Shondaland’s adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books series gripped Netflix viewers with romance and scandal from the “ton” of London society on December 25, 2020. The series follows the eponymous Bridgerton family, an interesting clan of eight siblings each finding their way around the complexities of love and society, particularly Daphne, the eldest daughter, who seeks love amid arranged marriages and societal obligations.
But Netflix’s Bridgerton is more than just a love story even though it kicks off like your typical tale of high-society British romance drama. Here, the majority of the cast is Black. This departure from the norm is thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes, whose influence infuses this series with a fresh perspective.
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The storyline of Bridgerton season 1
Led by the charming and fiercely protective eldest brother, Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), and the high-spirited debutante Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), the Bridgertons captivate audiences with their wit, charm, and stubborn loyalty to one another. All while an anonymous gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown, stirs the pot with her scandalous revelations about them and the cream of London society. These scandalous revelations by the mysterious gossip columnist voiced by Julie Andrews send shockwaves through society.
The series also follows the whirlwind romance between Daphne Bridgerton and the enigmatic Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Their chemistry crackles on screen, igniting a passionate love story that is as explosive as it is tender. Daphne and Simon try to balance courtship with society’s expectations as viewers are swept away by their undeniable connection and the obstacles they must overcome.
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There’s the formidable Queen Charlotte played by Golda Rosheuvel (the central character in season 2 of Bridgerton), whose keen eye misses nothing, as well as other characters that add depth and intrigue to the series.
Visually stunning and impeccably crafted, Bridgerton received praise for its creative direction, performances by actors, production quality, and set design. It earned two Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, a Make-Up Artists And Hair Stylists Guild Award, and nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Satellite Awards, and NAACP.
The awards and nominations were well-deserved. Every detail, from the elaborate hairstyles to the glittering ballrooms, the costumes, lavish sets, and sweeping cinematography transport viewers to a not-so-distant era.
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One of the series’ greatest strengths was in its inclusive cast, which reimagines the traditional historical romance drama. Bridgerton offers a fresh perspective on a genre often criticized for its lack of diversity.
Despite its period setting, Bridgerton season 1 echoes themes of empowerment, particularly for its female characters. Evident through scandalous letters, social manipulation, and sexual liberation. Bridgerton embraces the conventions of the romance genre, but it also portrays them in surprising ways. Women sought avenues to assert themselves in a society that seeks to constrain them.
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