Bridgerton buzz

Art by SELENA CAO BRIDGERTON BUZZ

PERIOD DRAMA SETS RECORDS ON NETFLIX

“MISS DAPHNE BRIDGERTON, presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, the Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton,’’ is confidently announced into the eerily silent room. Large wooden double Delving into diversity The diverse cast sets “Bridgerton” apart from other period dramas. The show includes many people of color in positions of power and lower class alike. doors embellished in gold and white promptly open, revealing a In the show, Queen Charlotte of England is a woman of mixed woman clad in an elegant dress with an elaborate feather plume race married to a white king –– a minor detail that sets the scene atop her head. She slowly walks down the aisle towards the queen, of a world where one’s skin color does not determine societal rank. painfully aware of all eyes in the room on her. One misstep could Along with the Queen of England, the lead male actor in the show end it all. This is the opening scene of Netflix’s newest hit series, “Bridgerton,” created by Chris Van Dusen and executively produced by Shonda Rhimes. Set in 1813 London, the period drama has captivated people around the world with its unique storyline, beautiful costumes and modern music. “Creating positive change to be more inclusive is most important.” is a Black man who courts the white female lead. Critics of this surge in diversity claim that having people of color in period dramas is historically inaccurate –– yet many viewers of the show appreciate the choice. “Creating positive change to be more inclusive is most important,” Palo Alto High School

Reaching 83 million household streams in its first 28 days, “Bridgerton” has had the most successful — KATHERINE THOMSEN, junior junior Katherine Thomsen said. “I don’t think any viewers really cared about it [“Bridgerton”] debut in Netflix’s history. being minorly inaccurate.” Based on the best-selling novels written by Julia Quinn, the While “Bridgerton” has a more racially diverse cast compared show follows the life of the Bridgerton family, focusing on the old- to other classic period dramas, the characters are still overwhelmest daughter, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), as she em- ingly white. Additionally, some critics have pointed out that the barks on a quest to find a husband and earn Queen Charlotte’s darker-skinned actors generally represent villains, lower class char(Golda Rosheuvel) approval. Daphne and the mysterious Duke of acters or are alone with no love prospects. For example, one of the

Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), strike a deal to fake darker-skinned characters, Lady Danbury (Adjoa a relationship in order to alleviate some of their stresses. Andoh), is never seen with a partner or prospecThe never-ending gossip and secrets within the tive suitor, while Marina Thompson (Ruby

Bridgerton family — as well as the entire high society Barker), who is considerably lighter in skin — keeps viewers in suspense wondering what fate each tone, has a slew of men pining after her. character will meet. “I think overall it was good to include more diverse actors in the show but they should’ve been more conscious to incorporate all races and skin tones into powerful positions,” Thomsen said. If you are looking for a show that is exciting, riveting and passionate, “Bridgerton” is a must-watch. The historical aspects of the series accompanied by the subtle modern touches and daring characters make it all worthwhile. Whether you are intrigued by Daphne’s ever-changing outfits or mesmerized by Simon’s mysterious demeanor, “Bridgerton” is for you. v

“Bridgerton” is available for streaming on Netflix.