In 2020, Bridgerton caught the attention of countless Netflix viewers, and quickly rose to the top of the streamer’s charts; since then, few period dramas, no matter how promising, have been able to catch up. Based on a series of novels by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton is a unique mish-mash of genres and ideas, blending romance and history, and modern ideas with traditional values. In just three seasons, the series has stolen the seventh, eighth, and ninth spots among Netflix’s most-watched series. Bridgerton’s fame has been great, but it has made it harder for other period dramas to compare.

There are a few contributing factors to Bridgerton becoming so popular when other historical dramas have not. One aspect is that Bridgerton is far more concerned with romance and fun than actual history. While the show definitely relies on its Regency Era setting, it does not try to be accurate, and instead, focuses on building up meaningful relationships and heart-racing moments. Furthermore, Bridgerton came at a time (2020) when audiences were yearning for this sort of fluffy, easy-to-watch television. Now, no other period drama can replicate this perfect time, perfect place scenario.

4

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

A One-Off Story With Harsher Themes

The first period drama that tried and failed to follow in Bridgerton’s footsteps is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. This may seem like a false answer, as Queen Charlotte is clearly part of the Bridgerton franchise, yet we must acknowledge that this spinoff series simply didn’t have the impact that Bridgerton did. Where Bridgerton has speedily released three seasons, and is currently working on its fourth, Queen Charlotte is likely going to end with just one installment. Sure, it was positively received by critics and audiences, but the show and its characters did not blow up like the Bridgertons did.

Queen Charlotte’s smaller range of success likely has to do with its story. The spinoff goes back in time to explore the love story of Queen Charlotte and King George III, pulling audiences away from the beloved ensemble cast of Bridgerton. Furthermore, audiences get answers about Charlotte and other characters, yet their stories do not expand much beyond this particular time period. There is little need to continue, as all the questions have been answered. Finally, Queen Charlotte takes on some darker topics that go against the lighter atmosphere of Bridgerton.

3

The Buccaneers

A Book Adaptation That Still Has A Chance

Another period romance set in historical London that could have given Bridgerton a run for its money is The Buccaneers. Based on a novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, this show follows a group of young American women who are sent to London in the 1870s to participate in the courting season. Although they arrive with the intention of finding husbands, the girls struggle with culture shock, as their ambitious and loud personalities clash with the more restrictive traditions of the British. The series premiered on Apple TV+ in 2023.

In some ways, The Buccaneers still has a chance at rising to the level of Bridgerton. The show was well-received, earning a 77% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has already been renewed for a second season. Also, like Bridgerton, the series does away with historical accuracy in favor of colorful modern twists. Really, the only thing holding The Buccaneers back is that it simply isn’t as well-known as Bridgerton. Without strong viewership to back it, The Buccaneers could be another series that fades into the background, despite its high quality.

2

The Serpent Queen

A Darker, Edgier Bridgerton Rival

One historical drama that absolutely deserved the attention that Bridgerton gets is The Serpent Queen. Running for two seasons on STARZ, this series revolves around Catherine de’ Medici, a young royal who marries into the French court, and through clever maneuvers and alliances, manages to rule for 30 years. Once again, The Serpent Queen is not necessarily the pinnacle of historical accuracy, but it makes up for it by including political intrigue, violence, Sєx, and plenty of witty banter. It is definitely darker than Bridgerton, but just as entertaining, if not deeper story-wise.

The Serpent Queen should have been a success as mᴀssive as Bridgerton, but once again, the problem was viewership. Despite garnering fantastic 100% scores on Rotten Tomatoes, the show was ultimately canceled due to a lack of viewership. Arguably, this had less to do with the show itself than its marketing, and the fact that it was airing on STARZ, which many audiences may not have had access to. Regardless, The Serpent Queen is a great show to watch for those who enjoy Bridgerton, but aren’t afraid to get edgier.

1

My Lady Jane

Canceled Too Soon

Finally, a series that truly had a chance at reaching Bridgerton levels of popularity is My Lady Jane. Another book-to-TV adaptation, this series tells a revisionist version of the story of Jane Grey, a real young woman who was chosen to become Queen of England following the death of Henry VIII’s son, only to be executed just days later. In this iteration of the tale, Jane manages to fight back against her horrible fate with the help of magic and the husband she never wanted, Guildford.

My Lady Jane created quite a bit of buzz following its 2024 premiere on Prime Video. Yet, this and a 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes couldn’t prevent the show from being prematurely canceled due to low viewership. This cancelation was a mᴀssive blow to certain audiences, who fell in love with the show’s quirky characters and vivid visuals. Ultimately, My Lady Jane could have been the ideal Bridgerton follow-up, but like its predecessors, it continues to be overlooked.