The “Bridgerton” series, as a whole, has captivated audiences. It’s known for its exploration of the Regency era with references to modern aesthetics, such as using the orchestral covers of “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish or “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay. Parts one and two of Season 4, featuring the love story between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, were just released. As a result, fans have been rewatching previous series and its only spinoff. The spinoff, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” is a prequel to the main series and has been met with mostly positive reviews. 

The Television series is centered around Queen Charlotte, who is both an influential character in “Bridgerton” and a real historical figure. Although fictional, the series shows her youth, engagement to King George III, navigating her new title as the queen of England, being a member of the royal family and the love story between her and George III. As a history nerd who loves watching period pieces and shows, I picked up "Bridgerton” after the media reception to Season 4. Then I decided to watch its only spinoff so far. I absolutely enjoyed watching “Queen Charlotte : A Bridgerton Story” and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys watching historical fiction or anyone who wants to get into historical films. 

This story has mentions of mental health, abuse and other darker themes. Although these themes are important to discuss, please decide carefully before watching. However, anyone can watch this, even those who have not watched the original Bridgerton series. One of the first things the TV series does is clarify that it is historical fiction. This, to me, is a sign of accountability and transparency. Good historical fiction always balances creative liberties and respecting the actual historical figures well. 

First and foremost, one of the most important things about the series was the acting. The actors did an excellent job portraying their characters and their struggles. There are several records of films portraying characters of minority ethnicities and orientations as an ongoing joke for the audience or with complete disrespect. Here, the actors did not romanticize the struggles of their characters or treat them like a punchline. Casting was intentional and meticulous; they chose the people who treated the series with the respect it deserves. Speaking of good portrayals in film, “Queen Charlotte” talks about mental health (specifically Borderline Personality Disorder) and violence caused by a spouse. The film did not sugarcoat the struggles of the characters, and made the healing paths of some characters realistic. It showed how society’s negative stereotypes and views against mental health cause harm. When stereotypes are accepted as fact, especially by those who are authorized to work with patients, it puts the wellbeing of the patient at risk. The film also made the characters more than their struggles and what they went through. 

Themes of agency and womanhood were present. In fact, the show’s presentation of it further proved why feminism was necessary. The women in the film were told constantly that they belonged to other people or groups of people before themselves. The women who were background characters internalized this, and it was shown in how they interacted with each other.  Queen Charlotte is repeatedly told that she is queen first and even that she belongs to the nation before herself. She and her closest companion, Lady Agatha Danbury also have to balance the rigid ways of high society while adapting themselves. There are also themes of women supporting women, with scenes from the past to the Queen, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton. 

Although the show succeeded in many ways, there were some fundamental issues that should be addressed. The film has a strong plot, but there is not enough elaboration on certain things. Critics believe that the show could have given some of its characters a more solid backstory, such as the two people who served the king and queen, and why they entered service for the royal family. Other critics believe that the plot, although structured, was somewhat rushed. 

Personally, I believe that the TV series would have benefited from more episodes. Instead of six episodes, at least four extra episodes would have given more space for the producers to add missing information and have the plot flow more naturally. Moreover, there are sudden jumps to the present, which might be confusing for fans who haven't watched the main “Bridgerton" series. The back-and-forth of time is important for this film, but the way it was presented was awkward.  Overall, this was a great watch. I went in somewhat blind but really loved it. Although it is historical fiction, it portrays real-life events and themes with care. Shonda Rhimes, the producer of the show, also does a great job with aesthetics and music choices. I would give this series four out of five stars.