Netflix’s Bridgerton projected to be viewed by 63 million households in its first month

Fans have gone wild for the hit period drama

Netflix's Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel (center), Diamond of the First Water', (Season 1, ep. 101, aired Dec. 25, 2020)
(Image credit: Liam Daniel / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection/Alamy)

Netflix’s Bridgerton has continued to go from strength to strength since it premiered on Christmas Day. Viewers across the globe have been hooked by this Regency-era series. Exactly how many people have so far been tempted to work their way through Bridgerton Season 1 may not have been officially confirmed yet. 

But now, according to Variety, Bridgerton is projected to reach 63 million households within its first 28 days on the streaming platform. If this turns out to be accurate, Variety reports that this would make Bridgerton the fifth largest Netflix original series launch of all time.

 They also say that the show has reached the number one spot on Netflix’s top 10 rankings in an astonishing 76 countries.

But what exactly is Netflix’s Bridgerton all about and why should you watch it?

What is Bridgerton about?

Set in the Regency era, Netflix’s Bridgerton follows Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family and her growing feelings for Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page.

She must make her debut onto the competitive marriage market as the “season” commences. This was an annual period where elite families hosted formal events to help introduce their children to society and in doing so, find them a suitable marriage. 

Along with Daphne are her recently widowed mother Violet and her siblings. Meanwhile the Featherington family are equally keen to make an impression and Lady Whistledown, voiced by Dame Julie Andrews, an anonymous gossip, publishes a newsletter complete with scandals and engagements. 

The show has a star-studded cast including Ben Miller, Adjoa Andoh and Nicola Coughlin, who some might recognise from Channel 4’s Derry Girls and who plays Penelope Featherington. Netflix’s Bridgerton is produced by the brilliant Shonda Rhimes, known for being the creator of hit shows Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.

All together they have brought to life a world of mystery, drama and romance.

What is Netflix’s Bridgerton based on? 

Netflix’s Bridgerton is based on the bestselling Bridgerton book series by author Julia Quinn. In total, she has written 9 books focused on the Bridgerton siblings. 

The last of these, Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, shares their lives after the events of each of their individual stories. Each book focuses on one of the 8 Bridgerton siblings. 

Image

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn 

This compelling read tells the story of the romance between the fourth oldest Bridgerton sibling Daphne and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. They enter into a fake courtship to help her garner more interest from suitors and to help him evade marriage-minded society mothers. But it soon becomes clear that genuine feelings have blossomed between them.

The first of these, The Duke and I, follows the blossoming romance between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. It is this plot which Netflix’s Bridgerton largely centres around in its debut season.

Julia Quinn’s original books are the perfect choice for fans of the show who want to learn more about the Bridgerton siblings' world. It remains to be seen whether all our dreams for a Bridgerton Season 2 will come true. 

But if you haven't yet watched the debut season of Netflix's Bridgerton, you're certainly in for a treat! 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!