Bridgerton Sets Record Breaking 97% Rating Thanks to India Amarteifio
Last Friday Netflix released the latest installment of the adorned romantic series Bridgerton which happens to be the second most streamed show on Netflix, after Stranger Things of course. The series was originally announced to be produced by Shondaland, the first scripted Netflix series for Rhimes, in July 2018 as an adaptation of Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels. Viewers anxiously await each season so they can journey with a member of the prominent Bridgerton family during Regency Era London’s social season. It’s giving castles and ball gowns! The series dives deep into the fictional lives of nobility as they navigate the competitive world of high society while seeking a marriage that hopefully sprouts into love. As mentioned, Shonda Rhimes previously hinted that the show will follow each of the eight Bridgerton siblings’ romantic stories, but not necessarily in order. This bring a breath of fresh air every season as we become more vested in each sibling every season.
Van Dusen, the show runner, and Rhimes aimed to bring a fresh and relatable approach to period pieces by combining traditional elements with risky modern themes. Well racism certainly isn’t modern as it is centuries old but it still hasn’t been resolved. In modern times. The series features a racially integrated London in an alternate history, drawing inspiration from the historical debate surrounding Queen Charlotte’s African ancestry claims. Although there are a few switch ups every season, the cast includes a mix of established actors as well as break out actors such as Regé-Jean Page, Nicola Coughlan, and now India Amarteifio. The series also brings historical accuracy with the geographical aspect of filming in locations across England including London, Bath, and several historic estates and parks. Sorry Hollywood, your sets aren’t big enough for Queen Charlotte.
After years of casting and production, the first season of the series aired in December of 2020 giving viewers a look into social love lives that we could only dream of during lockdown. This was the drama we had been missing in 2020. The first season had an astonishing 625.49 million hours of viewing on Netflix in its first 28 days leading to the highly anticipated release of season 2 in March 2022. The show went back to back when it yet again received record breaking views with 656,260,000 views in the first 28 days of season 2. Now we have the jaw dropping season 3 with a Rotten Tomatoes score that is 10% higher than season 2 and 20% higher than season 1. I don’t like to assume but we can only assume that Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story will top the Netflix viewing charts at the beginning of June. The show has been well-received and has gained a large following, with the second season surpassing the viewership of the first season, solidifying “Bridgerton” as a successful Netflix franchise. What ever Shonda Rhimes touches turns to Gold!
What to expect this season?
Bridgerton guarantees its viewers a romantic love story filled with so much drama, most mother-in-laws seem tolerable. Although Bridgerton switched perspectives this season, they didn’t switch the motive. Bridgerton took a slight shift this season with the prequel mini-series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The six episodes take a deep look into the early life of Queen Charlotte giving viewers a more clear understanding of how the world of Bridgerton came to be. And even more enticing, how the Queen came to be. We see memories from her early friendship with Lady Danbury, to her marriage to King George, and even her relationship with her loyal servant Brinsley. The makings of a Queen look like the makings of a diamond.
In previous seasons, Queen Charlotte has been portrayed by the remarkable Golda Rosheuvel as the fabulously shrewd ruler of Bridgerton. Of course this is a prequel which means we will need to take a step back in time. To nail the look, Netflix brought in India Amarteifio to play the young Queen and Corey Mylchreest as her dear husband, King George. Unlike his successful counterpart, Mylchreest is still fresh in Hollywood as he just graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2020. We are not mad at it Corey! What a great place to start! Not to mention they seem perfectly matched as the on-screen chemistry between the two mixed with the young Lady Danbury portrayed by, Arsema Thomas, will make you binge even faster. Viewers can expect the highly anticipated backstory for Lady Danbury’s claim in Season 1 that the Black side of the ton were elevated to that status because of Queen Charlotte and King George’s union. She even goes on to clarify that the Great Experiment was launched to create a court diverse enough to make a Black queen seem less scandalous. Spill the details Lady Danbury!
Without completely spilling all the Bridgerton tea, Charlotte is brought from Germany to marry King George with a strict no refund policy and she is not having it. Like most good love stories, she finds herself falling for King George and wonders what makes him so special. As if being a King isn’t enough. For Charlotte, It wasn’t enough but the feeling of being a Queen certainly was. The idea of loving what your spouse has made you creates a different type of romantic story for viewers that explains how love can actually blossom during marriage. Maybe I should try this! During the series, Charlotte is not only adjusting to marriage, she is attempting to manage a changing society mixed in with a husband who is facing mental health challenges and a mother-in-law, Princess Augusta, who is the powerful reminder that she needs to start making babies. Sounds like a full plate.
