Season 3 (in release section)

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The first part of season 3 will premiere on May 16th, 2024 with four episodes. The second part will premiere June 13th, 2024, wrapping up the third season.[1]

Season 3 (in filming section)

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New filming locations for Bridgerton in season 3 included Claydon House, Squerryes Court (garden party scenes), Grimsthorpe Castle (Hawkins residence), Basildon Park (Arnold residence), and Blenheim Palace (standing in for Buckingham House).[2]

Historians have pointed out inaccuracies in clothing, such as the show using corsets to represent the oppression placed on women in society instead of supportive undergarments they were considered as in the Regency era.[3] In a scene from season 1, Daphne is seen with bruises on her back from the corset; however, at the time it was common to wear a chemise under it to prevent this.[4] Fabrics and patterns appearing in the show are too modern compared to the ones used in the historical period in which the events are supposed to take place. Other historical inaccuracies include the lack of bonnets present within the show and the contemporary styles of the fabrics and colors. A majority of the show's historical inaccuracies regarding clothing are intentional. The show does not reflect an accurate portrayal of the Regency era but rather a world that "borders on historical fantasy."[5] The show depicts a dramatization of the Regency era, where the show is "rooted in Regency times but the volume is turned up.”[5]

Themes

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Gender

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A recurring topic throughout the show is gender, especially the role of women in British high society. Chris Van Dusen aimed for the show to have a "running, modern commentary about how, over the last 200 years, everything has changed and nothing has changed, for both women and men."[6]

With the focus on each year's social season, Daphne, Kate, and the other women struggle against the societal expectations held for them. Daphne Bridgerton, the Queen's Diamond of her season, fights to maintain her high reputation in society and avoid ruin while still marrying for love. Kate Sharma, considered "too old" for marrying, attempts to regain her family's place in high society as she tries to set her sister, Edwina, up to marry well. Eloise Bridgerton, uninterested in marrying and wanting to pursue a more meaningful life, finds herself more politically involved.

The men, on the other hand, often face lower stakes to their reputations. After overhearing Anthony say that he desires a more agreeable wife, Kate confronts him on his viewpoints toward women and argues that Anthony's high standards for women do not match the standards he has for himself.[7]

Race

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A notable, modernized twist on the show is the diverse cast of characters. Straying from the source novels, Van Dusen "used Queen Charlotte as a centerpiece to weave racial equality in the show."[6] With Queen Charlotte casted as a Black woman, Van Dusen explains, "Could she have used her power to elevate other people of color in society? Could she have given them titles and lands and dukedoms?"[8]

When Simon Basset rejects the idea of pursuing Daphne Bridgerton, Lady Danbury explains that love conquers all, using Queen Charlotte and King George as an example of how their marriage had changed society.[9] However, Simon also counters that, even though Queen Charlotte is currently in power, "Black progress is fragile and dependent on the whims of whichever white king is in charge."[8]

The Power of Literature

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Bridgerton also explores "power of the written word," with authors such as Lady Whistledown having immense influence over the social season with her Society Papers. Similar to how media can strongly sway public opinion, Van Dusen makes the statement that "social media is kind of like a modern-day corset."[6]

Thoughout the show, Lady Whistledown releases Society Papers that comment on notable figures during the social season, whether it be praising them or airing out their secrets. The pamphlets' influence is enough to sway even Queen Charlotte herself, who seeks to find the author of the Society Papers in order to shut them down.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Bridgerton Season 3 Will Sweep You Off Your Feet This Spring". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  2. ^ Emily, Olivia (2024-04-18). "All The Filming Locations We Will See In Bridgerton Season 3". Country and Town House. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  3. ^ Bell, Kim (2022-03-16). "Why Bridgerton's Costumes Are So Inaccurate According To Historians". Looper. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  4. ^ Dove, Danielle (2021-02-15). "Bridgerton: in defense of "inaccurate" costumes in period dramas". Salon. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  5. ^ a b "From Half Corsets to Watch Fobs, 'Bridgerton' Costumes Embody Regency Glamour". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  6. ^ a b c "How Showrunner Chris Van Dusen Brought Regency London to Life in 'Bridgerton'". Shondaland. 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  7. ^ Van Dusen, Chris (March 2022). "Capital R Rake". Bridgerton. Season 2. Episode 1. Netflix.
  8. ^ a b Tillet, Salamishah (2021-01-05). "'Bridgerton' Takes On Race. But Its Core Is Escapism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
  9. ^ McDonald, Abby (December 2020). "An Affair of Honor". Bridgerton. Season 1. Episode 4. Netflix.
  10. ^ Mitchell, Joy C. (December 2020). "The Duke and I". Bridgerton. Season 1. Episode 5. Netflix.