TV, FILM & RADIO

Marriage mart machinations

Bridgerton / Netflix, season two streaming from Friday 25 March

It says much about how Bridgerton has reengineered the costume drama that it’s both reassuring and radical. Reassuring because, even more than Downton Abbey, it’s a slice of pure escapism, a view of the Regency era so frothy as it is beguiling. Radical because, in eschewing period drama conventions, notably in its use of black and Asian actors in lead roles, it reaches out to new audiences.

And connects with these audiences when you consider that some 82 million households worldwide have so far streamed Bridgerton, which debuted on Christmas Day in 2020.

For those who haven’t yet seen the show, it’s based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels and plays out in the, a world that’s fiercely competitive and where making a good match is crucial. Created by Chris Van Dusen, the series is made by Shondaland, the production company founded by writer and showrunner Shonda Rhimes (, ).