Historical accuracy aside, showrunner Chris Van Dusen tells OprahMag.com they wanted Bridgerton to "reflect the world that we live in today.". Netflix series Bridgerton is proving to be a huge hit with viewers across the globe. In the show, she is a Black woman who ascended the throne, resulting in a more accepting world filled with equal opportunity where it wasn't radical to see Black elite and middle class people: a duke, footman, lady's maid, or even a respected boxer. Rhimes' new Netflix hit, Bridgerton, is no different. Bridgerton has been criticized for many things: a scene involving dubious consent, a lack of historical accuracy in costumes, and a lack of true diversity. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. My mother was crazy about period dramas, which made me crazy about them. However, their 13th and 14th children, Prince Octavius and … Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, “Bridgerton” consciously takes some license with history: The romantic lead, the dashing Simon Basset, a.k.a. [INSIGHT]Who does Penelope Featherington end up with in Bridgerton? For some, perhaps not. As mentioned in a dinner conversation between the queen and king in episode 5's "The Duke and I," their youngest child Princess Amelia died at age 27 in 1810—just three years before Bridgerton takes place. We've already spent decades saying as much. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. I was brought up in England. Find out all you need to know. "There were not actually any real Bridgertons in 1813 Regency London as far as I know. The show also picks up on the decadence and glamour of the era, particularly in its depiction of the upper crust of society. Despite their long and happy marriage, towards the end George’s mental health issues left the couple leading separate lives - another thing touched upon in Bridgerton. I want to focus on the diversity issue, specifically the way the show was cast, and how it reflects changing diversity standards in … How Important Is Historical Accuracy? this understandably comes off as a far too simplistic way, romance novels that are already inclusive. Queen Charlotte in "Bridgerton" Was a Real Royal. @netflix continues to prove their belief that darkskin Black women under the age of 25 simply do not exist , But at the same time, Van Dusen explained to OprahMag.com that the series is in no way strictly history, but a modern take on a period drama that resulted in fantasy. Bridgerton’s showrunner Chris Van Dusen told media including Express.co.uk: “Bridgerton – it’s not a history lesson, it’s not a documentary. Not only are fans buzzing about the salacious romances, they’re also wondering whether the instant hit is historically accurate to the time it portrays. One of the hallmarks of a Shonda Rhimes production is a sprawling multiracial ensemble cast. But while I agree with much of the dissent, it was still a welcome breath of fresh air to not be faced with exhaustive on-screen dialogue about why my people deserve to be seen on a hit TV series. This may lead viewers to wonder whether 'Bridgerton' is accurate in its depiction of Black people in London, let alone high society in the early 19th-century and others may outright dispute it. Netflix's Bridgerton may be a work of fiction, but its portrayal of Queen Charlotte is surprisingly true to history - and she may well have been Black. For the record, according to romance novelist and historian Vanessa Riley, there were Black nobility. Despite only brief mentions of kids in Bridgerton, the real Queen Charlotte gave birth to 15 children, with 13 surviving until adulthood. The show is set in the Regency Era in England and takes its cue from American author Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novel series. Phoebe Dynevor boyfriend: Who is Phoebe Dynevor's boyfriend? Bridgerton season 2 release date: Will there be another series? Historical accuracy shouldn't have to matter in a fantasy. READ MORE: Bridgerton season 2 release date: Will there be another series? “We honoured the history, of course, but we’re not beholden to it. Queen Charlotte's race was never up for debate. How historically accurate is Bridgerton? Bridgerton costume designer Ellen Mirojnick made 7,500 costumes for the series. historic abuse and mistreatment of BIPOCs, according to romance novelist and historian Vanessa Riley. All of the things that human beings are. Inspired by a series of novels by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton is set in London at the height of the Regency era. Although the show has … "There were not actually any real Bridgertons in 1813 Regency London as far as I know. Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, "Bridgerton" consciously takes some license with history: The romantic lead, the dashing Simon Basset, a.k.a. Although Bridgerton is a period piece, very little is based on real historical events. “Sometimes history does get in the way but we try to keep as historically accurate as we can until it’s not convenient.”