Review | Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’ modernizes the Regency era

Shonda Rhimes’ newest Netflix series “Bridgerton” is set in the Regency era, but uses modern casting, costumes and music to increase the show’s relatability. Unsplash

Imagine if the Regency era-elegance of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” met the scandal, drama and secrets of  “Gossip Girl.” 

Well, that fantasy has become reality in the form of the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on the “Bridgerton” novel series by Julia Quinn. Rhimes is known for steamy, dramatic and suspenseful shows such as “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” so “Bridgerton'' was bound to reflect that style. However, it sets itself apart by  adding an elegant, exuberant and outrageous spin.

The show is centered around the Bridgerton family, composed of eight children and their mother Violet, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton. Although the show focuses on the entire family and has numerous side plots, much of the focus is placed on the eldest daughter Daphne. Throughout the first season, she is entering the courting season and looking to find her future husband. 

“Bridgerton” examines the complexities of relationships during the time period and how little true love mattered in regards to marriage. Although many dramas have been set in “Bridgerton’s” time period, Rhimes adds a more modern twist: the cast features actors of various races, while dresses are not traditional to the period — although they have a traditional style and silhouette, they use more modern fabrics — and acoustic versions of modern music is played throughout different episodes. 

These differences from the norm allow the viewer to still experience the lavish nature of the Regency period while connecting with the modern twists, which combined with the focus on what goes on beyond the outrageous balls and silly outfits make “Bridgerton” a hit. 

The show also features some delightful characters that make it easily watchable. 

Lady Whistledown, who stirs up drama by writing articles about townspeople and serving as an omniscient narrator, reminded me of a pre-internet version of the narrator and gossip site in “Gossip Girl.” I was personally intrigued by her character and continued watching because I wanted to know who she was. In just two days, I finished the first season, which was composed of eight one-hour-long episodes.

Overall, “Bridgerton” does not disappoint. The show's ability to mesh traditional aspects of the Regency era with modern characteristics leaves the audience hooked and excited for every episode. I worried that Rhimes would make the show a little too steamy and unrealistic for the period, but she found a good balance. “Bridgerton” provides the perfect mixture of romance and drama, and I look forward to season two to see what unfolds next.