If you have been on the internet even a little bit in the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard of Netflix’s brand-new historical drama, Bridgerton. It’s broken records and has found its way into millions of homes across the world. I, like everyone else that I know, hopped on board and watched it in a dorm room with three other shrieking girls and quickly became obsessed with Lady Whistledown’s secrets and the romantic Regency setting. So, here are my thoughts and what to do after because Bridgerton will leave you wanting even more Regency-themed escapism.
In my opinion, the best way to watch Bridgerton is with a group of friends, loads of chocolate, and lots of giggling, it gets you through the awkward parts with a bit of grace and a whole lot of fun. It’s no secret the show is saucy, but looking past the cheekiness, there’s a deeper reason why it’s the biggest TV show in the world of Netflix. And that, my friends, is escapism. How wonderful it would be to be rich and have a duke fawn over you, all while wearing pretty dresses and gossiping about who the elusive Lady Whistledown is. It’s fun and fluffy and pure joy to watch. Bridgerton, for many, is letting us travel back in time and find solace in park promenades and grand balls. And with plenty of steamy scenes, a pop-music turned orchestral score, and diverse casting, it doesn’t feel stiff or boring. It’s what we hope the past would be like.
It’s notable that Bridgerton comes right on the coattails of one of the most politically tumultuous times in modern history, as well as a pandemic that leaves ballrooms and parties out of question. And, as discussed in prior Her Campus at LUM articles, internet aesthetics like Cottagecore and Dark Academia are drawing young people into a romanticized version of the past. Bridgerton feels like a vacation, like a journey into the past whet the only things that matter are fancy dresses, Simon’s handsome eyes, and marriage. We don’t want to let go of the magic that is Regency-era England. And so, while we wait for season 2, here are some ideas to replicate the Bridgerton experience.
1. Read the books
If you are attached the Bridgerton’s, Fearthington’s, The Duke, and the other characters, the best thing to do is read the books that the show is based off. Written by Julia Quinn, the Bridgerton book series chronicles the life of each Bridgerton sibling. Book one, titled The Duke and I, is the story of Daphne and the Duke that we have come to know and love. From there, the rest of the Bridgertons’ follow. You can even get ready for next season by reading Anthony’s book titled The Viscount Who Loved Me. Fair warning: these books are romance novels so there are several graphic sex scenes, read with caution!
2. Discover Bridgerton Social Media
My for you page is currently covered with Bridgerton content. From TikToks to Instagram pages to YouTube edits, Bridgerton has conquered social media. Revel in the community and beautiful content that has arisen from the show. I highly recommend checking out the Bridgerton TikTok Musical, a crowdsourced musical theater project set around the plot of Bridgerton. You can also find fashion inspired by Bridgerton and cry to videos of Simon and Daphne set to Taylor Swift songs, you truly won’t regret it. There are so many talented people that are taking inspiration from the show and social media allows us to soak it all in.
3. Dive into Jane Austen
So, I might be a bit biased because the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie is my favorite movie of all time but reading and watching Jane Austen stories truly give me the same magical feeling that Bridgerton does. Many of the characters in Bridgerton were inspired by Jane Austen’s characters (Simon is totally the Mr. Darcy of Bridgerton) Jane Austen commented on the social norms of the 1800s. She was just like Lady Whistledown! If you are a big reader, go ahead and read. If you crave more movies and tv, watch some adaptations. My personal favorite adaptations are the 2005 Pride and Prejudice adaptation and the 2020 Emma adaptation.
4. Play a Regency-Themed Game
One of my friends, following our Bridgerton binge, found a Regency choose your own adventure video game called The Ladies’ Choice, which is available free to download online (although donations are encouraged). You choose a name for your self-insert character and get to work on finding a suitable husband in English high society. The game is highly addicting and so much fun to play with friends. You can also find other Regency inspired video games, like the ones on the Jane Austen website or even a Regency board game!
5. Shop Bridgerton Inspired Fashion
Yes, you would probably get a lot of stares if you ventured out into the world in full 19th-century wear (although, you do you!) but luckily enough, a ton of Bridgerton and Regency fashion translates to modern looks. Modcloth recently launched a curated collection inspired by Daphne. Independent designers on Etsy, brands like Reformation, and even Urban Outfitters have modern takes on the Regency style. Look for puffed sleeves, empire waists, and pearl detailing for a classic, wearable take on the stylings of the Bridgertons’ and Featheringtons’.
And so, here I leave you, with insight and ideas to live out your Bridgerton dreams.
Xoxo, Lady Whistledown