. Bridgerton marries history and fantasy together, Bridgerton features contemporary elements. Novelists Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, and more are a great place to start. Even the queen Jonathan Van … Is Bridgerton a true story? Now we can rewrite that story for the little girl who's sitting at home. Additionally, the depiction of Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel) seems to be rooted history with the monarch thought to have had African ancestry. order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. “The short answer is yes, it’s historically accurate — especially during the era in which ‘Bridgerton’ is set,” historian Durba Ghosh, a professor at Cornell University, said. Bridgerton just reinforces it. "It’s not like people of color existing is a modern phenomenon. My review of the new Regency Romance series Bridgerton on Netflix, with some of the reasons I wasn't as in love with it as I would have liked to be. JUST WATCHED 'Bridgerton' is … Bridgerton raises the question of how diverse nobility could exist during a time when most Black and brown people in Britain were relegated to domestic work. She says: To translate, Bridgerton exists in a fictional 19th century London society where, unlike today, Queen Charlotte's race was never up for debate. Novelists Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, and more are a great place to start. "Not Staying Stuck", "Can't" Is Not In Dionne Warwick's Vocabulary, All About OWN's Rich, Fulfilling New Show, Delilah, Cynthia Erivo on Finding Her Inner Aretha, Cierra Glaudé Went From PA to Queen Sugar Director. 'Bridgerton' viewers spot a historical mistake in scenes. I think one of the best ways to do that is to have conversations with people because there are unique concerns that affect how we navigate in society.". Bridgerton is an American streaming television period drama series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes.It is based on Julia Quinn's novels set in the competitive world of Regency era London's ton during the season, when debutantes are presented at court.Bridgerton is Shonda Rhimes's first scripted Netflix series.. Bridgerton premiered on Netflix on December 25, 2020. She did a great job in creating a colorful, historically accurate world in the clothing alone, which is no mean feat. Critics not only address the implications of Black and brown people mingling with those who might have been their white oppressors, but also, the exclusion of darker skinned actors from leading roles. Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, “Bridgerton” consciously takes some license with history: The romantic lead, the dashing Simon Basset, aka the Duke of … The series, which premieres Dec. 25, is based on Julia Quinn’s megapopular historical romance novels about the Bridgerton family as its eight siblings find love in 19 th century England. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. On the surface, Bridgerton is a quaint, quintessential period drama but the show is so much more with the programme-makers setting out to make a costume drama with a contemporary edge to it. This comment from Lady Danbury felt at odds with the fact of #Bridgerton itself existing as it does, and it felt shoehorned in by some exec who wanted an explanation of why the male lead is a Black man, when actually, we didn’t need an explanation at all. I'm biracial. It was something that was far away. Oprah Daily participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We happened to have amazing craftspeople and artisans, who were able to recreate exactly what was but then have the imagination to extract it and bring it into a new way of looking at it: a new colouration, a new fabrication and that all stays within our theme of keeping everything fresh.”. Those are always the primary goals we’re always pushing for. You can unsubscribe at any time. To some, this understandably comes off as a far too simplistic way to delve into the very complex idea of race relations in 19th century Britain, particularly when Bridgerton was co-executive produced and written by Van Dusen—a white man. But what you see under the garb of accuracy and precision is plain racism. But both the scale and level of acceptance of those people shown in Bridgerton is largely historically inaccurate—but purposefully so. Liam DanieL/Netflix Fashion faux pas. Updated 1:45 PM ET, Mon January 25, 2021 . Although Bridgerton is a period piece, very little is based on real historical events. [EXPLAINER]. That cycle is stopping now.". (Oh, and dance to Ariana Grande at a ball. Bridgerton, which is adapted ... die-hard Austenite—it’s a bit maddening to be so thoroughly tweaked by an impudent show that cares so little for historical accuracy … See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, Although "Bridgerton" is fictional, Queen Charlotte is a real historical figure. Bridgerton gives the period drama genre a makeover. All in all, Bridgerton is never presented as a historical drama which seeks to achieve realism but delves into fantasy and a dream-like version of Regency England. Our editors handpick the products that we feature. As a viewer, I've watched sexy lawyers, Seattle doctors, and how to get away with murder-ers (it's a thing) of all ethnicities command the screen. I never thought that I'd be able to be in one. By Lisa Respers France, CNN. Created by American costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, the costumes, of which there were 7,500 pieces, unapologetically play with notions of historical accuracy. … The most common argument thrown at shows that try to be a tad bit inclusive is the extent of their historical accuracy. Bridgerton dresses: How accurate are the Bridgerton costumes? The fact that many of them were not white was just an added plus while bingeing Shondaland's addicting creations over the years. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.