Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, nudity, smoking in sumptuous, diverse period drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bridgerton
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 35 parent reviews
Parents say that while the show features stunning sets, engaging characters, and complex storylines that some viewers enjoy, it is highly criticized for its explicit sexual content, which many believe is inappropriate for younger audiences. Despite some positive reviews emphasizing its entertainment value and character depth, most parents feel it is unsuitable for teens, given the gratuitous nature of its sexual scenes and the lack of substantial moral messages.
- mature content warning
- not suitable teens
- mixed audience reactions
- explicit scenes criticized
- beautiful production values
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 105 kid reviews
Kids say the show is visually stunning and captivating, with a strong romantic plot and well-developed characters, although it features a significant amount of adult content, particularly sexual scenes, that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Many recommend it for mature teens around 15 or 16 years old, emphasizing the need for parental guidance due to its graphic nature, while also noting the educational elements about Regency England and strong themes of female empowerment.
- addicting and romantic
- mature content
- strong characters
- educational elements
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on Julia Quinn's series of romance novels, BRIDGERTON is set in England in the 1810s, where reigning Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) is a dark-skinned woman whose multiracial heritage paved the way for other people of color in the "ton" (think of it as the Regency-era's one-percenters). Viewers meet Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of a powerful, rich, and connected clan set to make her society debut. After a series of missteps cause her popularity to plummet, she formulates a secret plan with a notorious rake, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) that will solve both of their problems. Daphne's older brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) pursues his social season's "diamond," Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), but he's blocked by her protective older sister Kate (Simone Ashley), who'd overheard his vow to marry for status, not love. And it's all chronicled by Lady Whistledown (the voice of Julie Andrews), the all-seeing, all-knowing Gossip Girl of Bridgerton's world.
Is It Any Good?
Sumptuous costuming and sets, swoon-worthy sex scenes, and an admirable decision to simply ignore the blinding Whiteness of Regency-era society make this series a potent treat for romantics. The pleasures of Bridgerton are many, and fans of Downton Abbey and Jane Austen will be in heaven soaking it all up. There's the usual: handsome footmen, trotting horses, sprawling estates, family drama that plays out in rooms with brocaded walls and extensive silver tea sets. But although period dramas like Downton pretended that its lords and ladies were too genteel for steamy sex, Bridgerton does no such thing, with a commendable focus on both male and female pleasure.
It is disappointing, however, that Bridgerton skims so lightly over the gender, socioeconomic, and racial politics of the era. Granted, there's an in-universe reason why its society is multiracial, but we never hear much about how Queen Charlotte's biracial background contributes to her struggle to lead her kingdom, or how the formidable Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) became a society maven. The servants are universally loyal and devoted to their rich employees, and though Bridgerton's female characters sometimes chafe under the notion that their value is connected to marriage and children, the amount of time we spend examining that notion versus the screen time granted to scenes of romance displays where Bridgerton's heart really lies. It all adds up to a drama that's delicious and enjoyable, but a bit empty for all its beauty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Bridgerton's multiracial universe, which is very different from the all-White cast that populates most period dramas. In Bridgerton's world, diversity seems to be accepted and not remarked upon much. Do you prefer this approach, or would you rather dig into the racial and ethnic politics of this world? Do the characters of color have as much screen time as White characters? Are their storylines as complicated and central? How does race and ethnicity play into their character, if it does?
Compare the number of servants in this film to the number of nobles. How many people had to labor for noble/royal characters to live lives of ease? What things did the upper-crust characters have done for them that average people do for themselves? Are the servants given storylines of their own in Bridgerton? What about non-noble characters? Why do you think this choice was made?
Bridgerton is produced by Shonda Rhimes' production company Shondaland, which also helmed shows like Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder. How are Shondaland's shows similar to or different from one another? Is there a distinctive stamp on her shows?
Does the amount of sex, drinking, and smoking in this series seem realistic for its time period? Why, or why not? Do period dramas frequently contain sex scenes and nudity?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 25, 2020
- Cast : Harriet Cains , Bessie Carter , Florence Hunt
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 1, 2026
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