The Buccaneers is officially returning for season two, and it’s bringing Gossip Girl royalty along for the ride. Leighton Meester joins the cast of Apple TV+’s cult period drama, just in time for more scandal, sisterhood, and social climbing in 1870s London. If season one was about debuting in society, season two seems to be about surviving it, and the first trailer is here to give us a taste of exactly what we're in for.
Below, everything you need to know about the next chapter of The Buccaneers, from plot twists to it's impeccable sound track, and the official release date.
Watch the first trailer for The Buccaneers season two
What is The Buccaneers season two about?
Adapted from Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, The Buccaneers is a period drama with a thoroughly modern heart. Think: Bridgerton with slightly sharper edges, and a similarly compelling soundtrack that knows exactly what it’s doing.
Season two sees Nan St. George (Kristine Frøseth) navigating her new life as the Duchess of Tintagel after marrying Theo (Guy Remmers) in a desperate bid to help her sister Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) escape an abusive marriage. While Nan tries to make peace with her decision, her unresolved feelings for Guy Thwarte (Matthew Broome) threaten to pull her back into emotional chaos. In other words, the personal is political, and Nan is at the centre of it all.
Who’s involved in season two?
The biggest casting news this season is that Leighton Meester joins the fold as Nell, a new character whose late-trailer appearance is already fuelling fan theories. If her Gossip Girl legacy is anything to go by, we'd have to guess that Nell likely won’t be here to play nice.
Joining her, Kristine Frøseth returns as Nan, alongside Christina Hendricks as her mother, Patricia St. George, and Imogen Waterhouse as Jinny. Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag, and Mia Threapleton (fresh from her role in Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme) also reprise their roles as the beloved American imports trying to find freedom in strict British society.
Executive music producer Stella Mozgawa is also back with a carefully curated mix of female voices. Expect new music from Empress Of, Suki Waterhouse, Madi Diaz, and Emily Kokal, alongside tracks from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Clairo, and Gracie Abrams.
When does The Buccaneers season two come out?
The first episode drops Wednesday, June 18, 2025 on Apple TV+, with new episodes released weekly every Wednesday until August 6.
