
For US viewers, the only option remains an MGM+ subscription, and no wider release has been announced. For UK viewers, ITVX offers both subscription and free ad-supported tiers. The choice is clear: if you love period drama and can access MGM+ or ITVX, Belgravia: The Next Chapter is worth your time.
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