The announcement of the end of the rights of the hit series "Gossip Girl" on the Netflix platform has pained many fans. However, the recent arrival (December 25, 2020) of the " Bridgerton Chronicles" should delight them.
Indeed, the series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rimes (both known for Grey's Anatomy) is already a hit. And the reasons for its success are many. "The Bridgerton Chronicles" has managed to create a universe that we enjoy following, borrowing the best of two heavyweights of the universe of TV series: " Gossip Girl " and "Dowtown Abbey".
From left to right: Hyacinthe Bridgerton (Florence Hunt), Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton), Daphne Bridgerton (Pheobe Dynevor), Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), Gregory Bridgerton (Will Tilston) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson).
It is in the old jars that the best jams are made
The story of the " Bridgerton Chronicles" takes place in the private spheres of wealthy families in London in the 1800s. The " Downtown Abbey" atmosphere is set up by sumptuous costumes and dialogues of a sustained level. The soundtrack is aptly named because it covers songs such as "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish or "Thank u next" by Ariana Grande revisited by the orchestra. Enough to breathe new life into classical music. "Gossip Girl" touches are added by the narrative speech of the very mysterious "Lady Whistledown". The social events are indeed reported and supported by rumors in the column of the anonymous journalist, like the New York blogger. Scandals and gossip of all kinds come to finish the picture of a perfect mix between the two successful series.
A good cast and social topics
The main characters are played by quality actors such as Phoebe Dynevor (Snatch) as Daphne Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey (Doctor Who) who plays Anthony Bridgerton or Ruth Gemmell (Utopia), their mother in the series. We also learn to discover new talents like Regé-Jean Page in the role of the Duke of Hastings.
It is nice to see that "The Bridgerton Chronicles" deals with topics that are still current such as the place of women in society, racism, the right to abortion or sex education. Consent is also being approached in a new way. Indeed, during an intimate scene between two characters, the young woman abuses her companion, thus creating a controversy over two-way sexual consent.
The first season of a long series?
Regé-Jean Page (The Duke of Hastings) and Pheobe Dynevor (Daphne Bridgerton)
If the filming of season 2 had to be postponed due to the Covid19 pandemic, we know that "The Bridgerton Chronicles" is adapted from Julia Quinn's books, in 9 volumes. Each of the volumes deals with a character from the Bridgerton family, so we can expect a big series in several seasons. Season two is expected to focus on the family's eldest son, Anthony Bridgerton, and his desire to find a worthy woman. However, there will surely be, in the background, more information about Lady Whistledown, whose identity we know at the end of season 1.
One thing is certain: the sequel will be awaited by the fans, already very numerous.
