Bridgerton on Netflix: Our Review (from someone who loves the book series)

Bridgerton, a new Netflix series December 25, debuted to immediate popularity – becoming a No. 1 on their list for weeks and we’ll see how long they can stay in the top 10.

Based on historical romance author Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Series, we were excited to see this historical romance series set in Regency England come to the mainstream.


OUR TAKE:

***** 5/5 stars: Shondaland nailed it – from adapting the book to tv, to casting, to bringing a modern appeal, Bridgerton Season 1 is an comparable success.

Recommended viewers:

  • If you’re a fan of Historical Romance, Pride and Predjudice (any version), Outlander Series and more
  • And if you like a fast-reading romance

Here’s my Rankings:

REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:

Princess Anastasia Denisova has escaped Russia and is hiding in London as a ladies companion called Anna Brown, when she accidentally meets Bow Street agent and Earl of Mowbray. When Anna’s life and lies are in danger, the earl is the only one you can help and keep her safe.

Casting: We love the mix of casting of black and white characters and the more inclusive nature of the series. The two leads in Series 1 are perfectly cast. It was a pleasure to see many new faces and actors across the board. Looking forward to seeing some fresh talent as – hopefully – the series continues.

Acting: Rege-Jean Page as Duke Hastings and Phoebe Dynevor, as Daphne Bridgerton, are believable, lovable and enchanting. Some of my other favorites are Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Feathrington), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Claudia Jesee (Eloise Bridgerton) and Julie Andrews (even if she’s the narrator).

Modern touches: Music – we LOVE the use of modern music used in the series. The Vitamin String Quartet is know for creating orchestra sound to pop music and they are a perfect fit for the moderized Bridgerton series. Check out the official soundtrack and you’ll know what we mean.

Gorgeous Sets: London high society in the Regency Era is gorgeously displayed. The dresses, the decor, the opulence is breathtaking.

Did anything stand out as off? We’re book reviewers – not movie critics – so nothing major caught our eye. As almost any book-to-movie transition, there’s details lost. In Julia Quinn’s novels, I’ve always enjoyed the witty dialogue, which for timing purposes is less extensive. And I know the conversation (spoiler alert) when the Duke schools Daphne on passion, is more elongated also.


from book series to tv series

Julia Quinn has long been one of our favorite historical romance authors (see our Top 10 list here). The Bridgerton Season 1 debuts late 2020 on Netflix based on Book 1 – The Duke and I, about an almost-too-old debutante Dauphne Bridgerton. Quinn is known for her witty banter and romantic humor throughout the full series, which is already evident in the trailer above.

We can only hope that Bridgerton continues for nine seasons – as the book series includes nine novels. Check out the full book series on Amazon.

Let Books for Her know what you think!