Shonda Rhimes Is Bringing Us the Gorgeously Inclusive Regency Romance Series We Deserve With Bridgerton

Television superproducer Shonda Rhimes and her Shondaland productions have gifted Twitter with an eye-catching trove of Bridgerton riches. The upcoming eight-episode Netflix series is an adaptation of Julia Quinn’s bestselling romance novels, and will feature a gorgeously inclusive cast set against a stunning Regency-era British backdrop. As though this were not enough to make us scream “Take our money, just take it,” no less than Dame Julie Andrews will provide narration as the show’s mysterious Lady Whistledown.

Please just … gaze upon the glory that is Bridgerton with me. It’s Friday, and we’ve earned it.

Actor Regé-Jean Page, who plays the romantic lead Simon, Duke of Hastings, posted about his character last night, and I don’t think I’ve ever hit “add tweet to bookmarks” quite so fast.

Romance fans seemed thrilled that Quinn’s work is getting the Shondaland treatment, and were quick to highlight the books’ strengths.

Here’s the Netflix summary of Bridgerton, courtesy RadioTimes:

Bridgerton follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market.

Hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, Daphne’s prospects initially seem to be unrivaled. But as her older brother begins to rule out her potential suitors, the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown casts aspersions on Daphne.

Enter the highly desirable and rebellious Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), committed bachelor and the catch of the season for the debutantes’ mamas. Despite proclaiming that they want nothing the other has to offer, their attraction is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future.

UH-HUH. You also had me at “the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown.” Is Lady Whistledown a sort of Regency Gossip Girl? Anyway, she’s voiced by Julie Andrews, and I’m already obsessed.

Considering that there are nine books in the Bridgerton Family series, and this is likely based on the first, The Duke and I, we could be seeing a lot more reimagined Regency courtesy of Shondaland. In a time when happy news is often lacking, the Bridgerton announcement is a welcome and exciting distraction. We’ll get a chance to see the world of Bridgerton for ourselves on December 25, 2020. A Christmas miracle! Now please excuse me while I go stare at the costumes for a while longer.

(images: Netflix)

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Kaila Hale-Stern

Kaila Hale-Stern (she/her) is a content director, editor, and writer who has been working in digital media for more than fifteen years. She started at TMS in 2016. She loves to write about TV—especially science fiction, fantasy, and mystery shows—and movies, with an emphasis on Marvel. Talk to her about fandom, queer representation, and Captain Kirk. Kaila has written for io9, Gizmodo, New York Magazine, The Awl, Wired, Cosmopolitan, and once published a Harlequin novel you'll never find.

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