Bridgerton review: A must-stream for Jane Austen fans

Bridgerton has all the scandal, wit, romance and heart of a Jane Austen adaptation

Dear Reader: The much-anticipated adaptation of Bridgerton debuted among Netflix’s new releases on Dec. 25. Does the ambitious series based on a book series by Julia Quinn do its inspiration proud? You can be assured it does, and this Bridgerton review will inform you why—and why, if you’re an Austen fan, it deserves your attention.

Bridgerton overview

First of all, if you are a fan of any of Jane Austen’s work that has also been adapted into movies and TV series, such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma, you will recognize shades of those fine works in this one. From the sets and lavish costumes to the storylines and impeccably cast characters, you can’t help but get swept up and drawn into the Bridgerton family’s world.

However, this is the 21st century and Bridgerton‘s creators are modern women. Quinn may have penned the works that inspired this series—rather, work, as it’s based on the first book in the Bridgerton series, The Duke and I—but Shonda Rhimes is the one who brought it to life in a  feast for the eyes and heart.

Bridgerton stays mostly true to the Regency era that it is set in, but this is not your mamma’s Austen. It contains that thing we don’t talk about in polite society except for in code. I will give you a hint, though: It’s a three-letter word that starts with an S and ends with an X.

Which is understandable. Quinn’s novels may emulate Austen’s to a degree, but women writers have come a long way in the last couple hundred years or so. They’re freer to expose the relations between men and women in all forms, including the intimate ones. That’s also something Rhimes is not shy about as evidenced by her previous credentials, such as Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Scandal. She parlays this experience into Bridgerton.

However, fear not intrepid reader. While there may be more exposed flesh than other similar works of this genre, it’s tasteful and compliments the situation. Mostly.

Which, oh my, there are no shortage of situations the Bridgerton siblings find themselves navigating.

Bridgerton storyline

Mostly it revolves around Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her unfortunate debut into society.

Well, it started out promising enough. The queen did single her out and declare her “flawless.” And she was. Simply radiant and impeccable.

However, she soon received a cruel reminder that she is a woman in a man’s world. In this case, that world and her movements within it are dictated by her well-meaning, but overbearing, brother, Benedict, who deterred all prospects by being too particular.

Or did he?

His mother has conspired with a powerful ally, Lady Danbury (Phoebe Dynevor), to orchestrate a ruse sure to entice more suitors to Daphne’s door.

Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), a most eligible duke, has declared he has no intention of marrying. His aunt only has his happiness in mind. Perhaps feigning an attachment to Daphne will change his mind? If nothing else, it will deter pesky marriage-minded mammas from hounding him to court their daughters. He’s all for that.

Anthony, too, has affairs of the heart to contend with. Will he follow his and aim for happiness, or resign himself to abiding by custom and duty and deny himself the one he truly longs for?

And that’s just the start of all the drama. There is so much more, but that is all I will tell, dear reader. No spoilers here. Bridgerton is a series best left to devour with one’s own eyes.

Bridgerton reviews

What does the viewing ton so far have to say about this new Netflix series? Is it being well received?

Quite well indeed.

So far it’s received a 97% average Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 87% Audience Score. Its individual episodes are all scoring between 6.2 and 7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. 93% of Google users have indicated they like the show.

The New York Times declared it a “sparkly period piece with a difference” and as to whether to stream it or skip it, Decider recommended not just to stream it but to STREAM IT. Yes. In all-caps.

But you, dear reader, must be the judge for yourself.

Bridgerton is now streaming on Netflix.