Netflix Binge Review: Bridgerton

By Georgia Leipold-Vitiello

Netflix’s Bridgerton has all the visual appeal with costuming and beautiful sets of any period drama, while also bringing in the sex and interpersonal drama of any modern soap opera. On December 25, 2020, Netflix released this short series divided into eight episodes, structured much like chapters in a book, as to fit the structure of the novel, written by Julia Quinn, from which it was adapted. The Restoration era drama centers on the children of two elite families, the Bridgertons and the Fetheringtons, as they navigate the courtship rituals of presenting young women to the Queen, as well as to eligible bachelors in hopes of finding love—or at least a suitable hand in marriage. ​

​Throughout the show, a scandalous newsletter from an anonymous author known as “Lady Whistledown” distributes writings on all of the town's gossip and seemingly knows every illicit detail of the elite few’s lives. The gossip comes via the voice of Julie Andrews, who narrates to swiftly move the plot forward and also add to the show’s fantastical and whimsical nature. 

While there are many dramatic subplots throughout this show (including the search for the identity of Lady Whisteldown, the oldest Bridgerton brother’s illicit relationship with an unfit opera singer, and a beautiful cousin of the Fetheringtons' who comes to stay and brings drama and scandal with her), the primary focus of the show lays upon the eldest Bridgerton daughter, Daphne. She brings about whispers throughout the town when she receives the approval of--and favor from—the Queen herself upon the premiere of her courtship season.  

Daphne struggles to meet suitors as she remains under the watchful eye of her eldest brother, the man of the house after the death of their father. Because of this, Daphne creates an alliance with an attractive young Duke named Simon who seems to be the focus of everyone’s attention upon his own arrival, despite having a habit for carrying a concealed flask and bringing with him his own array of demons. Daphne and Simon, though very much disliking one another upon their initial meeting, decide to form a mutually beneficial alliance. Daphne wishes to be desired and pursued by suitors. In order to shake her brother as well as gain the attention of others, she must appear unavailable by being courted by a handsome man such as the Duke, making her even more desirable. Simon wishes nothing more than to be left alone by the other young women and their families as he handles the affairs of his recently deceased father and swears off marriage all together. For this reason, he agrees to pretend to court Daphne in order for them to each reap the rewards of appearing attached to one another. 

While this arrangement may appear simple and harmless, their agreement begins to unravel and create unforeseen issues as the true nature of their relationship is threatened to be revealed and put to the test. They must comply with societal pressures and expectations of the marriage season amidst other drama  in their circle. 

While this initial season of Bridgerton may seem like just another period drama, it has a few aspects that set it apart. One very notable aspect of this show is the emphasis on sex, which would have been scandalous during the period in which the story takes place. Frankly, many viewers might have expected more family-friendly programming. It is mentioned throughout the show that women, particularly Daphne, are told nothing about sex, reproduction, or even married life but are expected to enter marriage young and blindly. In contrast, the men seem to be no stranger to the idea of sex. This is showcased early on with sexual scenes of the eldest Bridgerton brother and his paramour. 
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While sex, or anything leading up to it, particularly out of wedlock, would have been extremely scandalous during the Restoration era, this show makes a point to contain scenes about pleasure and masturbation, that while mildly surprising within the context, is actually one of the better aspects of the series. The focus on the idea of a young woman discovering and owning her own sexuality, no matter the societal constraints, is incredibly refreshing and as a plot point alone, makes the show well worth watching. 
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Bridgerton is filled with enough romance, sex, and drama to capture anyone’s attention (not to mention the musical accompaniment of instrumental adaptations of pop songs) making it a must-watch this winter as so many people around the world continue to stay inside and seek entertainment.