Show Review: Bridgerton
Series Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Rating: 8/10
Review by: Abby Waechter
Taking place in a fictional 19th century English society, the eight-part Netflix series Bridgerton has romance, drama, comedy, and scandal.
Although it’s undoubtedly a cliché when love prevails and the guy gets the girl, Bridgerton successfully pulls it off, a chaotic tale of courtship between the Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton. Initially starting off their relationship as accomplices to help each other’s societal advancements, they develop something deeper than just friendship — only for more chaos to arrive when the Prince of Prussia enters the picture and expresses his interest in marrying Daphne. Through it all, a gossip writer working under the alias of Lady Whistledown, occasionally stirs the pot within the society, exposing secrets and scandals, keeping both watchers and characters on their toes throughout the series.
The series is remarkable with its character diversity. Taking place in a time where no one would dare question the Queen’s race, Bridgerton defies public expectation, offering a creative inclusivity that manages to be almost entirely escapist while also feeling contemporary.
The music is also exceptional — it’s modern, filled with pop hits played in a delightfully Victorian manner. Songs like Ariana Grande’s “Thank U Next” and Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood” covered by the Vitamin String Quartet particularly stand out, connecting modern music to the past.
Bridgerton is easily one of the most entertaining Netflix series to have arrived over holiday break; its second season can’t come soon enough.