It is a truth universally acknowledged that any show that teases Regency society, scandalous affairs, and sweeping ball gowns will appeal directly to me. Netflix’s new Regency era series Bridgerton combines Jane Austen-esque courtship with the high society scandal of Gossip Girl for a what looks like a sizzling good time.
Bridgerton, Shondaland’s Netflix debut, follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of a powerful English family, as she makes her debut into London society. For those unfamiliar with the lingo of the Regency Era, that means Daphne is gearing up to fight every other eligible lady in London to secure a successful husband — in this case, the most ambitious catch of the season is the rebellious Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). As if courtship and rubbing elbows in high society wasn’t enough, a high society gossip rag penned by the enigmatic Lady Whistledown (the voice of Julie Andrews) is coming for everyone with that hot, juicy goss.
Bridgerton debuts on Netflix on Dec. 25 — perfect Christmas viewing.