Bridgerton

Regency-era drama with romance and scandal

Watch on Netflix
About Bridgerton

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 2 Seasons

Cast
Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Lorraine Ashbourne, Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Claudia Jessie, Ben Miller, Luke Newton, Regé-Jean Page, Golda Rosheuvel, Luke Thompson, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Simone Ashley, Charithra Chandran, Shelley Conn, Martins Imhangbe, Calam Lynch, Rupert Young

About Bridgerton

Bridgerton is a romantic drama television series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes. The show is adapted from Julia Quinn's series of novels set in the Regency era. It premiered on Netflix in December 2020 and quickly became a global sensation. Bridgerton takes viewers into a world of romance, scandal, and high society as it follows the lives and love stories of the Bridgerton family and their social circle.

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About

Bridgerton is set in the high society of London's Regency period, where the powerful Bridgerton family navigates the season of debutantes and eligible suitors. Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter, dreams of finding true love but faces societal pressure to make a suitable match. Enter the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, a handsome bachelor who has sworn off marriage. The two strike a deal to pretend to court in order to ward off unwanted suitors, but their charade soon becomes complicated as genuine feelings emerge. Amidst whispered scandals and anonymous gossip penned by the mysterious Lady Whistledown, Daphne and Simon's relationship is tested, challenging their beliefs about love, duty, and societal expectations.

Making / Production

Bridgerton was produced by Shondaland, Shonda Rhimes' production company known for creating successful series like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. The show was Netflix's first project in their reported deal with Rhimes. The production team worked closely with author Julia Quinn to ensure that the essence of the books was translated onto the screen.

The lavish sets and costumes were a standout feature of the show. The production design captured the opulence and grandeur of the Regency era, bringing to life the vibrant world of the characters. Additionally, the diverse casting brought a refreshing twist to historical dramas, making Bridgerton an inclusive and representative series.

Actors

  • Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton - Dynevor portrayed Daphne, the strong-willed and determined eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family. Her performance captured Daphne's journey from innocence to self-discovery as she navigated the complexities of love.
  • Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings - Page played the brooding and charismatic duke who forms a fake courtship with Daphne. He brought depth and vulnerability to the character, making him a fan-favorite.
  • Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton - Bailey portrayed Daphne's protective older brother and the head of the Bridgerton family. He played the role with a mix of charm and complexity.
  • Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington - Coughlan played Daphne's best friend, Penelope, who provides comic relief and a relatable presence in the world of high society.
  • Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury - Andoh brought depth and wisdom to the character of Lady Danbury, the influential mentor to the Duke of Hastings.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton books, served as a creative consultant on the show, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the source material.
  • Bridgerton is set in an alternate version of the Regency period where people of color hold positions of power within society, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.
  • The show was filmed in various locations throughout the United Kingdom, including Bath and London, to capture the authentic backdrop of the story.
  • Bridgerton's steamy scenes and romantic plotlines led to its classification as a "Netflix Regency Romance" and fueled its popularity among viewers.

Awards

Bridgerton has received critical acclaim for its production design, performances, and engaging storyline. While no major awards have been announced at the time of writing, the show's success and positive reception have positioned it as a strong contender for future awards season.

Quotes

  • "I burn for you." - Simon Basset
  • "I cannot be anything other than what I am." - Daphne Bridgerton
  • "The brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn." - Lady Danbury
  • "You are a Bridgerton. Find a way to expect accolades and acclaim, to know that you deserve to be loved." - Violet Bridgerton

Music, Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Bridgerton blends classical orchestral music with contemporary pop covers. It features instrumental arrangements of well-known songs like Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" and Maroon 5's "Girls Like You," adding a modern flair to the period drama. The music plays a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.

The show's score was composed by Kris Bowers, who sought to create a musical landscape that resonated with both traditionalist and contemporary audiences. The combination of classical pieces and modern covers contributed to the allure and unique atmosphere of Bridgerton.