Return to the Ton: Bridgerton is Back
By: Madison Sottile
This newly released season of the Bridgerton series has, in less than 24 hours, faced much scrutiny. Season 4 is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale; however, many viewers find this plot tired. The Cinderella story has been redone over and over again, which may seem repetitive, but there is a reason it’s so popular: it’s nostalgic. The past seasons display common romantic tropes we’ve seen all our lives, and there are only so many to go around, so it is about time we see a Bridgerton rendition of the classic tale. This season follows Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha, playing Benedict and Sophie, the newest couple to enter the Bridgerton world.
The show will be released in two parts. The first four episodes are available to watch now, but fans have to wait until Feb. 26 for the second half, with the season finale. This model of release has been common with Netflix TV shows recently, although fans generally respond negatively to it. This tactic seems to be used to generate more buzz by extending the wait, and unfortunately for eager fans, it works.
So what keeps fans watching? Chemistry, aesthetics, and music. The artistry behind how this show is brought together is distinctly different from that of other popular shows currently. Set in the early 1800s in London or “The Ton,” it serves as a somewhat Regency Gossip Girl, with intricate hair and costumes that draw people in who are fascinated by fashion or history. While not wholly historically accurate, it is a step away from typical modern plots. There are not many mainstream period romance shows, so Bridgerton has low competition. The use of classical covers of modern pop to represent love stories is also unique to Bridgerton. The set design and costuming put fans into the show’s detailed world, which is why ball-inspired events have gained popularity.
The fandom is no doubt strong. The series is based on the early 2000s book series by Julia Quinn, that previous to the show, was very popular. There were already lifelong fans of the books, which allowed for the great success of the show, even though producers have started straying slightly from the book timeline. The rise of “BookTok” also contributed to the popularity of the show. With so many young readers looking for recommendations, it was only a matter of time until the books and TV show were suggested.
The producer of Bridgerton, Shonda Rhimes of Shondaland, is also known for having romantic leads with outstanding chemistry. The leads and cast of Bridgerton appear to be very close-knit, which fans can really feel. With all of the press tours and interviews, it’s almost impossible not to root for these couples. Rumors, debates, and “ships” for the actors and actresses of Bridgerton are a huge factor in why people love this series; they love to see real life match the TV, even if it’s simply for PR. The show brings fans into this intriguing world with carefully crafted details and even some surprises not seen in the books, and this season is no exception.
