However, that’s not to discredit the wealth of shows that reign in the Top 10 lists. One of the platform’s biggest success stories is Bridgerton, a perfect dose of period drama nonsense that often resembles Jane Austen fan fiction. It’s the aristocratic zenith of guilty pleasure television.
Like House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the Bridgerverse is branching into prequels. Queen Charlotte is a spin-off series devoted to the fan-favourite monarch of the Ton, as played in Bridgerton by the brilliantly stern Golda Rosheuvel. Here’s everything we know about the show.
Arsema Thomas as the young Lady Agatha Danbury. Photo: Netflix
What’s
the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story plot?
Few
details have emerged about the new spin-off, but the story focuses on the nuptials
between Queen Charlotte and King George III in the 18th century – decades before the events of Bridgerton.
The Bridgerverse shows an alternative history with a more racially diverse version of Regency Britain, embracing people of colour into high society. The catalyst to this world is Queen Charlotte, confirmed as Black in Bridgerton (the reality is debated), with her royal marriage popularising racial harmony.
With this lore in mind, Queen Charlotte could prove more politically fascinating than the original series. Some have debated whether Bridgerton's racial angles are appropriate, especially Michele Thiel’s scorching piece in gal-dem, but any attempt to not only diversify the genre but also openly tackle racism is respectable. In any case, there’s no doubt that the spin-off will ignite another explosive talking point in TV – especially after the Harry & Meghan documentary.
Who’s
in the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story cast?
Golda
Rosheuvel returns to play Queen Charlotte, along with Adjoa Andoh as
Lady Agatha Danbury (mother to the Duke of Hastings) and Emma Gummell as the Bridgerton
family matriarch Lady Violet.
Portraying the young Queen Charlotte is the Sex Education actor India Ria Amarteifio, starring alongside Corey Mylchreest (The Sandman) as the young King George. Newbie actor Arsema Thomas plays the young Lady Agatha, and the Game of Thrones star Michelle Fairley also joins the series as Princess Augusta.
What’s
the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton release date?
Not
sure yet. Last year, Bridgerton season 2 had to move to
March due to Covid delays. Maybe Queen Charlotte will take that March
slot, allowing Bridgerton to return to its initial Christmas release. In any
case, this origin story can’t come soon
enough.
| What | Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Netflix: trailer, photos, cast, plot |
| Price | £n/a |
| Website | Click here for more information |
