Since its debut on Netflix in December, I’ve been hounded on social media and in real life by people geeking about Bridgerton. Out of anything else to write about this week I elected to submit to the demands of my peers and make an article about it, thus killing two birds with one stone. So I watched the show. Fair warning, right here right now, this is a review of the entire first season.

Going into it, I knew only a select few things: first of all, it’s a British love story about two attractive rich people (so nothing different so far from every other historical romance drama). Second, both my grandma and my mom had read the books the show is apparently based off of, and they instantly perked up and started talking excitedly the moment I said the name “Bridgerton.” That was about the limit of my knowledge. So other than that, I went in blind. 

The first thing I noticed was that each episode was an hour long. The original novel series takes place between 1813-1827 in London. The season is going to be one of many, if they fall in line with Julia Quinn’s original eight book series. In order, they are The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer From a Gentlemen, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, To Sir Phillip, with Love, When He Was Wicked, It’s in His Kiss and On The Way to the Wedding. Each book is based on a different Bridgerton sibling and their exciting romances. 

The next thing I noticed was how I instantly fell in love with the costumes. For example, there are stunning regency era gowns for each and every girl, even the background characters. Every single female character has such intricate and beautiful clothes and hair that did an excellent job at giving them all personality, which is particularly important in such a character- driven show. While Daphne and Simon, the two main characters and love interests, are the focus of the first season, they and their characters are bolstered by an incredible supporting cast. When I learned that there was an eight book series, each book about each sibling, I lost it and immediately ordered the next book. 

As someone who couldn’t wait for the next season and ordered the book instead, I can confidently identify the charm of Bridgerton in its ability to draw you in and make you want to get more from all these people and their various sub plots. I want to see more of all the characters I’ve grown attached to over eight episodes. I’m curious as to what will happen to Daphne’s oldest brother Anthony, and Simon’s close friend, a boxer named Will Mondrich. They all have clear-cut family dynamics, goals, motivations and character traits. Each small character is involved in a web of sub plots that don’t take away from the main storyline; they add onto it and leave the audience excited to see them be continued in the next season. 

Every actor in the show does a wonderful job at breathing life into the script and the characters given to them. I love watching the effort put into the interactions between every character in every scene, which of course, leads me to the actual romance of the show. Regé-Jean Page, playing Simon Basset, and Phoebe Dynevor, as Daphne Bridgerton, have compelling chemistry. Every detail of their scenes together is meticulous and incredibly rewarding. Watching them fall in love gives the audience a deep level of satisfaction. 

Bridgerton season 2 has been officially confirmed, which means viewers get to watch a new romance unfold with the continuation of unfinished plotlines and familiar faces. I for one am incredibly excited and can’t wait. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my order of The Viscount Who Loved Me just arrived.

Image courtesy of Flickr.