As we approach almost a year in quarantine, I can imagine we’ve all rewatched the same five TV shows on Netflix over and over again. Whether we’re watching Grey’s Anatomy, The Vampire Diaries, Criminal Minds, You, or Stranger Things, I think it’s time we turned our attention to a brand new show, one that has been attracting the eyes of viewers since its release date in December 2020. This brilliant new show, brought to life by the voice of the one and only Julie Andrews, is Bridgerton.
With all the beautiful drama of Grey’s Anatomy and the sophistication and elegance of 1813 high-class London,Bridgerton brings viewers into a new world full of romance, refinement, and mystery. This steaming hot series follows a series of books by the same name, written by Julia Quinn. I read the first book and let me tell you, seeing the gorgeous women and men on the tv screen is just so much more compelling than imagining them. Bridgerton, set in 1813 high society London, follows many different families during “the season.” “The season” is when the young women, debutantes, are presented to the eligible bachelors of the town, each competing to win the affections of a hopefully financially stable gentleman. Each episode is narrated by the incomparable Julie Andrews, who voices the incredibly scandalous news columnist known as Lady Whistledown who feeds us the latest gossip in London. Lady Whistledown always knows what’s going on in the town before almost everyone else does. Lady Whistledown causes much anxiety and stress within the community simply because she is unafraid to talk poorly about people. She is able to produce these sometimes hurtful remarks because no one knows who she is! That’s another thing that’s so exciting about Bridgerton because the characters along with us as the audience have no idea who Lady Whistledown could possibly be, adding an extra layer of mystery to the series.
Early on in the first episode, we are introduced to Daphne Bridgerton, the only young woman of the Bridgerton family being presented in “the season.” Daphne immediately stands out to viewers because she is not marrying simply so she can buy all the latest fashions and live a glamorous lifestyle, she is marrying for love. Daphne is the oldest daughter of eight Bridgerton children, each with their own complex storyline. Season one follows the direction of the first book, titled “The Duke and I” which follows Daphne on her quest for love. Each of the other eight books follows a different child as they grow up and discover the world individually. Daphne is thought to be the “diamond of the season,” the town’s most eligible bachelorette. Every gentleman wants the opportunity to dance or have a small conversation with “Her Grace.” However, her oldest brother, Anthony, who has taken over the responsibilities of their father who passed away; interviewing potential suitors, has scared away each and every last one of London’s most respectable bachelors, leaving Daphne nervous that her search for true love will be a bit more out of reach than anticipated.
At one of the many elegant balls held during season one, Daphne meets the devastatingly handsome Duke of Hastings. The Duke, or Simon, is known as the town’s “serial dater.” He’s never settled down with a respectable woman, nor has he wanted to. Daphne and Simon’s relationship quickly grows into a trusting friendship rather than a romantic relationship. Because of the companionship between the two gorgeous characters, they’re able to form an understanding. In order to escape the pressures of society, Simon proposes an arrangement with Daphne which would allow him to continue his “serial dating” path while allowing other legitimate suitors to come forward for Daphne. The suitors would become jealous of the Duke’s affections for Daphne and therefore put forth offers of marriage. Even though to us as viewers this idea seems a little dated and unrealistic, it fits with the history of marriage arrangements back in 1813 London. So, as anyone could expect, Simon and Daphne’s attempt at keeping the arrangement purely platonic is not very successful. I won’t give away any spoilers because that would just be cruel of me. However, let me tell you there are some steamy scenes awaiting you in Bridgerton.One of the most surprising parts of Bridgerton is the amount of “intimate” scenes in the series. In one episode there are MORE THAN THREE, yes you heard me correctly, MORE THAN THREEsexual scenes. So here’s your warning. DON’T WATCH THIS WITH YOUR PARENTS.
Bridgerton producers have already confirmed eight seasons, one for each novel in the series. So even though we have to deal with rewatching the incredible first season over and over again, just know we are promised seven more seasons of pure, 1813 London bliss. Be sure to follow The Duke’s, AKA Regé-Jean Page’s instagram as well as Daphne’s or Phoebe Dynevor’s Instagram for gorgeous behind the scenes photos and videos. Season two is set to start filming this spring if COVID vaccines are distributed frequently enough. If you find yourself needing something to do after watching season one of Bridgerton, try reading the first book, “The Duke and I.” Finally, push yourself to break from the mold of rewatching the same five movies and TV shows over and over again. Try something new! Bridgerton is just waiting for you to dive into the world of elegance, beauty and intrigue in 1813 London. Practice your horrible British accent and get in touch with your inner duchess. Well, what are you waiting for, Your Grace? Go watch Bridgerton now!