Bridgerton is an eight-episode drama series released on Netflix on Christmas Day that was created by Chris Van Dusen, and the Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes. Bridgerton is an adaptation from the book The Duke and I, the first novel from the series of eight regency romance novels by Julia Quinn. Taking place in the early 19th century, the books follow the eight Bridgerton siblings and their journey to seek the loves of their lives.
The first season tackles the story of Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton daughter, as she enters the competitive marriage scene to find a husband. Through numerous parties and dances, where young women are courted by men, Daphne’s debut season starts off to a terrific start as she is favored by Queen Charlotte where she is infamously called “the diamond of the season.” Throughout her journey to find a husband, she encounters a few bumps in her path, and she becomes fearful that she will lose her value and integrity in the market of marriage, until she comes up with a plan with the Duke of Hastings, Simon, who is visiting London at the time and does not desire to get married and is in desperate need to fend off families who seek to impose their women on him.
Though the novels focus primarily on all the Bridgerton siblings, season one of the drama-series takes us through Daphne and Simon’s drama-packed love story, while only dabbling in the other siblings’ adventures. Anthony, the eldest Bridgerton sibling, is dating an opera singer, Siena, a woman who is not seen as a lady in society and is alluded to work in a brothel for money. Another Bridgerton sister, Elosie, is also mentioned throughout the season, where she could not be less interested in marriage and wants to live a life where she can make it on her own; she shows the characteristics of a modern-day independent woman.
Of course, there is another family! They are known as the Featherington’s, and their daughter Penelope is best friends with Colin Bridgerton, and also secretly in love with him from afar, which becomes very obvious to her cousin Marina Thompson.
Is that all? Of course not! Bridgerton is packed with all the drama you could possibly imagine. How does this society come to know of all scandals? Well there’s a reporter who goes by the name of Lady Whistledown to keep their identity a secret. Whistledown’s publications accelerate the plot, exposing all the dirty little secrets everyone tries so desperately to hide. Somehow they know everything and are able to drop all the hot gossip on everyone—not caring who is hurt in the process.
I found Bridgerton to be a riveting story, where the novel-inspired series explores London’s highest society. In just eight episodes, we are able to see how the series explores hardships, unrequited love, scandals, honor, and so much more, making it relevant to all types of readers in one way or the other. Bridgerton is able to separate itself from other dramas with its ample dirty laundry, or “scandals,” that seem to air out in society. This keeps watchers on their toes and helps the story progress. Furthermore, this drama is different because of the diversity of the cast. Especially in 2021, inclusivity is necessary in promoting the acceptance and celebration of the diversity of the world. Not only is this series intriguing, but it’s a step into the right direction for future generations to follow in the entertainment industry. Definitely the best part of this series is that feeling of it being complete, like you have accomplished something. The storyline wraps up and all mysteries are solved, with no lingering questions in the air. Despite that, I’m still looking forward to season two, which will follow the story of the eldest Bridgerton brother, Anthony.
Make haste your majesty, and watch Bridgerton.