Shonda Rhimes’s inaugural production for Netflix, titled “Bridgerton,” attracted a staggering 63 million viewers, including myself and my partner. It popped up in my recommendations weeks ago, tempting me to finally give it a shot.
Typically, period dramas aren’t my go-to; the last one I truly immersed myself in was “Downton Abbey.” However, the moment I finished the first episode of “Bridgerton,” I was hooked—not solely due to the plot (though eventually that kept me watching), but because each character grapples with their own identity and life’s complexities. I found myself wanting to understand why the Bridgerton brothers struggled to commit to love, why a spirited character like Eloise felt confined, and why Simon struggled to embrace his feelings for Daphne.
Shonda’s female characters often radiate strength, demonstrating the consequences that accompany such empowerment. The male characters, on the other hand, reveal their vulnerabilities almost instantly: they are deeply flawed individuals in need of love, just like the rest of us. Almost all of them are confronting personal challenges, which many of us can relate to.
When I tune into a Shonda Rhimes series, I know I’ll see a diverse cast portraying characters with emotional baggage. Throughout her narratives, we witness them unraveling that baggage—whether in their careers, relationships, or even during intimate encounters. They are individuals yearning for connection, often seeking affection from anyone who will give them notice.
In her storytelling, Shonda introduces us to formidable women who reveal the chaos that accompanies their power—characters like Annalise (Viola Davis in “How To Get Away With Murder”), Olivia (Kerry Washington in “Scandal”), and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor). The depth of her characters reflects the real-life struggles many of us face: addiction, infidelity, insecurity, resilience, fearlessness, failed relationships, sexuality, family dynamics, loss, trauma, and much more. It reminds us that our identities are shaped by various factors, transcending mere appearance or actions, heavily influenced by societal context. As life unfolds, our identities can evolve, much like Olivia and Annalise’s journeys from brokenness to wholeness, paralleling Simon Basset’s character growth in “Bridgerton.”
Shonda encourages us to reflect on the role race plays in our lives, not just as women but as humans. “Bridgerton” highlights the existence of Black aristocrats during a historical period often overlooked. A critic from the New York Times noted, “The characters of ‘Bridgerton’ acknowledge their blackness as a facet of their identity while thriving within Regency society.” Its success illustrates that people of color can thrive without being mere victims of racism in a British period drama. In “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder,” she presented powerful women in fields where Black representation is rare.
Shonda deliberately showcases interracial relationships, such as Daphne’s and Simon’s, which stem from a strategic ruse to attract more suitors to Daphne. Some viewers have questioned why Shonda often pairs her lead Black characters with white partners. For me, it underscores her ability to remind us of historical contexts—where white men held power—while simultaneously presenting a narrative where cultural identity isn’t solely tied to another’s authority.
Watching Shonda Rhimes’s series goes beyond analyzing her choices in relationships; it’s about the diverse representations that resonate with our collective experiences—whether in sexuality, lived realities, or personal traumas. It’s about the journey the characters undertake throughout the season.
As I binge-watched the series with my partner, savoring two episodes each night, I recalled the poignant final episode of “How To Get Away With Murder” where Annalise bares her soul in court, reflecting on her life’s masks. “Bridgerton” offers a similar opportunity: to witness characters shedding their facades while seeking hope and love in their lives and humanity. It mirrors our current realities and encourages us to delve deeper into what truly matters—love.
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In summary, “Bridgerton” captivates audiences not just with its plot but through its complex characters navigating their identities and relationships, ultimately reflecting broader societal themes that resonate with viewers today.