We watch for the fashion and this season is dresses and wigs oh my! The costumes in this prequel create a historical atmosphere of its own by drawing a distinct line between the costumes during the Regency period of previous seasons and the Georgian period costumes in this one. The costumes, designed by Paolo and Frecon, are looks we live for with Lady Danbury’s gown being a particular jutting mood. The purple figures against a gold background make it seem as if the figures are meant to be Black, leading to a discussion about the new Black aristocracy being woven into the fabric of the ton. Shonda with the metaphors! The gown’s risk is highlighted in a speech by Young Charlotte, who reminds viewers that one false breath or move could rip both the gown and her skin apart. That speech gave me a particular sting. The dress is a symbol of Lady Danbury’s strength and perseverance, consistent with the themes of dignity and Black power that are integral to Rhimes’ work.
India Amarteifio, young Queen Charlotte, was particularly proud about the celebration of natural Black hair noting that her wig for the series was based on her own natural hair. She mentions in a recent interview that “To be loved unconditionally for who you are exactly is, I’m sure, basically the root of what Charlotte wants and the root of what a lot of us want. The fact that they reimagined how our hair would look back in the day, I think, is just so cool.” The show raises important questions about race, representation, and regency in popular culture, making it an important addition to the Bridgerton universe. Thank you Shonda! The show’s universe, in which Britain’s aristocracy is multiracial, raises questions about the representation of Black characters in historical fiction and challenges the idea of “color-blind” casting. To the cast and crew of Queen Charlotte: A bridgerton Story, we thank you for your tribute to cultural excellence.
It’s clear from the coronation this weekend as well as political history that diversity in a monarchy is rare to say politely. Shonda challenges these traditions by making sure many cultures are honored while shedding light on racism during this time period. Rhimes understands that when something doesn’t exist, you create it. Rather it be an air fryer or a quasi-historical fictional universe in which Britain’s aristocracy is multiracial. Shocking to many, this helps actors of all backgrounds on the screen as race is a heavy issue could potentially bring a burden to the story, actors, and writers. Anthony already had to portray a man willing to marry without caring about love but can you imagine if his only requirement was that she was white? That just doesn’t sound authentic to the character’s priorities that Shonda and Collins were trying to portray. We all know that ignoring reality all together can be dangerous too so despite the discomfort and horror viewers may feel, we will see racial tensions play out on screen quite vividly this season.
Who is India Amarteifio?
India Amarteifio is turning heads in her role as Queen Charlotte gaining her a whopping 200K instagram followers in the opening weekend. Amarteifio has over 12 IMDB credits for being featured in several TV series and movies but had her longest on screen appearcnce in the television series Evermoor. Now we see why this big break is leading to more public attention. With the announcement of her lead role in this season of Bridgerton, she was included in the Variety “List of 10 Brits to Watch” and was named a Bright Young Thing by Tatler earlier this year. Oh yeah did we forget to mention she British? See you later Hollywood! I’m heading to Brittwood!
India had big shoes to fill on her journey to marriage, ascension to power, and understanding a husband with a debilitating mental illness. Despite what many would do in her position, India took a different approach to understanding the role of Charlotte. In a recent interview, India Amarteifio stated that she did not watch previous episodes of Bridgerton to prepare for the role. I still can’t believe she had never seen the show! Nevertheless, She did arrange a tea date with the great Golda Rosheuvel to understand her hopes and expectations for the character prior to filming. Luckily, Golda supported her in her decision to try to create the queens story instead of replicating habits she previously saw. It sounds weird at first but then its genius. India wanted to show that the events occurring in the Queen’s life is what makes her the woman she is in the sequels. Not the other way around. Although she didn’t want to much influence from prior seasons, Amarteifio believed that it was essential to understand the complexities of the modern English monarchy and its relevance to society. So she binged The Crown instead. Touché India!
Like most fans of Shondaland, Amarteifio praises Shonda Rhimes for taking a risk by illuminating the importance of diverse ethnic backgrounds in positions of high societal power. India acknowledges that the slave trade, segregation, and race relations in early history have limited the representation of people of color in regal positions as well as the actors that can play such roles. She even goes as far as to say that, “Before Bridgerton, it was never even something I considered because I just didn’t think people would make a show with people like me.” Hearing this make me cheer and cry all at the same time. For many viewers Bridgerton is so much more than just a period drama, it is a show that is includes people that look like us. That’s why India is so grateful that her role in Bridgerton was not only an opportunity to showcase her talent but also to break down the barriers of representation on the big screen.
Previously on Bridgerton
Season 1 Recap
The opening of Bridgerton introduces us to the two main families, the prestigious Bridgerton’s and the less fortunate Featherington’s. The season kicks off with the presentation of the debutantes, where Daphne Bridgerton is declared the diamond of the season thanks to help from Lady Whistledown. The Featherington’s, on the other hand, receive an unpleasant surprise when their relative Marina Thompson arrives carrying a secret pregnancy. Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton conspire to set up Daphne with Simon, the Duke, but the two decide to use each other to progress their own personal goals instead. Real convenient.
