Warning: Bridgerton contains some mature scenes (specifically during the main characters' honeymoon). Viewer discretion is advised.

In a time where escaping to the Victorian Era is incredibly enticing, a new show, based on the novels by Julia Quinn, has emerged as the saving grace for a troublesome year. Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal, has outdone herself again with the creation of Bridgerton. Viewers are invited into a world of opulence, grandeur, and scandal that is rival to none (expect, maybe the real British monarchy). The extravagant balls, the elegant gowns, and the elaborate schemes hatched by the characters make Bridgerton the perfect period piece to dive into.

But since Shonda Rhimes loves her contemporary trends, she has added several modern concepts to the regency period from the orchestral covers of pop hits like Ariana Grande’s “thank you, next” as a ballroom bop to the colorful take on the gowns, and the Gossip Girl esque narrator.  While the show mainly focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, there is also great importance bestowed on a writer by the name of Lady Whistledown, who reveals scandalous, often dishonorable information about London society in the newspapers. 

Now onto the real gossip.

The main characters of the show are Daphne Bridgerton, portrayed by the beautiful Phoebe Dynevor, and Simon Basset, or more affectionately known as “The Duke”, played by Regé-Jean Page. Simon is less affectionately known as a notorious “rake” which stems from lifelong trauma of having a malicious and demeaning father. Therefore Simon is determined to never marry and has only come to high society to take care of his estate. Daphne, on the other hand, is deemed the “diamond of the first water” by Lady Whisltedown when she is presented to Queen Charlotte for the season.

 A season, or rather London’s social season is a highly competitive sport where mothers throw their daughters into a boxing ring and the winner wins a title and a loveless marriage. Of course, this is merely my exaggeration but it doesn’t stem far from the truth. Girls would dress themselves in intricate (and restrictive) dresses to impress suitors and spend the evening waiting to dance with certain gentlemen with  sizable inheritances. 

Following the normal tropes of fake dating (in this case, fake courting) but falling in love, going from enemies to lovers, encountering overprotective brothers, and resisting intense male jealousy, Bridgerton checks off all the boxes to make the storyline absolutely enthralling. In fact, Simon and Daphne both so lovable yet so infuriating that one may desire to yell profusely at the TV and simultaneously need a defibrillator to come back to life from the shock the relationship emits. 

By far, my favorite characters out of the whole series have to be the Bridgerton women, especially Eloise Bridgerton and Mama Bridgerton as the two genuinely carried the show on their back. Eloise is a true and outspoken feminist who’s wit is unmatched. Her humor, her hatred for the rules society places on women, and her sarcasm make Eloise a beloved character. Her mother, Violet Bridgerton, is the complete opposite of what I’d expected of a woman with eight children and a deceased husband. Instead of the haughty, high strung lady who chases potential suitors to capture for her daughter, Mrs. Bridgerton lets her children have free reign of their lives and supports their decisions with her whole heart. Not to mention, she is also an evil mastermind who ensures that her daughters only marry the right men. 

The only aspect of the show I detested a bit was the fact that the race of the characters was not addressed  at all. I adore the brilliantly diverse cast with all my heart, but in the storyline, the only mention of race is that two societies that were divided by color finally came together, leaving a lot of questions unanswered about the natures of this London high society as the Queen is black as well. The show isn’t meant to be set in a colorblind world, but in its failure to address people of color and their history, the show comes off as a mere fantasy, not as historical fiction which was intended. The books themselves presumably featured an all white society, but new representation in the show begs the question of whether Bridgerton is meant to portray an alternative society or is it just a vaguely progressive one? 

Finally, it is worth mentioning the cultural influence that Bridgerton has had on our current pandemic stricken society. Truth be told, I’ve always loved the luxurious fashion featured in period pieces with the billowing skirts and the gorgeous death contraption known as corsets. Bridgerton has admittedly sparked social media interest into corsets, period dresses, and all things that were high society fashion back in the 19th century. The throes and throes of videos of girls with new corsets from Amazon, Victoria’s Secret or even making them themselves has reignited my burning desire for the highly constrictive statement piece too. 

For those who are looking for other period pieces to escape to, my highly recommended suggestions are:

• Pride and Prejudice (2005 version)

• Sandinton

• Reign

• The Spanish Princess

• Outlander

• Medici

• Victoria