Bridgerton Review: Gossip Girl meets Jane Austen in a Steamy and Diverse Romantic Drama
Julia Quinn’s popular romance series springs to life in Netflix’s new adaptation by Shondaland. Bridgerton is packed with fun, wit, and steamy romance. Central to the story is the brooding Duke, an seemingly innocent debutante, a mysterious gossip columnist voiced by Julie Andrews, and a scene-stealing Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel. This just scratches the surface of what this addictive period drama offers.
The series is more explicit than traditional Regency Romances, but it’s a refreshing and positive addition to the genre.
The Story
The Netflix series follows the Bridgerton family’s eight siblings in Regency London, focusing on Daphne Bridgerton as she debuts into society. Her marriage prospects diminish due to her overprotective brother Anthony. To solve her dilemma, she and Simon, a moody Duke and Anthony’s best friend, devise a plan to fake court each other. Simon wants to fend off eager single women, while Daphne aims to become more attractive to potential suitors, including a handsome prince. Naturally, as the plan unfolds, they fall in love, facing various obstacles, primarily themselves.
Lady Whistledown, an anonymous gossip columnist, holds sway over London society by exposing secrets only an insider could know. One of her biggest fans is Queen Charlotte, who eagerly follows her writings. The mystery of Lady Whistledown’s identity is central to the plot, making it fun to guess who she might be.
The Characters
The Bridgertons are a loving family, each sibling with a unique personality and a caring mother. Another key family is the Featheringtons, an eccentric household with a gambling father, a controlling mother, three daughters, and a distant cousin. The mother, dressed in a manner reminiscent of Cinderella’s stepsisters, is played by Polly Walker.
Penelope Featherington, 17, is out in society and is best friends with Eloise, Daphne’s clever sister. Penelope harbors unreciprocated feelings for Eloise’s brother Colin, who sees her only as a friend.
Lady Danbury, the supportive and wise godmother figure, and Queen Charlotte, with her distinctive expressions, add depth to the narrative.
The Cast
One of the standout aspects of the show is the casting. Regé-Jean Page excels as Simon, capturing the essence of a Byronic Hero with his intense stares and deep voice, reminiscent of performances by actors like Toby Stephens and Timothy Dalton. Adjoa Andoh’s portrayal of Lady Danbury is particularly compelling, bringing a touch of Shakespearean gravitas to the series.
The Lavish Production
Another reason to enjoy Bridgerton is its lavish production. Netflix has invested heavily in this series, evident in the intricate costumes and stunning set designs. The series boasts witty and entertaining scripts, although some might find it too explicit at times. Despite this, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable show, and there’s hope Netflix will adapt the entire series.
Period Dramas and Diversity
Bridgerton stands out for its diverse casting, proving that diversity can thrive in period dramas. Despite controversies over historical accuracy, the show leans into a more fantastical depiction of Regency England, making no apologies for its modern inclusivity. This approach adds to the entertainment value by merging period settings with modern sensibilities.
Content Warning
Bridgerton is not a clean period drama. It stays true to its romance novel origins with steamy scenes. While it’s a positive step for diversity and the romance genre, it does contain content that isn’t suitable for all viewers. With explicit scenes that some might find off-putting, particularly in episode six, viewers can fast-forward through uncomfortable moments. The show is rated TV-MA for sexual content, brief strong language, and nudity.
Overall Thoughts
Bridgerton is a delight from start to finish, offering romance, mystery, engaging characters, and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown. Fans of Regency romances and period dramas will find much to love, even if it leans more towards Gossip Girl than Jane Austen. The series is a binge-worthy treat with a few explicit scenes that may not be for everyone. Whether or not you enjoy explicit content, the overall storytelling and production quality make it worth watching.
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Have you watched Bridgerton? What did you think of this new Netflix series? Do you agree with my review? Let me know your thoughts!
