Introduction: In Search of the Next ‘Bridgerton’
When Netflix released Bridgerton in December 2020, it was an instant global sensation. With its lush aesthetics, addictive romance, and unapologetically modern spin on Regency England, the show became a cultural phenomenon. Naturally, many period dramas that followed tried to replicate that success.
As a fan of Bridgerton, I was desperate to find a show that could match its charm, passion, and world-building. Sadly, what I found instead were a string of shows that had all the right ingredients—but none of the flavor. Below are four shows I hoped would be the “next Bridgerton,” only to end up disappointed.
1. The Gilded Age (HBO)
What It Promised: A Gilded New Era of Prestige Drama
Set in 1880s New York, The Gilded Age comes from Julian Fellowes, the mastermind behind Downton Abbey. It promised opulence, class warfare, and old money vs. new money drama. On paper, it sounded like a surefire hit—a perfect American counterpart to Bridgerton‘s British high society tales.
What Went Wrong
While the costumes and sets were breathtaking, the show lacked the pulse and emotional chemistry that makes Bridgerton so irresistible. The pacing was glacial. Characters felt more like archetypes than real people, and emotional stakes were buried beneath layers of dialogue and exposition.
The Verdict
If you’re a history buff or a Fellowes loyalist, there’s something here. But if you’re craving the sizzling romance and narrative momentum of Bridgerton, this one will leave you cold.
2. Sanditon (PBS/Masterpiece)
What It Promised: Jane Austen With a Modern Spark
Based on Jane Austen’s unfinished final novel, Sanditon had all the potential in the world. A coastal English resort town, a spirited heroine, a brooding love interest—yes, please! I thought this was going to be the next Bridgerton, just with more Austen authenticity.
What Went Wrong
The first season showed promise, but after a bold (and polarizing) ending, the series began to meander. The pacing suffered, the writing grew inconsistent, and the romantic arcs didn’t land the way they should have. Even fan-favorite characters felt directionless by the end.
The Verdict
A valiant effort with moments of magic, but it never found its rhythm. It leaned too heavily on Austen’s formula without delivering on the emotional payoff that makes shows like Bridgerton soar.
3. Still Star-Crossed (ABC)
What It Promised: Shakespeare Meets Scandal
A Bridgerton-style spin-off set in the aftermath of Romeo & Juliet, produced by Shonda Rhimes herself? I was intrigued. Gorgeous costumes, forbidden love, and feuding families—sounds like a win, right?
What Went Wrong
Despite its juicy premise and lush visuals, the show felt oddly flat. The plot was rushed, the characters were underdeveloped, and the tone was uneven. The show never knew whether it wanted to be high drama or soap opera, and ultimately did neither well.
The Verdict
This could have been Bridgerton before Bridgerton if it had more time to breathe. Unfortunately, it was canceled after just seven episodes, and not even Shonda magic could save it.
4. Versailles (BBC/Canal+)
What It Promised: Decadence and Drama in the French Court
I went into Versailles expecting sexy scandal, political maneuvering, and lavish 17th-century fashion. With King Louis XIV at the center of the story, I was ready for court intrigue on par with the most dramatic Bridgerton balls.
What Went Wrong
While visually stunning, the series often prioritized style over substance. The storytelling was uneven, with some episodes feeling bloated and others rushed. And while there was certainly sex and scandal, it often felt gratuitous, lacking the emotional grounding of Bridgerton’s intimate scenes.
The Verdict
Aesthetically beautiful and occasionally compelling, but inconsistent and emotionally distant. It had the look, but not the soul.
What Makes Bridgerton Work (And Why These Others Failed)
Romance Is the Heart of the Story
Bridgerton centers its stories around romance—messy, steamy, transformative romance. It’s not just a subplot; it’s the emotional core. The shows above often lacked this focus, treating love stories as secondary or underdeveloped.
Characters With Depth and Growth
Whether it’s Daphne’s awakening, Anthony’s emotional unmasking, or Kate’s vulnerability, Bridgerton gives its leads satisfying arcs. In contrast, many of the shows I tried felt static—characters remained the same from start to finish, or changed for plot convenience rather than natural development.
Modern Sensibility Meets Period Drama
Bridgerton blends Regency-era rules with modern music, casting, and feminist subtext. It’s not afraid to be bold. The other shows often tried too hard to be authentic, forgetting that today’s audiences also want fresh, diverse storytelling.
Strong Ensemble Casts
From Lady Danbury to Eloise, Bridgerton builds a universe where every supporting character matters. That’s part of what makes it binge-worthy. Shows like Still Star-Crossed and The Gilded Age struggled to make their ensemble feel fully realized.
What I Learned from the Hunt for the Next ‘Bridgerton’
As much as I wanted a quick fix after finishing a Bridgerton season, the reality is: not every period drama is created equal. Style isn’t enough. Romance isn’t enough. Even a great cast or big-name producer isn’t enough. The shows that endure—the ones that capture our hearts—are those that balance all of it with sincerity and smart storytelling.
Could There Ever Be a “Next Bridgerton”?
Yes—and no.
Bridgerton isn’t just a show; it’s a vibe. It’s a genre-defying mashup that dared to be more inclusive, more sensual, and more fun than its predecessors. Other shows can certainly follow in its footsteps, but they’ll need to do more than copy its style. They’ll need to innovate.
I haven’t given up hope. In fact, with spinoffs like Queen Charlotte and the continued expansion of the Bridgerton universe, the bar has been raised even higher. That just means future shows will need to bring more to the table—deeper emotion, richer characters, and bolder storytelling.
Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Original Can’t Be Replaced
While I was disappointed by these four shows, I’m still grateful they tried. They reminded me why Bridgerton works—and how hard it is to strike that perfect balance of drama, romance, and heart.
So, if you’re also looking for your next binge-worthy obsession and find yourself cycling through would-be contenders, remember: sometimes, the original is simply unmatched.
But when the next great period romance does arrive, I’ll be ready.
Will you?
