Regency-style romance in Bridgerton
There are a few things you need to know before you begin your Bridgerton journey. The first: Do not under any circumstances watch this show with your parents, your children, etc. If you decide to ignore this, you'll be haunted by my words within the first few minutes of the show. And then if you decide, well that wasn't so awkward, you'll be reminded of my warning A LOT in episode six. The second: The show is based on a book series from the early 2000s and each book focuses primarily on a different Bridgerton sibling. That's the family you want to focus in on when you're feeling overwhelmed after meeting 15 different characters in the first five minutes. Three: This is a romance series but it's also very Gossip Girl. If that sounds appealing, you're in the right place. Four: Because of the time period (Regency era England) and commentary on marriage, I've seen numerous comparisons to Jane Austen. While there are elements that are similar, those of you who know Austen's work know there are huge tonal differences between the two. Again, think Gossip Girl. And five, yes that is Julie Andrews narrating.
Welcome to the world of Bridgerton! This show has everything. Instrumental covers of Ariana Grande songs, the enemies to lovers plot device, one party per episode, stunning costumes, a Hamilton-style duel. It's full of drama, and it's the perfect eight-episode show to beat the winter doldrums. Let's dive in. The entire series is narrated by a mysteries Lady Whistledown (voiced by the delightful Julie Andrews), who is essentially a gossip columnist who seems to know everything about everyone (Gossip Girl minus the text alerts) and helps move the plot along by revealing secrets and speculating about scandal. Golda Rosheuvel plays Queen Charlotte, who is obsessed with Whistledown and very involved in the goings on of the town. After she dubs Daphne Bridgerton as the "pick" of the season, our story begins. The main plot focuses on Daphne and the Duke of Hastings aka Simon Basset. Regé-Jean Page masters the brooding stare in his portrayal of the Duke, who is one of the most eligible bachelors in town. The Duke's father is the worst and as a result, Simon has some qualms about getting married. Adjoa Andoh plays Lady Danbury, who is basically the Duke's surrogate mother and my favorite character -- she's witty and living her best life by hosting parties and trying to stop the Duke from being emotionally unavailable. Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor) is the oldest sister and is officially out in society. Since her father has passed away, Daphne's mother (Ruth Gemmell) and her oldest brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) are focused on marrying her off to a good match. Daphne and her mother want her to find a love match. Anthony is so all over the place what he wants changes from episode to episode. Daphne and Simon quickly enter into a pretend relationship to help her draw the attention of other suitors and help him keep away unwanted female attention. They hate each other at first. Quickly the fake relationship turns flirty. With its B and C storylines, the show occasionally feels bloated. Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) isn't out in society yet and is mainly focused on unmasking Lady Whistledown. The two older Bridgerton brothers pop in and out. The other family we encounter is the Featheringtons, whose daughters are struggling to find matches. The main sibling, Penelope (played by Nicola Coughlan), is mostly embarrassed by her family and is best friends with Eloise. The family takes in Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker) -- a distant cousin who causes immediate drama. Because the show has such a large cast of players, you don't always know where your focus should be and not all storylines are seen through to satisfying conclusions or given enough time to grow. The show also attempts to make its diverse casting decisions hold weight within the world of Bridgerton but fails to see this premise all the way through. During the first few episodes, I thought the creators were doing a colorblind approach (à la the Brandy version of Cinderella), so I was surprised when midway through the season there's a brief exchange between the Duke and Lady Danbury that reveals more intent behind this decision. I'm thrilled that Bridgerton made these casting choices, but it's disappointing that the creators only dip their toes into world building around them with three minutes of dialogue. In a New York Times article, Salamishah Tillet points out how Bridgerton pushes back on past period pieces that have refused to take liberties with casting choices. She writes, "Such a move pushes back against the racial homogeneity of hit period dramas like 'Downton Abbey,' which that show’s executive producer, Gareth Neame insisted was necessary for historical accuracy...Bridgerton provides a blueprint for British period shows in which Black characters can thrive within the melodramatic story lines, extravagant costumes and bucolic beauty that make such series so appealing, without having to be servants or enslaved. This could in turn create openings for gifted performers who have avoided them in the past." The new Netflix series premiered on Christmas day and comes out of Shonda Rhimes' production company. Although Netflix doesn't openly publish streaming numbers, they do love to brag... and Bridgerton was streamed in 63 million households after its premiere, proving that people are looking for romances with diverse casting. Fingers crossed for the renewal of Bridgerton and more shows like it in the future!
If you want to read more about Bridgerton:
He's made such a splash that he's already rumored to be the new James Bond. Learn more about swoon worthy Regé-Jean Page in this NPR interview.
The intimacy coordinator on Bridgerton sure had a lot to do. Here's an interview where she discusses her approach to the show's steamy scenes.
There are 7,500 costume pieces used in the Netflix series. Hear firsthand from costume designer Ellen Mirojnick about how she outfitted the Queen and everyone else.
Wonder why the Bridgerton house is that particular shade of blue? Production designer Will Hughes-Jones is happy to explain.
If watching Bridgerton has made you curious about romance novels, Carly Lane pulled together a list of recommendations.
