Review: Bridgerton

Love, lust, wealth, betrayal, scandal, and seduction fill the newest Netflix binge-worthy series. The Shondaland masterpiece follows marriage arrangements of 18th-century upper-class families. 

When a popular debutante wants to break an arrangement and marry for love, a dashing Duke steps in, and a deal is made. He’ll help her become the talk of the town, and she’ll save him from endless set-ups.

But what happens when the ruse turns into romance? Throw in an eccentric Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) and a nasty gossip column in the daily papers, and you have one addictive television show. 

There is always one thing you can expect with everything Shonda Rhimes stamps her name on, and that’s to be completely hooked from beginning to end. Luckily there are no weekly cliffhangers that will have us wondering what happens next. That being said, Bridgerton is like opening a bag of chips; You can’t have just one. You’ll be saying, “Just one more episode,” all night until you realize the sun is out, and you haven’t slept. 

The Netflix show follows the Bridgerton family, specifically the eldest daughter Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor). Named the season’s diamond by the queen, she quickly becomes the most desired amongst men. But when a scathing article from Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) is released, her hand is forced to the most upsetting suitor. 

To avoid a loveless marriage and break the deal set up by her brother, she begins a fake courtship with the Duke (Regé-Jean Page), the most charming yet unattainable man in London. 

The Duke has vowed never to marry, despite his Aunt’s disapproval. So when the opportunity presented itself for his time to be spent with fake dates with no expectation, he jumped at the opportunity.  

But things become all too real when their fake relationship turns into love. Now the Duke must choose to accept love or let it go. 

Bridgerton is the love child of Pride and Prejudice and Gossip Girl, and that’s what makes it so entertaining. There’s a familiarity stitched into a time with customs that seem a little extreme.

There is forbidden love and dazzling parties filled with a quartet twist to your favorite pop songs ( My personal favorite is how Billie Eilish’s Bad guy is used). 

Bridgerton a refreshing take on 18th-century love stories that’s stylistic and whimsical. It’s completely intoxicating, from the wardrobe to the music and the love stories that will make you swoon.  

So grab a glass of wine ( or a cup of tea) and settle in for a long night, because trust me, you’ll be hooked.