Introduction
Netflix has done it again. Just when fans were craving the glamour, scandal, and romance of Bridgerton, a new period drama stepped in to steal the spotlight. The Lady’s Companion, set in 1880s Madrid, is charming audiences around the world with its compelling characters, modern storytelling, and irresistible romantic tension.
Bridgerton left a void, and The Lady’s Companion is filling it — and then some.
The Premise: A New Kind of Heroine
The Lady’s Companion centers on Elena Bianda, a woman with a unique and delicate job in high society: serving as a chaperone to young, aristocratic women. Her job is to protect their reputations and guide them through courtship, marriage, and the complex social rules of 19th-century Spain.
But Elena is not a passive observer. She’s clever, brave, and unwilling to let the traditions of her time define her. As she navigates the challenges of the elite world around her, Elena proves that she’s not just watching history unfold — she’s quietly shaping it.
A Familiar Feel with a Fresh Setting
Much like Bridgerton, The Lady’s Companion mixes historical drama with a modern feel. The setting is lush and beautifully shot, filled with rich costumes, elegant estates, and intricate ballroom scenes. But what makes it stand out is how it blends contemporary elements — quick-witted dialogue, fourth-wall breaks, and bold female characters — into its 19th-century backdrop.
The series doesn’t just recreate the past. It reinvents it.
The Cast That Brings It All to Life
The show’s success owes much to its cast, especially lead actress Nadia de Santiago, who plays Elena with a perfect balance of restraint and strength. Her performance is both subtle and powerful, drawing viewers into her world with every knowing glance.
Other standout performances include Álvaro Mel as Santiago, the charming and enigmatic godson of the wealthy Mencía family. His on-screen chemistry with Elena adds emotional depth to the story. Supporting characters like the three Mencía sisters — Cristina, Sara, and Carlota — bring humor, drama, and complexity, each offering their own take on love, family, and freedom.
The Plot: Romance, Duty, and Social Rebellion
The Lady’s Companion tells a story that is equal parts love and liberation. As Elena takes on the responsibility of guiding the three Mencía sisters into society, she’s faced with more than just matchmaking. Each young woman challenges Elena in a different way, and Elena’s methods are anything but conventional.
At the heart of the series is a slow-burning romance between Elena and Santiago, complicated by class differences, expectations, and Elena’s role in the family. Their relationship simmers with unresolved tension, echoing the best moments of Bridgerton while carving out its own identity.
More than just romance, the show explores deep themes of power, gender, and the courage it takes to challenge the roles society expects us to play.
Why Viewers Can’t Stop Watching
Since its release, The Lady’s Companion has captured attention for its refreshing take on the period drama formula. Fans of Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, and even The Gilded Age have praised the show for its:
-
Beautiful cinematography and costumes
-
Witty, emotionally rich writing
-
Strong female characters who drive the plot
-
Romance that’s both subtle and smoldering
-
Modern storytelling style in a historical setting
Unlike many historical dramas, The Lady’s Companion knows how to be serious without being stiff, romantic without being cliché, and historically grounded without losing pace or energy.
What Makes It Different from Bridgerton
While Bridgerton leans into opulence and spectacle, The Lady’s Companion offers a quieter kind of intensity. Its drama is more grounded, its characters more introspective. Where Bridgerton thrives on scandal and shock value, The Lady’s Companion thrives on emotional buildup and sharp, thoughtful writing.
It also places more emphasis on duty, identity, and the invisible labor women perform to survive in a society that often tries to silence them. Elena’s story isn’t just about love — it’s about leadership, self-worth, and knowing when to break the rules.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
The creators of The Lady’s Companion have a strong background in period storytelling. With experience in Spanish dramas known for their rich emotional arcs and high production value, they’ve brought something unique to the international stage. The direction, score, and attention to detail make the series feel both intimate and cinematic.
From set design to casting, every decision feels purposeful — adding layers of realism and emotion to the story. It’s clear that the creative team knew they weren’t just making another period romance — they were building a world viewers would want to live in.
Will There Be a Second Season?
Although Netflix hasn’t officially announced a second season, early audience reactions and streaming numbers suggest there’s a strong chance for renewal. Viewers have already begun asking questions about what happens next for Elena and Santiago, the fate of the Mencía sisters, and how Elena’s role as a companion might evolve in the face of personal desires.
Given the show’s popularity and critical acclaim, fans are hoping this is only the beginning.
Why You Should Watch It
If you’re missing Bridgerton’s addictive mix of period romance and social rebellion, The Lady’s Companion is the perfect new obsession. It offers all the elegance, drama, and longing glances you crave — but with its own distinctive voice and a heroine worth rooting for.
It’s not just a copy of what came before. It’s something new, bold, and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
The Lady’s Companion proves that the period romance genre is far from over — in fact, it’s only getting better. By focusing on strong storytelling, character-driven drama, and a heroine who quietly defies expectations, Netflix has found a winning formula once again.
For anyone who loves historical fiction with a modern soul, The Lady’s Companion is not just a worthy successor to Bridgerton — it’s a standout series in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Lady’s Companion about?
The Lady’s Companion follows Elena Bianda, a professional chaperone in 1880s Madrid, as she helps three aristocratic sisters navigate society while facing challenges of her own, including an unexpected romance.
Is The Lady’s Companion similar to Bridgerton?
Yes and no. It shares the romantic period setting and modern sensibility but focuses more on subtle emotional development and societal themes rather than high-society scandal and spectacle.
How many episodes are in the first season?
The first season includes eight episodes, each around 40 minutes long, making it ideal for a weekend binge.
Where is the show set?
The show is set in Madrid during the late 19th century, offering a refreshing European backdrop that differs from the London setting of Bridgerton.
Will there be a Season 2?
While nothing is confirmed yet, the show’s strong debut suggests that Netflix may greenlight a second season soon.
