The hype... BRIDGERTON
THE BELOVED ROMANCE NOVEL SERIES IS ABOUT TO BE THE BIGGEST NETFLIX SHOW OF THE SEASON
Based on the popular book series by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton, which follows eight high-society siblings in 1813, is a period drama with a difference. Forget the passive female characters and lack of diversity in the name of ‘historical accuracy’, it’s Gossip Girl meets Jane Austen.
Bridgerton features a race-blind cast and strong female leads, thanks largely to producer Shonda Rhimes. Known for smart, sexy dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, this is the first release from her $15O m Netflix mega deal.
‘It’s a unique world,’ says Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne, the eldest Bridgerton daughter. ‘It might be a lavish Regency drama, but the themes reflect the world we live in.’ Hence the casting, with Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan and Invictus’ Adjoa Andoh. ‘It’s important people see themselves reflected in the art they’re engaging with.’
As Daphne makes her debut into London’s competitive marriage market, a high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown (the narrator of the series, played
”IT MIGHT BE A SEDUCTIVE, LAVISH REGENCY DRAMA, BUT BRIDGERTON’S THEMES REFLECT THE WORLD WE’RE LIVING IN”
by Julie Andrews) casts aspersions on her hopes. ‘It’s a journey women can relate to today, with the demand we put on ourselves to be “perfect”,’ says Dynevor. Enter eligible bachelor Duke of Hastings (Roots’ Regé-Jean Page). Despite saying they want nothing to do with one another, their attraction is undeniable. ‘We watch Daphne navigate the restraints of being a young woman in this era while discovering her sexuality, falling in love and eventually finding herself.’
The Greatest Showman’s costume designer Ellen Mirojnick provides scene-stealing fashion moments and there’s enough drama to fill any Kardashian-shaped hole in your life. Expect the Bridgertons to be your new favourite TV family. Bridgerton Season 1 is out 25 December on Netflix