Critic Reviews

It’s an unqualified triumph. ... “Bridgerton” is Jane Austen meets “Scandal” meets “Gossip Girl” meets “The Favourite,” resulting in a wonderfully anachronistic mashup with gorgeous visuals, high-end production values and suitably larger-than-life performances by the talented cast.

The costumes are beautiful. The actors are on point. It's a show that knows exactly what it is, but beautifully achieves that while also still layering in some surprises and modern twists. Turn your nose up at it, if you like. But you'll miss out on some of the year's most enjoyable television yet.

What season two lacks in sex montages it makes up for in emotional resonance.

Ultimately what makes Bridgerton such a gem is its adoration of the historic romance genre. The attention to detail in this show doesn’t cater to fussy historic accuracy, but the way the romance genre drowns readers in fantasy. Bridgerton is a swoon-inducing treat that will leave you hot, bothered, and begging for more.

Beguiling. ... Bridgerton’s diversity backstory feels warm yet half-baked ... But because it’s happening in a genre that always papers over some realities, I don’t really mind. Bridgerton’s end result is a heady cloud of pleasure and true love set in an idealized, more inclusive milieu. At a time when I’m longing to escape the real world, few fantasies are more inviting.

The series somehow manages to feel both comfortably familiar and completely brand new—an effervescent, romantic romp that centers the female-gaze and spirit in a world that too often views women as little more than objects. Its cast is effortlessly diverse. ... But it is also a story of family and friendship where every plot twist and relationship shift manages to feel completely and thoroughly earned.

The first chunk of episodes in Bridgerton Season 3 are an ecstatic delight. Bridgerton might have a new showrunner in long-time writer Jess Brownell, but the world is still as enchanting and romantic as ever. .... This season is truly a showcase for new leading lady Nicola Coughlan. The Irish actress absolutely sparkles as wallflower-turned-heroine Penelope Featherington.

That melodramatic life of leisure, empire waistlines and the "marriage market" is brought to the screen with exquisite detail in Netflix's resplendent new drama.

As with most of Bridgerton’s stories, nothing about this is particularly subtle. But damn if it still isn’t incredibly affecting. Coughlan and Newton’s chemistry remains sweetly adorable. .... This season largely belongs to Coughlan, who shines as Penelope and runs the gamut from furious to heartbroken to deeply indecisive.

Bridgerton, it seems, is a wonderful diversion for those who love Pride & Prejudice but wish it had more stairway sex. ... For all of the misery we endured in 2020, at least it is the year that Shondaland successfully dragged the period romance into the modern age.