“Bridgerton”

Not just your average period drama

By Macy Harder

I put off watching Netflix's "Bridgerton" for a few weeks after its Christmas Day release, despite the flurry of recommendations I received from my friends. My general dislike for period dramas initially turned me away from the show. But, I found myself unable to escape the series as my social media feeds became dominated by "Bridgerton" discourse, so I decided to give it a chance. 

After more than eight hours of watching, I'll willingly admit my lapse in judgment, as "Bridgerton" proved to be one of the most captivating series I've seen in quite some time. The show opens at the dawn of a new social season in 19th century London, buzzing with soirées and balls for society's elite. For Daphne Bridgerton, eldest daughter of the Bridgerton household, the social season brings pressure from her family to accept a marriage proposal. Meanwhile, Simon, the mysteriously enticing Duke of Hastings, returns to England for the season with no intention of finding a wife; in fact, the Duke has vowed that he will never marry. After a scandalous turn of events, Daphne and Simon find themselves subject to watching eyes and hushed whispers from the rest of “the ton.” In a desperate attempt to salvage their reputations, the only option is for them to marry each other, though not at their own discretion. We watch at the edge of our seats as a new chapter begins for this unlikely pair, riddled with unfamiliar desire, sacrifice, and scandals made public by an all-knowing anonymous tabloid author.

Drama, romance, gossip, and seduction intertwine perfectly in “Bridgerton,” making for a genuinely enthralling eight episodes. These elements, combined with great acting, a wonderfully compelling storyline, and a beautiful score, make the series a must-watch, and I have a feeling that I’ll be revisiting these characters at least once more before the arrival of the show’s second season.