6 things nobody wants to admit about Bridgerton on Netflix

When it comes to the romantic genre, there is absolutely no denying that Bridgerton has been a true game-changer in the field which is often overlooked by the masses.

With the release of the show’s first season in 2020, the series became an overnight success with the series becoming one of Netflix’s most popular series to date. We’ve since gotten another season with two more on the way, as well as a spinoff which allowed the show to further explore the rich characters at the heart of the series.

There are many things that Bridgerton has gotten right, but there are a few things fans seem to refuse to admit about the Netflix show.

1. Bridgerton season 2 was a major glow-up for the Bridgerton boys

As much as the Bridgerton men made us swoon in season 1, there is absolutely no denying that Anthony, Benedict, and Colin all had major glow-ups in season 2 due in large part to subtle changes made to the characters’ hairstyles. Season 2 ditched the oversized sideburns and allowed for tighter hairstyles that definitely left us wondering why they didn’t make the changes sooner.

2. Bridgerton lacks queer inclusivity

As much as Bridgerton embraces and celebrates diversity in its cast, there is no denying that the show is seriously lacking queer inclusivity. In season 1, it seemed like the show might stray away from the books in making Benedict gay or bisexual; however, the plotline was abandoned entirely in season 2 with the show pulling a bait and switch on audiences.

When looking at the cast, there is not a single LGBTQ+ character within the lead ensemble of the core show which is truly tragic. We saw some progress made in the show’s spinoff Queen Charlotte with the love story of Brimsley and Reynolds; however, the franchise has a long way to go in bringing queer representation to the forefront.

3. There should be more Bridgerton spinoffs

If Queen Charlotte taught us anything, it’s that this franchise deserves more spinoffs! The six-episode limited series about Queen Charlotte and King George’s love story was a truly masterful way to expand upon the franchise by turning back the hands of time to tell the story of how Charlotte and George’s relationship began. The series masterfully weaved in moments from the present storyline and leveraged the ensemble cast in allowing us to learn more about other key characters from the franchise who don’t always find themselves front-and-center in the main show.

As the series showed, there is so much room for spinoffs from the franchise and we absolutely would welcome more! At the top of our wishlist for a future spinoff is a series that again turns back the hands of time, this time to allow us to witness the love story of Violet and Edmund Bridgerton.

4. Going out of order with Season 3 is a major miss

While we applaud Netflix for taking some creative liberties with the series, there is a part of us that feels like the decision to suddenly stop going in order of the books after two seasons is a major miss. Yes, we’re so eager to see Colin and Pen’s story play out as the core focus of season 3; however, the decision to move their story up in the order has the potential to cause ripple effects moving forward when it comes to following the book franchise’s timeline.

Netflix has a winning formula in the seasons following the corresponding book in the franchise and there is no reason not to have charted the course in adapting Benedict’s story in season 3. We already know a fourth season is coming and would have been happy to wait one more season for Colin and Pen’s story to be adapted. After all, there are events of the third book that play into book four which will not have to be altered with the show going out of order.

5. Bridgerton is doing just fine without The Duke of Hastings

Look, we all adore the Duke of Hastings and would love to see Rege-Jean Page return to reprise the character again on the show. However, if we’re being honest with ourselves, the show is doing just fine without the Duke of Hastings and the central storylines aren’t lacking in any way without the Duke’s presence.

We know Simon pops up within the books and his presence is felt beyond the first book in which his and Daphne’s love story plays out, but it makes sense for the character to not be featured heavily across the shows now that his core storyline has played out on the show. Yes, Rege-Jean Page was a scene-stealer in the role and absolutely deserves to be credited for helping to launch the franchise. We’re in no way discounting his involvement in the series or the impact he has had in its success — there’s a reason audiences fell in love with the show as fast as they did.

However, the show has not declined in quality due to his absence and the show has found a way to keep his spirit alive in one-off updates without Page appearing on the show.

6. The Lady Whistledown reveal happened far too soon

This one might be controversial to some, but if there is one thing Bridgerton fans don’t want to admit about the show it’s that the Lady Whistledown reveal happened way too soon!

Yes, we understand that the revelation worked perfectly as a finale moment, but as book readers know Lady Whistledown’s identity is kept hidden from the readers until the fourth book in the series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. It’s a major reveal as part of Pen and Colin’s story and it’s a shame that the show didn’t opt for the slow-burn storyline with that reveal.

Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix.