The first look at Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix debut Bridgerton has set pulses racing with a mixture of sultry moments, scandal and shock.
The tantalising trailer, voiced by Dame Julie Andrews, hints at the intrigue that is set to hit screens when the show – dubbed ’19th Century Gossip Girl’ – debuts on Christmas Day.
From Shondaland, who famously produced Grey’s Anatomy, How To Get Away with Murder and Scandal, and creator Chris Van Dusen, Bridgerton follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market.
And fans are thrilled with the first look that shows racy scenes where scantily-clad couples embrace amid the back drop of high society, as Julie Andrews’ character narrates: ‘Let it be known, if there is a scandal, I shall uncover it’.
New show: Bridgerton has set pulses racing. (L To R) Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton And Rege Jean Page as Simon Basset in episode one of the new show
The show follows Daphne, hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, and her prospects initially seem to be unrivalled.
But as her older brother begins to rule out her potential suitors, the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) casts aspersions on Daphne.
Within hours of the first look at the trailer, fans have already compared it to both hit noughties show Gossip Girl. which sees a New York private school hit by a scandalous gossip blog, as well as ITV drama Downton Abbey which ran for six seasons and saw worldwide success.
Others have praised the diverse casting of the show, saying it’s a welcome change for a period drama.
Also starring in the show as the highly desirable and rebellious Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings is British-Zimbabwean actor Regé-Jean Page, who plays a committed bachelor and the catch of the season for the debutantes’ mothers
Also starring in the show as the highly desirable and rebellious Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings is British-Zimbabwean actor Regé-Jean Page, who plays a committed bachelor and the catch of the season for the debutantes’ mothers.
Despite proclaiming that they want nothing the other has to offer, the attraction between Simon and Daphne is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future.
Netflix say the show ‘is a romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all,’.
The show features scandal in Regency London. Pictured, left to right: Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Harriet Cains as Phillipa Featherington, Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington and Polly Walker as Portia Featherington in episode one
Swoon! Female viewers have already expressed interest in Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Rege-Jean Page as Simon Basset in episode one
The trailer, which was released on Twitter this afternoon, quickly racked up thousands of views, with fans saying they can’t wait for the Christmas Day debut.
‘Omg it’s real & looks so beautiful!!!!! Soooo excited for this! I’m ready,’ said one.
‘This just made my ENTIRE DAY!!!!!!!’ added another.
‘I may have accidentally watched this *cough-mumble* times, including a few times frame-by-frame,’ said a third.
Netflix say the show is romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted. (L To R) Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton and Florence HuntaAs Hyacinth Bridgerton
The show follows Daphne, hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, and her prospects initially seem to be unrivalled. Phoebe Dynevor is pictured as Daphne Bridgerton with Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton in episode one
‘I am so excited. Can’t wait to watch it! commented a fifth.
‘I CAN’T BREATHE,’ said another.
‘MY GODDDDDDDD I’M SO EXCITED,’ added one Twitter user.
‘Inject this directly into my eyes with needles,’ said another.
Fans loved the diverse casting of the show. Pictured is Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury in episode one
‘Period piece gossip girl? SIGN ME UP’ one joked.
Others were excited by the diverse cast. which includes Adjoa Andoh, who is of British and Ghanian heritage, and Martins Imhangbe, who recently starred in an all-Black production of Death of A Salemans at the Young Vic in London, alongside Wendell Pierce.
‘We love to see diversity!’ said one
‘Yay for the DIVERSITY in a period costume drama,’ added another.
The trailer, which was released on Twitter this afternoon, quickly racked up thousands of views, with fans saying they can’t wait for the Christmas Day debut.
‘Black people in period piece shows looking wealthy ? Sign me the f***up! said third.
‘Bridgerton is all I can think about today, but PLEASE let it be a success so we can have five million more historical romance adaptations! I want Black romance! I want queer romance! I want Asian romance! IN COSTUMES. Thank you,’ a fourth added.
Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan, who stars in the show, previously said: ‘I’m so excited for Bridgerton and so proud of what me made, and the diversity in the show is one of the things I’m most proud of. I can’t wait till you all see it.
The series also stars Imelda Staunton’s daughter Claudia Jessie, alongside Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Newton, , Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Ruth Gemmell, Polly Walker, Bessie Carter and Harriet Cains.
It is inspired by Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels.