The Netflix series Bridgerton returns with the third season’s first part on Thursday, May 16th. Set during the Regency era (1795-1837) in England, the siblings of the Bridgerton family try to find love. Dating is hard, especially in a different era. Now, imagine trying to find the love of your life with a dedicated writer slandering the names of everyone in town. For the Bridgertons, this is Lady Whistledown, voiced by Julie Andrews. But the faceless writer is nothing like Mary Poppins. The series is based off a novel set, written by Julia Quinn. It was later adapted in late 2020 by television legend Shonda Rhimes, known for Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
So why should you be interested in the first place? At first glance, Bridgerton may seem like a sappy show made for romantic connoisseurs and history buffs only. Upon my first watch of the pilot episode, that’s what it seemed like to me. However, Rhimes proved that a story about a family in the late 1800s England could appeal to the individuals of the modern age.
In the show, there is something for everyone. If you love a dramatic plot centered around romance and occasional comedy, the series is definitely for you. Or, if you love classical renditions of well-known songs like “Diamonds” by Rihanna or Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball, you’ll definitely love it. Or, if you could care less about the plot or the music, you’ll be sure to stay for the costumes. Lavish wigs, beautiful ballgowns, and cartoonish sideburns make the series truly unique. Every aspect of the show is carefully thought out and curated for viewers who binge-watch every episode the same day it is released.
Bridgerton is currently part of a primetime for the current television era. With popular shows on streaming platforms using the hour-long short-season format, viewers have more time to be captivated by what is happening on-screen. Bridgerton follows this model by splitting its newest season into two parts with four episodes each. While each season is fairly short, the various plot lines that occur in the show; from romance to drama to comedy, make the second part of the season worth watching.
The only downfall to the new television format is how long it takes to film a new season of just eight episodes. The last season of Bridgerton aired almost two years ago, in March 2022. The show endured many changes, including welcoming a new showrunner, Jess Brownell, and shifting the show’s dynamic. With the past seasons, it followed the order of Quinn’s book series. However, the newest season took creative liberties by focusing on a non-Bridgerton. In an interview, Rhimes revealed that a crucial reveal in the show caused the series to speed up the story, explaining the focus on Penelope. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, that’s another reason to watch the show.
The first two seasons focused on siblings Daphne and Anthony Bridgerton. The third season is switching the show’s usual formula by focusing on the character Penelope Featherington, portrayed by Nicola Coughlan, and her relationship with Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by actor Luke Newton. If you’re scrolling through Netflix often, you might have seen Coughlan in the Irish based series Derry Girls. Their on-screen relationship has been unrequited until now, with Penelope hiding her true feelings for Colin. The recent trailers show the relationship in blossom and Penelope finding her style and confidence while in attendance of the Ton, the greater English society. With this recent development, fans seem to be overly excited to see the pair finally become a couple, and of course, the love triangle with a new character, Lord Debling, portrayed by actor Sam Phillips, known for his character in another Netflix series, The Crown.
As a writer, I also have to appreciate the writing of Bridgerton. Famous lines such as “I burn for you” or “You are the bane of my existence and the object of my desires” are reason enough to start watching episode after episode. However, the series writers also have a talent for developing characters that their audience can relate to. Even unlikable characters can stand out. The series also stands out from other historical-based shows by rejecting whitewashing and representing various communities on-screen. With the new era of television we’re entering, representation has become crucial for audience engagement. Bridgerton makes sure that every viewer feels like royalty. The show’s setting might seem out of touch at times, but it adds to the lavish viewing experience. The characters regularly meet for tea, throw balls, and dress to the nines. Who wouldn’t want to join in on that? By the end of your binge-watch, your vernacular will definitely change with the characters’ posh vocabulary.
Along with great writing, the show features even better acting. Another aspect of television watching is recognizing actors playing new characters. Bridgerton features new or lesser-known actors that the audience can fall in love with and follow their careers after their run on the show. Plus, it helps that the cast is fairly attractive with great chemistry. The show’s popularity even warranted a spinoff show, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The Queen in the original show is already a scene stealer but her unique story introduced an entirely new side of her character to the dedicated audience. Plus, actress India Ria Amarteifio rightfully gained a new fanbase with her stellar performance.
I could go on and on about the show, but Bridgerton is an enjoyable experience that helps you escape the complicated time we live in. It has its flaws, like any other tv show, but has spoken to fans worldwide and garnered a lot of popularity. There is no doubt that the newest season will bring in more viewers with romance and drama. The first part of the third season of Bridgerton airs on Netflix on May 16th. Enjoy, dearest readers.
