Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan hits back at detractors of hit show’s ‘diversity’: ‘You can’t downvote us being Netflix fifth biggest original release ever’
It’s one of Netflix‘s biggest current hits.
And Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan has some harsh sentiments for those who have criticized the show for its diverse casting.
In a string of tweets posted on Tuesday, the actress, 33, touted the success of the racy period drama as proof of audiences’ fervent acceptance of the show and its cast.
Listen up: Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan has some harsh sentiments for those who have criticized the show for its diverse casting; seen last month on the Graham Norton Show
‘You know the way some people were like “Diversity in period drama doesn’t work…”‘ Nicola tweeted.
’63 million households thought it did tho so,’ she continued, adding a skull emoji.
Minutes later, the Galway, Ireland-born thesp added, ‘Remember people were trying to downvote the show on IMDB cos it was so diverse?
‘You can’t downvote us being Netflix[‘s] fifth biggest original release ever.’
‘You know the way some people were like “Diversity in period drama doesn’t work…”‘ Nicola tweeted; ’63 million households thought it did tho so’
![Minutes later, the Galway, Ireland-born thesp added: 'Remember people were trying to downvote the show on IMDB cos it was so diverse? You can’t downvote us being Netflix['s] fifth biggest original release ever'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/08/02/37749736-9124761-image-a-50_1610074557138.jpg)
Minutes later, the Galway, Ireland-born thesp added: ‘Remember people were trying to downvote the show on IMDB cos it was so diverse? You can’t downvote us being Netflix[‘s] fifth biggest original release ever’
In her first tweet, Nicola quoted a tweet from Netflix itself announcing the record-setting ratings that Bridgerton is expected to attain in its first month on the platform.
On the show, Coughlan portrays Penelope Featherington, the sharp-witted youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Featherington, and sister to Prudence and Philipa.
Bridgerton takes place in the Regency era of London, England in 1813, when people of all races were eligible to achieve higher status in society.
The proof is in the ratings: Nicola quoted a tweet from Netflix itself announcing the record-setting ratings that Bridgerton is expected to attain
Nonetheless, certain viewers have criticized the series’ casting of various actors of color, including fellow breakout star Regé-Jean Page.
Nicola’s comments come as it was recently reported how she discovered a major twist involving her character that comes at the end of Bridgerton’s first season.
On Thursday, Coughlan dished to Variety that she discovered Penelope’s true identity as Lady Whistledown by reading an online fan thread while preparing for the role.
Seen in May 2019 at the BAFTA Television Awards in London: On the show, Coughlan portrays Penelope Featherington, the sharp-witted youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Featherington
Bridgerton is produced by TV wunderkind Shonda Rhimes, and created by Chris Van Dusen who worked for her on Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Scandal.
If the show indeed reaches 63 million views, it will surpass The Queen’s Gambit as Netflix’s most viewed scripted original series.
That brilliant show attained a viewership of some 62 million household last November, according to the streamer itself.
Racist critiques: Nicola’s comments come as certain viewers have criticized the series’ casting of various actors of color, including fellow breakout star Regé-Jean Page (R)