e148. Sex, Love, & Bridgerton

Surprisingly, Netflix’s latest original programming sensation is Bridgerton, a regency period romance chronicling the sexual exploits, politics and scandals of 19th century London. Or perhaps this isn’t surprising at all. After all, romance has been a primary genre of fiction since… before the time period depicted in the show. Of course, people have often derided it as cheap and paltry garbage compared to “real literature.” It is often considered populist drivel that only exists to placate the masses. But that’s where this show comes in! If shows like Bridgerton aren’t good, how did it immediately jump to being one of Netflix’s most popular programs ever? And if it’s one of their most popular shows? Doesn’t that make it good? On today’s episode Hannah, Katya and Mav are joined by returning guest Nicole Freim and new guest Sarah Presogna to discuss Bridgerton, both the show, and the novels that it is based on. What makes it popular, why are people surprised and what does its… let’s say complicated… look at sexual, gender, racial, and class politics say about the world we live in today. It’s a really fun supersized show, so even if you haven’t seen the series, listen and let us know what you think in the comments. Citations and Links: * This episode’s Call for Comments* “How Accurate Are These Costumes, Exactly?” by Emily Burns* “We need to talk about the costumes in Bridgerton” by Bianca Hernandez* “Bridgerton, Lady Whistledown, and the Secret History of High-Society Gossip” by Nancy Bilyeau* “Bridgerton has a rape scene, but it’s not treated like one” by Aja Romano* “Bridgerton Creator Chris Van Dusen Explains the Show’s Most Controversial Sex Scene” by Adrienne Westenfeld* “Were Regency Women REALLY That Clueless About Sex? Bridgerton’s Sex Scenes Laid Bare” by Anna Silverman* “From race to incels, the modern “Bridgerton” twists hold a mirror up to today’s shortcomings” by Hanh Nguyen* “Black People in The Regency“* “Was Queen Charlotte Black? Here’s what we know” by DeNeen L. Brown*