“Bridgerton” Trailer: Shonda Rhimes’ First Netflix Period Drama Series Is Full Of Scandals

Netflix has revealed the first footage of the upcoming period drama series, “Bridgerton,” in the show’s first teaser trailer. It provides first-look footage for the streaming giant’s sexy, scandalous, and edgy spin on the “Downton Abbey” period format. “Bridgerton” is an adaptation of Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels following the eight siblings of the titled family. Well-respected and closely tight-knit, the quest is for each of the Bridgerton kids to find their true love.

“Bridgerton” marks the first series in super-producer Shonda Rhimes reportedly $150 million dollar deal with Netflix. The “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” creator is producing, with Chris Van Duesen acting as showrunner. The series finished filming in March, right before the pandemic started closing production down everywhere.

What sticks out the most is this being a Regency-set drama with characters of color. Rhimes is no stranger to opening doors for actors of color and this looks to be a fantastic way to highlight how actors of color can and should be in any genre.

The series, from Shondaland, follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), “the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market. Hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, Daphne’s prospects initially seem to be unrivaled. But as her older brother begins to rule out her potential suitors, the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown casts aspersions on Daphne. Enter the highly desirable and rebellious Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), committed bachelor and the catch of the season for the debutantes’ mamas. Despite proclaiming that they want nothing the other has to offer, their attraction is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future.”

The series also stars Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Polly Walker, Bessie Carter and Harriet Cains and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.

The series drops on Christmas Day. Watch the trailer below: