The Bridgerton Series: When the T.V. Show is Better than the Books

BY BROOKLYN MCKINNEY

Multimedia Journalist

I can’t be the only one who has fallen back in love with the drama of Lady Whistledown, uncovering the Regency-era “Ton” affairs of the “Bridgerton” family following the release of a third season on Netflix.  

And if you didn’t know already, “Bridgerton” fans have been falling over themselves for years after the show’s release to acquire book copies of the original happy endings of their favorite characters.  

This author has been no exception, and some stark differences have been discovered between the novel and Netflix universe. 

For example, the original Lady Bridgerton is a ruthless matchmaking force that actually makes lists of suitable women for her sons and hunts down eligible suitors for her daughters rather than the gentle soul portrayed in the Netflix adaptation. 

While this was great for laughs and a light read, the show's tendency to develop plotlines with more depth than just “reformed-rake gets the virgin maiden" and putting a spotlight on minor characters from the novels has served them well. 

Rather than a universe that revolves around the “Bridgerton” family and their camaraderie itself, the show builds a plot that revolves around the life of Lady Whistledown as a gossip writer and her interest in the “Bridgerton” family.

After all, it’s Lady Whistledown’s world, and we’re just living in it. 

The Netflix adaptation produced by Rhonda Rhimes also took other creative liberties with characters to ensure more diversity on screen. 

The Duke of Hastings is Black, Kate Sheffield from the English countryside is now Kate Sharma from India and there are even a few completely original characters. 

While race is not addressed in Julia Quinn’s novels, aspects of “Bridgerton” on Netflix are inspired by historical theories that Queen Charlotte of England was of African American descent and often depicts characters of color in positions of power. 

Queen Charlotte is not present in the “Bridgerton” novels, but her character is loved so much that she now has her own spin-off series on Netflix about her arranged marriage to King George. 

They also take Benedict’s free-spirited personality and translate that into sexuality on screen, introducing two new lovers—one male and one female—for LGBTQ+ representation. 

There are even diverse body types with women, a prime example being the stunning Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington.  

This is refreshing because Hollywood adaptations tend to opt for thinner actresses placed in the roles of larger characters due to beliefs that it will make them appear more desirable to audiences. 

While in Julia Quinn’s novels, Penelope shedding nearly 30 pounds is a driving force in the plot and eventually leads to Collin Bridgerton’s romantic attention, she is still described as plus sized. 

Another aspect of the show’s popularity, I believe, is the immersive quality of the set. The ornate furniture and classic art are historically accurate for the wealthy in the Regency-era. 

The vibrant costumes are loosely inspired by many of the clothing trends of that time and embellished for a whimsical, fictional quality. 

In the background of the elaborate social balls secretly living in every woman’s dreams, classical instruments play at the tempo of our favorite modern romance songs. 

While Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” novels are humorous and fresh, the Netflix adaptation entertains the masses by transporting them into a magical set full of 18th-century scandal, with a beloved gossip writer at the center of it all. 

Season 1 vs. The Duke and I: Daphne’s Story 

The Netflix adaptation of “Bridgerton” opens with great anticipation as debutantes in white dresses are presented by their families to the ominous monarch Queen Charlotte, a presence unfamiliar to Julia Quinn’s novels. 

The course of their entire lives is dependent upon the Queen’s intense scrutiny, determining their value in the upcoming social season. 

Some will pass the test, and others will crumble under pressure, but only one will gain Queen Charlotte’s approval for her gracefully “stunning” entrance. 

It comes as no surprise to high society when the Queen declared Daphne the “diamond of the season.” 

Daphne’s book personality, however, is not so dainty and clean-cut. She is often described as homely in appearance, but her warm and friendly demeanor certainly doesn't stop her from punching two men in the face. 

In fact, she is on her second season in the books, and Lady Whistledown describes her first as “anticlimactic.” The only two men who are romantically attracted to her in Julia Quinn’s book series are Nigel Berbrook, who is described as silly and clueless, and Simon, the Duke of Hastings.  

While everyone who watched the first season of “Bridgerton” on Netflix swooned when Simon had his dramatic “I burn for you” moment, the book makes that even more special. Despite her not being the most sought-after woman in the “Ton,” he was able to see in her what other men in society didn’t.  

This makes it all the more heartbreaking when Daphne and Simon’s relationship quickly turns rocky after a moment of betrayal. 

Although the events are more watered down in the show, the events that unfold completely shook my perception of a once loveable character. 

Season 2 vs. The Viscount Who Loved Me: Anthony’s Story 

In the novels, this one was your typical enemies-to-lovers trope with a strange twist. The reason Kate Sheffield is pitted against Anthony Bridgerton in the first place is because he is trying to court her sister Edwina, the “diamond of the season.” 

She describes him as a “detestable rake.”

Meanwhile, Anthony does develop feelings for Kate, but still pursues her sister due to her perceived value as the diamond of the season, along with his intense fear of falling in love due to trauma surrounding his father’s death. 

It is also interesting to note that in the Netflix adaptation, Kate and Edwina are from India rather than the English countryside and go by the last name Sharma.  

In the case of Kate and Edwina Sharma, the situation is so drawn out that Anthony and Edwina become engaged to be married. It was like a train wreck I couldn’t look away from. 

In the book series however, Kate and Anthony have so much chemistry that this ridiculous scandal happens, and let’s just say that’s why readers were immersed in Kate’s thoughts and not her younger sister’s. 

At least there are no hard feelings between Kate and her sister in the original book series, and 1800s British Lady Whistledown has some gossip-sheet-worthy material on her hands. 

 Kate is described (or seen on-screen) riding her horse in the woods and is arguably one of the most fierce characters. 

Kate and Anthony definitely become couple goals because they share each other’s competitive spirit and continue to vex each other in lighthearted fun for the rest of their lives.

Overall, I really enjoy the witty comebacks and adventures that Kate brought to the “Bridgerton” series.  

Season 3 vs. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton: Collin’s Story 

I had already watched sparks fly between Collin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington on screen and could hardly wait to pick up the book. But then when I actually did, I just found myself yearning to read the third installment of the series, “An Offer from a Gentleman,” again for the first time.

Not only did the Netflix series reveal Lady Whistledown after the first season finale while her identity was protected until the fourth book, the series also flipped the order of Collin and Benedict Bridgerton’s love stories.

Benedict and his hookups actually get a lot of screentime in Season three, but it felt out of place, and I would fast forward to get updates on Penelope and Collin’s relationship just as often as I considered rereading “An Offer from a Gentleman.” 

However, I don’t always hate differences from original books in film adaptations, as long as it’s a good change that adds something to the stories that readers already know and love.  

I personally love that Penelope’s glow-up in the show universe has more to do with buying herself more flattering clothes and gaining confidence than her weight.  

Not only is this more historically accurate to fashionable body types in 1800s Britain, but it also led to Nicola Coughlan being cast in the role of Penelope, and I really enjoyed her performance. 

There is so much character development in this season as well, with Collin’s journey from a traveling bachelor to a sweet and gentle man in love, and with Penelope’s newly found confidence and healing relationship with her family.  

The Featheringtons, in particular, share plenty of laughs, their joy is contagious in season three. 

It’s a shame they didn’t get more screen time, especially since Penelope is significant in the "Bridgerton" series in more ways than one. 

The comedic moments between Collin and Penelope are an even better experience brought to life on screen, and I appreciate the accelerated plotline because two seasons was enough of a slow burn already. 

“Romancing Mr. Bridgerton” is one of those books that is so funny and immersive that you just can’t help but laugh to yourself like a crazy person while reading it, but the plot inches along slowly and doesn’t hold a candle to the magic of Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie’s book fairytale, which fans will get to see on screen in the upcoming season.

The Netflix website reports that filming for Julia Quinn’s Cinderella story with a twist has been taking place in London, which is sadly projected to come out in 2026. 

While I often enjoyed the fast-paced drama of the show more than the predictable plotlines and subpar writing of the novels, I still found their story entertaining to read and am eagerly awaiting the release of season four.