Netflix’s Bridgerton Showcases Gender Roles In The 18th Century

If you are looking for a scandal filled show with elements of romance and deceit, look no further. 

Netflix’s Bridgerton is for you.

This eight-episode drama premiered on Dec. 25, 2020. It was created by Chris Van Dusen with Shonda Rhimes as executive producer. 

Bridgerton is based on the first book of a successful series composed of eight Regency romance novels by Julia Quinn. It follows eight siblings in a British high society family as they find true love in the 1800s.

The first season revolves around Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family. After Queen Charlotte becomes fond of her, Daphne becomes the center of attention. In an effort to keep her image, she creates a plan involving a Duke named Simon (Rege-Jean Page) who does not want to get married.

Apart from Page and Dynevor playing main characters, other actors in the cast include Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Claudia Jesse (Eloise Bridgerton), Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington) and Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte).

Although the series explores the relationship between Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, fans have also begun to swoon over the wardrobe looks featured on the show.

Many fans have uploaded photos and videos on social media platforms with recreations of the outfits.

While the binge-worthy show will keep you entertained, it also does a good job of showcasing the gender roles that existed during the 1800s. 

Anthony, who is the eldest of the Bridgerton brothers, is asked by his mother in the first episode: “you must ask yourself, are you merely the older brother, or are you the man of the house?” The scene shows how men were expected to step up and be the man of their given house.

Daphne’s younger sister, Eloise, goes against the norm and wants more for herself without the longing to be married. Women in the 1800s were expected to be married off at a very young age to a man within their social class.

Due to all of the positive feedback the show has received, Season 2 of Bridgerton will begin filming during spring of 2021 and is set to focus on Anthony Bridgerton’s romance. 

An official release date has not been announced.