The Bridgerton series adapts the traditional period drama, spinning it to make it relatable to today’s audience. 

The Netflix original series was released on Christmas Day 2020, based on the book series by Julia Quinn. Viewers can anticipate the contemporary touches that are seamlessly incorporated throughout the entirety of the show. From the humour and content of the series, it is easy to see how its immediate success came to be.

The show brings a new perspective on the traditional period piece. With candles flickering atop of chandeliers, and romantic scenes of running into the rain while wearing a lavish ball gown, just to kiss your one true love — the characters’ radiance will leave the audience in awe. At the same time, many of the issues the characters face are not far off from the pressures of society that exist in today’s time.

While it takes place in the nineteenth century, viewers may easily get lost in the show, as it helps modern audiences relate and see themselves on screen. 

One notable feature of the show is its soundtrack. A number of pop hits that younger audiences may easily recognize are revised to sound like classical covers. A regency-era ball becomes much more interesting when the intricate dance routines are set to the upbeat tune of a cover of “bad guy” by Billie Eilish. The audience is completely swept off their feet when a young couple falls into newlywed bliss accompanied by the sweet, wistful melody of “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift.

Contemporary classical soundtracks aside, this series differs from many other period pieces because of its diverse casting. This was a deliberate choice that allowed the show to explore themes of race and diversity. There is a short scene that reveals the show’s backstory, in which Black people have been accepted and integrated into high society along with white people.

Diversity is finally growing in importance in Hollywood, with more pressure put on the issue since the Black Lives Matter movement grew across the globe. Having good representation of people of colour even on TV shows helps pave the way towards accurately portraying diversity in media.

It is also an opportunity to provide value to people who don’t usually see themselves represented on-screen. There have been other examples recently of historical pieces that include a very diverse cast, including the Broadway musical Hamilton and the Amazon Prime Video series The Great.

Van Dusen, along with co-creator Shonda Rhimes, wanted Bridgerton to stand out from other regency-era projects that have been largely white-washed for the sake of “historical accuracy.”

Van Dusen disclosed in an interview that the casting was not “colour-blind” — which would imply that race was not a consideration — but rather, the casting process emphasized that hiring actors of colour was important for the show.

Cast members of the show have spoken about how this inclusive casting process impacted them directly.

Golda Rosheuvel, who plays Queen Charlotte in the series, has opened up about growing up with a love of period dramas and, being biracial, thinking she would never be in one. The actress noted how her role in Bridgerton can help the youth of today not feel excluded from those opportunities.

She commented that the diversity and inclusion in the show is beautiful and should be celebrated.

The thrill of being swept away by prince charming always has its allure, but there is no doubt that the modern touches that this show brings is what makes the viewers’ experiences more fulfilling.

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Beth Zentner | Contributing Reporter

Photo: Instagram | @sweet_sociopath