Netflix’s Bridgerton is precisely the kind of drama we need right now
By Lacy Baugher
The teaser trailer for Shonda Rhimes’ historical romance Bridgerton is here, and it looks like everything the television landscape needs right now.
Given the state of, well…everything, it’s no wonder some of us are out here looking for a little bit of escapism. And, thankfully, Netflix’s upcoming period romance series, titled Bridgerton, promises to give us exactly that, and then some.
The first Netflix series from Scandal mastermind Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton is based on a bestselling series of historical romance novels by author Julia Quinn. It’s fluffy, full of attractive people, and features a plot filled with scandalous gossip and swoony romance.
After the year we’ve all had, who doesn’t feel like we need something that’s just pure fun. And far too many people reflexively look down on romance as a genre, and series like this specifically, as something that’s somehow lesser than more “serious” fictional offerings. So here’s hoping this show is here to prove everybody wrong.
Bridgerton follows the story of one Daphne Bridgerton as she gets ready to make her debut in Regency-era London’s “competitive marriage market”. (In Quinn’s book series, the story also follows the romances of her multiple siblings, which are aspects of the story we should expect to see in future seasons of the show, should it be successful.)
But when Daphne struggles to find true love, she begins a fake relationship with the handsome Simon, the rebellious Duke of Hastings. But, as most of you have probably guessed, their relationship is rapidly going to become something that feels very real.
(FYI: Fake dating is one of the most completely satisfying romance tropes there is, and omg, I cannot wait for an entire series based around it.)
The glitzy trailer features a diverse cast, gorgeous costumes, and the sort of swoon-worthy period drama lavishness that we have all missed since Downton Abbey wrapped up its run. (Even if, at first glance, Bridgerton feels a bit more Gossip Girl than Highclere Castle.)
Look at how attractive everyone is! How much fun is the anonymous Regency-era scandal sheet editor named Lady Whistledown? Can I just inject this directly into my eyeballs right now?
No, because it doesn’t premiere until December 25.
But talk about a perfect Christmas present.
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What do you think of the look of Bridgerton? Sound off in the comments.