Set during Regency-era England, Bridgerton is the kind of series most decide to watch because they’re fans of classic costume dramas such as Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Emma (2020).
Other reasons include the reputable production company behind it (Shondaland), the young and undeniably attractive cast, the romance-centric story, plus the show’s general look and feel; mainly the colourful costumes and cinematography. As for me, I tuned in to Bridgerton for most, if not all the above reasons.
Following the first episode, I realised quickly that I’d got myself into another period drama that’s very similar to the others. You know, the kind where the young adults from rich and powerful families are either excited or fretting about getting married off to an acceptably wealthy suitor.
Created by Chris Van Dusen, Bridgerton is a tale of wealth, lust, and betrayal as seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family. It is a show I watched through to the very end because it gave me just enough to keep going. Even though so many of its themes I’ve seen many times before. The good news is that it is well-acted and the cinematography and costumes are a delightful feast for the eyes.
Some key ways Bridgerton is different compared to other costume dramas include the sex, there’s a lot of it. Not quite ‘Game of Thrones a lot,’ but close. There’s also the diverse casting and the way the show satisfyingly adapts modern music to fit the period.
Bridgerton and one of the most successful ‘costume dramas’ of all time, Downton Abbey also share some themes. Yet, even though I quit watching Downton after a certain character died in a fatal car crash, I’d say its a better-executed series than Bridgerton. Well, the seasons I watched anyway.
What frustrated me most about Bridgerton, besides knowing that it isn’t quite as good as the very best, is the way the young characters made mistakes that could have been easily solved with effective communication. Perhaps I’m simply too mature to find some of the antics of the young adult characters in Bridgerton more entertaining than annoying.
Luckily, there are highlights to enjoy. Particularly in regards to some camera work, cinematography, costume design and the soundtrack. Are all these so good that it’s worth dedicating the eight, hour-long episodes to watch it all? Perhaps not, especially if you’ve seen plenty of period dramas. But, as always, give it a chance if you’re very curious. It may be just what you need.
Happy Film Loving
G
The Movie My Life 
I forgot what a big hit Downton was. kind of lost interest in it as well before the end. But when it was good, it was great!
It was a massive hit globally. Great writing, but not so great that I didn’t lose interest, unfortunately.
I’ll be trying Bridgerton this evening, for the visuals. 😉
😁! I hope you like.
I’m two episodes in and so far I like it..but I do see it’s flaws already..still a lot better than so many shows out there!
It is always disappointing when the flaws are obvious so quickly. I agree that there’s certainly worse out there. I hope yoy enjoy all the good parts I mentioned and perhaps more. I look foprward to your thoughts on all of it.
I think like a lot of Shonda things.. it’s just kinda deliciously fun.. not meant to be taken seriously. I started off loving Grey’s – but it got to much around season 5 or 6 for me..but yet..people still love it and watch it. It says something of how good she is at the genre.
I can understand your feelings about Grey’s Anatomy. The Shondaland show that disappointed me most of all has to be Scandal. I lost all patience for Olivia Pope’s obsession with the president. It became so annoying that my mind went to the Sex & the City episode when Samantha said to Richard (her love obsession): ‘I love you but I love me more.’ I desperately wanted Olivia to say something like that to Fitz. I have no idea whether she ever did and I don’t care! 😁
Yeah I only did one and half seasons of Scandal.. no one talks that fast constantly in real life..hahahahahahaha
😂😂!
It’s funny, I never gave the speed of her speech much thought. But yeah, it was actually quite fast. Maybe if we were as busy putting out fires the way Ms. Pope was, perhaps we too would quickly learn to shoot out our words. 😁
They ALL did though.. that was the part that tripped me out.. they all spoke like they were on speed..hahahahahahaha and yes, the plot lines got ridonkulous as well. I can see myself doing a 2nd season of Bridgerton though for sure..
Fast speech must have been a pre-requisite to getting all their roles. The stories were crazy and fun. Until they became crazy minus the fun.
I wouldn’t say no to watching a second season of Bridgerton either. Mainly in hopes that it will improve. It’s the reason I’ll give season two of Emily in Paris a look as well.
Totally agree about the lack of communication between characters! It drove me nuts.
It’s annoying when stories do this. However, I suspect it’s something that’s noticed most by wise souls like our selves! 😁 I’m not sure that teenage me would have spotted how easily their problems could have been solved with simple, effective communication. Even more so because it’s very likely that Regé-Jean Page’s visual appeal would have blinded me to most other things.
Yes that’s true! Its interesting how a viewers life experience can effect their perspective on things. A younger me would have been head over heels for Regé-Jean Page lol!