★★★★

Intriguing, charming, romantic, and scandalous. This sums up the trending Netflix Original Series, Bridgerton. This period piece, set in London, England during the Regency period, follows high-society families finding their way in love, friendship, and social class.

Bridgerton, adapted from the book series by Julia Quinn, follows young Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her entrance into the “marriage season” of old London society. Watching the historical romance, I was captivated by the beautiful ball gowns, ornate houses and ballrooms, as well as the intense chemistry between characters Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page).

The initial meeting between Daphne and Simon is abrupt, and their relationship has its ups and downs as they progress from enemies to friends to lovers. While I was immediately drawn in by the love story between the two, other plotlines begin to progress thanks to the works of secret writer, “Lady Whistledown.”

Lady Whistledown, voiced by Julie Andrews, is an anonymous columnist who writes the “Society Papers” where she breaks down the reputations of London’s elite. While Whistledown’s identity is exposed in the season’s final episode, the initial episodes focus on various characters, specifically Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), trying to discover the writer’s identity. The plot-line regarding the exposure of various scandals with high society members seems like a historical spin on the late 2000’s teen drama Gossip Girl.

While watching Bridgerton, I immediately loved the score directed by Kris Bowers. He incorporated various pieces performed by the Vitamin String Quartet as classical covers of modern day songs including, “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes, “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift, and “thank you, next” by Ariana Grande. These songs fit the quick-paced ballroom scenes where much dialogue and characterization occur.

The series also delves into the theme of not wanting to conform with society. Although the eldest Bridgerton daughter, Daphne, is passionate about finding love, Eloise has no interest in marriage, which was unusual for women of that era. She prefers to embark on adventures with her best friend, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), whose family falls from fortune to despair. Other intriguing plotlines concern the eldest Bridgerton brothers, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), Colin (Luke Newton), and Benedict (Luke Thompson) and their romantic struggles.

Although the show is captivating and vibrant, there are a few setbacks that made me question the product of creator, Kris Van Dusen. There are so many women in glamorous dresses that it’s hard to figure out who belongs to which high-class family. This is enhanced by the fast-paced nature of the show. Also, I found that even though the show is set during the Regency period in London, not all events were historically accurate. These details, however, do not take away from the luxurious aspects of the show.

Overall, Bridgerton explores scandal, romance, and drama through the eyes of London’s elite in the early 1800’s. The show is geared towards a more mature audience due to graphic themes and content. Shondaland Productions has created a diverse show that has left me fascinated with the historical romance that is Bridgerton.