10 Shows to Watch After Bridgerton
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
A book-inspired mega-hit show
Have you been sucked into the Regency-period drama that is Bridgerton, reportedly Netflix’s most popular release to-date? Based on the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn, the first season mines the storyline of The Duke & I in which Daphne Bridgerton, embarking on the hunt for a husband, tries to make herself more desirable by launching a fake romance with Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. For Simon, looking to avoid marriage, the advantage is in being able to deter all of the determined society mothers pushing daughters in his direction. All goes well until the two schemers begin to truly fall for each other…
Check out The Duke and I:
Can’t decide what to watch next? Try some of these options available on DVD from Clermont County Public Library.
Similar vibes, very different settings
The Great
Gossip Girl
The Great (2020)
This comedic, romp is VERY loosely inspired by the life of Catherine the Great, the 18th century empress of Russia. Lush costumes and the murderous intrigue of Catherine’s plotting to capture the Russian thrown from her husband Peter, propel the first season. The Great features diverse casting and infusions of modern music, similar to Bridgerton.
Gossip Girl (2007)
Gossip Girl follows the lives of a group of privileged teens from New York’s Upper East Side. Like Bridgerton, an anonymous gossip documents the exploits of the show’s characters. Numerous romances, scandals and fancy dresses make Gossip Girl a modern day parallel.
Soapy, but less steamy
Two shows from writer/producer Julian Fellowes…
Belgravia
Downton Abbey
Belgravia (2020)
Following the tragic deaths of two young lovers in the wake of the Battle of Waterloo, their parents’ navigate long-held family secrets and misunderstandings. Tensions flare between England’s titled nobility and those of the upper class who have earned their own fortunes, interfering with the romance of another young pair of sweethearts. From the team that created Downton Abbey.
Downton Abbey (2011)
Has anyone not watched this yet? If you somehow missed Downton Abbey the first time around, give it a chance now. Set a century after Bridgerton, this six-season show explores the lives of the upper-crust Crawley family and their servants. Plenty of soapy drama plays out both upstairs and down.
Don’t overlook the classics
Let’s not forget Jane Austen, who’s much loved stories have been inspiration for countless Regency-set books and films. While there are many adaptions of her books, these two mini-series allow for a TV-like viewing experience.
Pride and Prejudice
Sandition
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
While I’m sure there have been heated debates about which film version of Pride and Prejudice is the best, this BBC version is a much-loved favorite of many and helped propel Colin Firth’s career. At five hours, this retelling of Elizabeth and Darcy’s story has time to delve into the details and subplots of the book.
Sandition (2019)
In 1817, Jane Austen began writing her final novel, Sandition, but died before it’s completion. This Masterpiece (PBS) mini-series explores that story and a possible conclusion. Charlotte, on an extended stay at the sleepy seaside village of Sanditon, meets the Parker brothers who are attempting to turn the town into a fashionable health resort. During her visit, Charlotte discovers both herself and love.
Mix in some time travel
Lost in Austen
Outlander
Lost in Austen (2008)
Amanda Price, a modern-day Austen fan, magically switches places with Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet. Amanda struggles to keep the book’s plot on track with simultaneously falling in love with Darcy. Meanwhile, Elizabeth explores the modern world and questions her previous Regency era life.
Outlander (2014)
This popular, ongoing series is based on the much loved, historical time travel romance novels of Diana Gabaldon. World War II nurse, Claire Randall, is accidentally transported to 18th-century Scotland where she falls in love with Jamie Fraser and navigates a steamy romance and vicious battles.
Royal drama
Victoria
The Crown
Victoria (2016)
Explore the life of British Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years from 1837 to 1901. The three seasons released so far cover her early years on the thrown and relationship with Prince Albert. This one will appeal to Bridgerton fans who are content with a more traditional retelling of historical events.
The Crown (2016)
Each season of The Crown, another Netflix hit, covers a different period of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Every two seasons, new actors step into the roles of the royal family. Mixing fact and fiction, family drama, scandals and political drama abound.
In conclusion
If you loved Netflix’s soapy, Regency drama Bridgerton, checkout these ten shows to hold you over until the release of season two.
