As published in Correio do Estado

Shonda Rhimes‘ first project for Netflix wouldn’t have been Bridgerton, but with the production delay of Inventing Ana, it was precise with the sensational period drama that the showrunner arrived rocking streaming. The series became a worldwide phenomenon in 2020 and, let’s face it, it helped us a lot when we needed escapism during the pandemic. For this and other reasons we were eagerly awaiting the sequel, but the time has come. Starting Friday, March 25, season two is available on Netflix. Leave it alone, I’ll avoid spoilers here.

At this point, I don’t need to explain that the franchise came out of a series of bestsellers written by Julia Quinn, brilliantly adapted for the screen with a cast that embraces diversity and that revealed new talent to us. It’s romantic and sweet to the point of cavities, but it’s also sexy and edgy, as well as fun.

Cleverly, Bridgerton‘s proposal is to focus each season on one of the children of the family that gives the series its name, the first of which introduced us to the beautiful and determined Daphne, played by Phoebe Dynevor. In it, we saw her fall in love with and marry the Duke of Hastings, Simon (Rege-Jean Page). Now it’s time to get on top of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), Bridgerton’s older brother who is determined to get married. He elects Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) but has to be approved by her sister, Kate (Simone Ashley), with whom he will have undeniable chemistry. The accurate soundtrack, photography, neat costumes, yes, sex and nudity scenes, and some laughs are expected in the six episodes (there are two less than the 1st season).

To enjoy Bridgerton, you have to be willing to let yourself go, without judgment. Period series like The Gilded Age, from HBO MAX, are more linked to rules and historical facts, here the romantic fantasy guides the plot. In difficult times, it’s always welcome.

But I need to warn those who don’t know yet. We’re going to meet Daphne again, but we won’t see the big star of the premiere, star Rege-Jean Page, who doesn’t participate in the season. And yes, now that we know who Lady Whistledown is, how will we see her Gossip Girl scoops? Be that as it may, the second season of Bridgerton will be decisive to establish the franchise. It’s not just any challenge and it’s worth checking out.