Netflix’s incomparable show of the season: Review of “Bridgerton”

BY KAMDYN ROHER

“All is fair in love and war, but some battles leave no victor, only a trail of broken hearts that make us wonder if the price we pay is ever worth the fight,” Lady Whistledown said.

Full of humor, romance, scandal, plot twists and overall interesting characters, Netflix’s newest original “Bridgerton” is like the lovechild of “Gossip Girl,” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and “Pride and Prejudice” set in the iconic regency era of London. Throw in nobility and royalty, as well as stellar production by Shonda Rhimes, it’s practically a match made in heaven.

Set in 1813, “Bridgerton” follows the exclusive members of high society and the relationships that bind them, focusing on the eight Bridgerton siblings and the Featherington family. The marriage season has just started, and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) has been proclaimed the “diamond” girl of the term by Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) at her debut. As the search for love begins, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), the newly appointed Duke of Hastings, re-enters high society after remaining under the radar for years, swiftly becoming the most eligible bachelor. 

All the while, Lady Whistledown, who is narrated by the critically-acclaimed actress Julie Andrews, anonymously reports on all of the events and scandals going on in her popular gossip column and exposes everyone by name. 

The costumes and sets truly bring this show to life, immersing the viewer into the regality of 19th century England. While some terminology may go over the head of some American viewers, it is all part of the experience. 

The costumes and sets truly bring this show to life, immersing the viewer into the regality of 19th century England.

Along with having an enticing storyline, “Bridgerton” boasts a beautiful and inclusive cast, with Page and Rosheuvel being Black themselves. While most historical dramas such as this one tend to have a predominately white cast, “Bridgerton” places people of color in high positions of society, breaking the norms of television and historical retellings and incorporating long-awaited inclusivity. 

While there are few episodes and the plot’s timeline is quite short, the main cast of characters have already been established with their own personalities and storylines. The relationships do not feel rushed along or have little foundation, especially when considering the time period. 

The series is based off of the “Bridgerton” book series written by Julia Quinn, and these novels follow an anthology pattern, with each of the eight books corresponding to one of the Bridgerton siblings. It is undetermined if the following seasons will follow this same template or if they will continue starring Dynevor and Page as the main love interests. 

After its Christmas Day release, “Bridgerton” has amassed quite the following and remains one of Netflix’s most watched series as of January 7. With it’s gorgeous storyline, cast of characters and setting, it is clear to see why this short season has quickly climbed the ranks and into the hearts of viewers across the globe. 100000/10 would recommend.

Photo courtesy of Vox