Bridgerton: An Unprecedented Fairytale
A look into the racial diversity and implications of the Bridgerton cast
Written by Khushboo Gupta, Contributing Writer
Netflix’s most recent success, Bridgerton, has shattered every record, becoming the hottest series the popular streaming service has seen. Debuting during an unprecedented time in the midst of a global pandemic, the timing of this series contributed to its sweeping success. “I think the show really provides an incredible escape for audiences at a time where that’s exactly what’s needed,” shared Bridgerton creator, Chris Van Dusen (New York Times, 2021).
Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, the production took the Regency era bestseller and put it into a different light, deviating from the traditional social hierarchy of that time period. The most extraordinary aspect of this show, along with its vibrant and passionate romance, is the diverse depiction of royalty, business owners and the working class during the 19th-century.
Bridgerton brings up the age-old question of historical accuracy. It poses the argument of how diverse aristocracy would have existed in a colonial-era where Black people in England were subject to slavery. This portrayal is extremely inaccurate in a historical context, nevertheless, it was intentional. Historical accuracy in non-historical tellings is an impossible task, making it an outdated argument in regards to movies and television. Needless to say, diversity has always been an important and accurate factor in history and the present.
Van Dusen has voiced his opinion on this matter as well, stating that the producers wanted Bridgerton to “reflect the world we live in today. (New York Times, 2021). Bridgerton, being a contemporary take on a period drama, does not reflect history in the way it happened, creating a fantastical world where Black residents could’ve lived in grandeur during the Regency era.
Setting a precedent for other shows to come, Bridgerton has paved the way for future productions to have Black characters that can flourish within antiquated storylines, sparkling costumes and idyllic lives without being enslaved. Author Julia Quinn has publicly supported the diversification of the cast, agreeing that “it’s incredibly important”(People, 2020). The celebrated writer went on to expand upon the inclusion of Queen Charlotte in the series, a historically accurate figure who was believed to have been biracial with a significant amount of African ancestry. This was an eloquent addition to the show because it helped envision what the Regency period actually looked like. Bridgerton strives to bring about a revelation that people of color don’t always have to be enslaved, emasculated or ignored to have a successful historical production.
Unfortunately, string quartets didn’t play Ariana Grande at 19th-century galas, bringing us all back to reality: Bridgerton isn’t based on a true story. Despite that, the show is a refreshing taste of what society could’ve been. With this perspective, Bridgerton isn’t attempting to erase the centuries of dehumanization Black people faced. Instead, it helps bring the characters to life in a way where they can use their race as their identity, showing how powerful people of color have always been.
Works Cited
Sam Gillette December 25, and Sam Gillette. “Author Julia Quinn on the Netflix Adaptation of Her Bridgerton Series: It’s a ‘Fairytale’.” PEOPLE.com, December 25, 2020. https://people.com/tv/author-julia-quinn-on-the-netflix-adaptation-of-the-bridgerton-series-its-a-fairytale/.
Tillet, Salamishah. “’Bridgerton’ Takes On Race. But Its Core Is Escapism.” The New York Times. The New York Times, January 5, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/05/arts/television/bridgerton-race-netflix.html.