The first season of "Bridgerton" had a lot of sex. So much so that I sort of regretted recommending it to some older relatives. But the Netflix show from late 2020 offered frothy escapism right when many of us needed it, in the form of bare chests, heaving bosoms, opulent costumes (and cookies) and the misunderstandings common of your typical late Regency storyline, including enemies to lovers and a fake dating plot.
It also presented a brand of alternative history where characters didn't comment directly on race, yet the cast was more inclusive than London society was at the time. "Bridgerton" is a product of Shondaland, and Shonda Rhimes and showrunner Chris Van Dusen continue to advance shows forward from all-white casting, including the casting of period shows such as this one.
