Netflix’s creation of Regency Era drama worth watching

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Photo made by: Laura Bitondi

The movie posters of season one and two of Bridgerton.

Laura Bitondi, Journalist

   The Netflix show “Bridgerton” was first released in December 2020 and is since then very popular. It is based on the novels by Julia Quinn. There are two seasons so far, and a lot more coming!

   The show takes place in the early 1800s Regency period, and every season shows the life of one of the Bridgerton siblings. The family has a high societal status and is wealthy. The first season is called “The Duke and I,” which displays the life of the main character Daphne Bridgerton in London’s ball season.

   The second season is called “The Viscount Who Loved Me” and revolves around the oldest Bridgerton brother who needs to get married to keep the safety of the family upright. Anthony Bridgerton, the Viscount, is responsible for the family because he is the oldest son and takes care of everything after their father’s death. But what makes the show special? And how historically accurate is it? 

   First of all, the story has many references to the very popular show “Gossip Girl.” The difference is the time setting. Lady Whistledown, who is an anonymous pamphlet writer, spreads all of the gossip in town and makes people’s lives way more interesting, and adds suspense and drama. Just like in Gossip Girl, most characters are from wealthy families and seem to be living an amazing life, but everyone knows that even those families have some deep, dirty secrets to hide.

    Another aspect of Bridgerton is the amazing implementation of the soundtrack. The creators used modern songs like “Thank u, next” by Ariana Grande or “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish and created those songs into acoustic and classical masterpieces. This gives the show a modern aspect but makes it historically fitting at the same time. 

   The clothing and the hairstyles also received a modern and fictional touch-up regarding historical accuracy. It is mostly about the fabrics of fancy dresses and suits; back in the day, those types of prints and materials were not existent. Some inspirations that the directors of Bridgerton took from history are the ruthless marriage market, ambitious society mothers, and some characters. For example, Queen Charlotte is the wife of the incapacitated King George III. 

   Overall, the show may be historically modified to fit today’s time, but that does not affect the drastic suspension of the characters’ relationships and how they are affected by the mysterious Lady Whistledown. The reveal of her happens in season one, not spoiling too much, but the conflicts in the show are for true romance and drama lovers. It is a perfect show to binge, and the excitement for a new season in the Bridgerton fan community is huge.