Ok, I finally decided to binge-watch Bridgerton because I’ve heard so much hype about it. I knew it would probably be good, considering Shonda Rhimes is behind it, and I love her shows. I was especially interested because it’s a period romance/drama, and if you’ve read some of my past posts, my Bio, or follow me on Twitter or IG, you’ll know I love period romance/dramas like Outlander. Bridgerton has been called a mix between Outlander and Grey’s Anatomy, so I definitely put it on my TBW list.
To tell you how it went, I ended up watching all 8 episodes in one sitting. I stayed up waaaayyyy past my bedtime and had a lazy next day.
But I really liked it! Parts of my debut novel, Well-Hidden Secrets is set in the Mayfair district of London, which is the main location for this series. There are a few decades difference between WHS and Bridgerton, but both are set in the 19th century and I really enjoyed seeing how the area is portrayed by producers vs. what I saw in my head as I was writing. I’m sure on tv it’s a little more lavish and exaggerated than it really was in real life, but I love seeing things like this in period/historical drama shows like this and in Reign and Versailles. I adore reading historical fiction because if it’s really good, the author can transport me back in time with the descriptions given. I try to master the descriptions in my books and touch on on all the senses so that my readers feel like they can see exactly what I’m seeing in my head.
I spend a lot more time writing these days than I do watching tv and films, but when something like this comes along, I usually put effort into watching it. Other favorites are A Discovery of Witches, The Last Kingdom, and Vikings. Anything that involves an historical setting, a portrayal of other eras/ancient times or a fantasy/magical world gets an automatic watch from me because chances are, I’m going to love it.
In my writing, I enjoy penning stories of historical fiction and most of it so far includes a mystery of some kind, and sometimes elements of the paranmormal. Not so much of the romance (a touch here and there, but it’s just not really my cup of tea in terms of writing it!)
This Netflix series is based on the beloved bestselling series by Julia Quinn. If you like romance novels, especially with historical settings, do check out her website!
QUESTIONS: What do you think about books vs. screen adaptations? Do you prefer one over the other? Do you feel you can envision a setting better by reading the book or seeing it on tv? What tv series do you think does an outstanding job at portraying what the author described in the book(s)?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Reply below, hit the like and share button, and follow my blog for updates on my novels and other interesting topics!
Kathleen Foxx || Author || Editor || Podcast Host 
I’m glad I’m not the only one guilty of binging this all in one session! I have to admit though, I haven’t read the books so I’m not able to compare. Although, the Mrs Whistledown aspect of it gave me Gossip Girl vibes haha 🙂
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Just binged this entire thing with my bf! After reading this, I’m interested to read it too!
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Me TOOO. I am finding I enjoy most of the Netflix Originals. I binged watched this too.
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You know what else was good, but in a different way? Anne of Greengables. I recall reading the book as a kid and watching the series they had on PBS – years ago. Anyway, Netflix has one and I think it’s just called ANNE. Good stuff. And so is the movie (not series) Sherlock Holmes younger sister. I can’t recall the name – but that was good too.
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I LOVED Anne of Green Gables when I was little. I haven’t seen the Netflix one though. And yes – Enola Holmes! I thought it was great! I didn’t realize at the time that it’s based on a book and now I want to read that, too.
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