After leaving ABC as a creator and screenwriter for tv shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, Shonda Rhimes, under her new production company, has adapted Julia Quinn’s novels into a series for Netflix, called Bridgerton. Released on Christmas Day, Bridgerton has reached sixty-three million homes and continues to be in the top-ten section on Netflix! The series is a period drama set in 17th century England and focuses on the Bridgerton family as they navigate the upcoming social season. If you haven’t watched the series, here is my honest review for Bridgerton. * no spoilers *
Bridgerton is essentially a mixture of these three shows: Gossip Girl, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice. As I stated above, the series revolves around the Bridgerton family. Violet, who is the Viscountess of Brigerton, has eight children: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. Also, the Featheringtons are featured with Lady Featherington and her three daughters: Philippa, Prudence, and Penelope. The show revolves around Daphne entering her first season, intent on finding a husband. Each episode is narrated by Julia Andrews who voices the anonymous Lady-Whistledown, who releases a scandalous newsletter in the papers. As Daphne enters her first season, she meets the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset. The series follows their relationship, and the drama that unfolds with Lady Whistledown’s newsletter.
The series is racially progressive in regency London. The series has an African Queen Charlotte, a figure that is known to be of African descent, and she is iconic! Bridgerton has included several actors of color; something that wasn’t common in the 1800’s in England.
My review: I watched Bridgerton over winter break and GURL! As a history major, I love period dramas and was a huge fan of Downton Abbey. The show was seriously really good, and I can’t wait for season two! The actors are incredible, and the fashion is phenomenal, especially Queen Charlotte’s dresses. I like how there is a mystery element with Lady Whistledown and the romance between Daphne and the Duke. If you like period dramas, you would love Bridgerton. I highly recommend it!