As Daphne and The Duke pretend to be the next power couple, their attraction to one another draws like a magnet until they finally have the passionate kiss we’ve all been waiting for. Except we forgot kisses aren’t allowed in period pieces. Leave it to Anthony, the overly protective brother of Daphne, to ruin the moment by demanding the Duke marry his sister or face him in a duel. The Duke continuously denies the idea of marrying Daphne until she convinces him that it is the only option now that they have committed such a defamatory act of passion. At this point viewers get a little hasty with The Duke until he reluctantly agrees in hopes of maintaining the reputation of both families.
The Bridgerton’s aren’t the only family desperate to keep their secrets in the dark, as Portia Featherington begins to pressure Marina Thompson into seducing Colin Bridgerton. This has hot mess written all over it! Although we are all left surprised when Marina somehow captivates Colin to the point of marriage as he proposes to her in front of his entire family. Oh Colin, you silly boy. Before the town gets word of the engagement, Lady Whistledown releases a new publication that exposes Marina’s pregnancy and quickly puts an end to the engagement. The season comes to a glamorous end with the wedding of Daphne and The Duke bringing the Bridgerton family back to their former glory.
Of course a marriage as forced as this one will come with some issues. For starters the honeymoon was rocky with the couple sleeping in separate rooms per Simon’s request. Tensions flare as the newlyweds debate commitment, parenthood, and privacy. So much for the honeymoon phase. Somehow, the couple is able to break down the barriers between them, confess their love for each other and reconcile with a new born baby boy. Happy endings aren’t just for the Duke and Duchess though. Marina Thompson was rescued by a slightly different prince charming when George’s brother, Phillip, arrives to take her back to his home, marry her, and care for the unborn child. The final shot of the season we see Lady Whistledown merely escape being captured which was the warning signal she needed.
Season 2 Recap
Season 2 of Bridgerton bursts open with Penelope Featherington, disguised as a lady’s maid, managing her Whistledown empire while Eloise Bridgerton investigates the mysterious misshapen K on the pamphlets. Speaking of picking up right where we left off. While the hunt down for Whistledown continues, Anthony Bridgerton decides its time to find a wife but wants to leave out all things dealing with love or emotions and instead treat the arrangement as more of a transaction. What a dream.
The arrival of the Sharma’s is sure to shake the ton as debutante Edwina Sharma wins over the Queen as this season’s diamond. Although getting to Edwina will certainly not be easy as her protective half sister, Kate Sharma, is the witty family guardian that shakes society by being single at the brute age of 26. That’s a period piece for you. Several men hope to swoon Edwina but one man in particular strikes a chord in Kate that can’t be undone. That man of course is Anthony Bridgerton who is now more determined than ever to marry the season diamond and bring honor to his family.
Despite courting Edwina, Anthony’s growing feelings for Kate create a love triangle that captivates viewers and leave you craving what will happen next. Their verbal clashes spark intense chemistry which end up leaving Daphne, Anthony’s sister, with egg on her face when she mistakes Kate for Edwina. Awkward! Anthony is now more determined than ever to marry for reason instead of feeling and seeks his mother’s engagement ring to propose to Edwina. Before he can pop the questions, moments of temptation arise between Anthony and Kate but circumstances continually keep them apart.Eventually, Anthony forces himself to propose to Edwina leaving Kate heartbroken and uncertain about the feelings she thought they shared.
Although Kate isn’t the only one left in confusion as the entire Bridgerton family has a sense that Anthony is making a mistake all the way up to the wedding day when Anthony gets too close to Kate during the ceremony and Edwin calls it off. The families are left embarrassed with the whole ton staring. The families threw a duel ball to smooth things over but didn’t receive a change of fate until Kate was injured in a riding accident that caused a coma. Anthony is faced with the terror of losing his true love and when he receives news of her waking, he rushes to her bedside to propose. We certainly don’t want to personally experience the ups and downs of this heated love connection but boy was it great to watch.
The release of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the prequel mini-series, has expanded the Bridgerton universe and provided a deeper understanding of the beloved characters. With eight books in the original series, we are crossing our fingers for at least five more seasons of scandals, passion, and classical fashion. With complex love stories and the exploration of important social issues, the show has kept audiences on the edge of their seats, while also celebrating diversity and representation. Bridgerton’s success can be attributed to its compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and ability to tackle important themes in an entertaining way.
Bridgerton has undoubtedly emerged as a captivating and successful series that shackles viewers in twisted thoughts of what will happen next. Shonda Rhimes’ unique blend of traditional period elements and modern themes has brought new life into the genre of period dramas. The series has made a significant impact on popular culture, opening doors for more diverse and inclusive storytelling. As we eagerly anticipate future seasons, Bridgerton’s influence will continue to resonate, captivating and inspiring audiences with its unique blend of romance, drama, and social commentary. Do you hear that? I think season 4 is on its way!
