Bridgerton's American Heart Beats in Regency England

Bridgerton, despite being set in Regency England and drawing from classic literature, is increasingly characterized as an American production. Created by an American writer and produced by an American streamer, the show leans into its American conventions. The fourth season shifts focus to Benedict Bridgerton, exploring his romance with Sophie Baek, a character reimagined as a servant akin to Cinderella. This season continues the show's established pattern of adapting familiar romantic tropes. The series, produced by Shondaland, distills period drama elements into a highly conventional, almost AI-generated Regency romance. Its transparent fantasy appeals to an Anglophile fascination with the British class system, becoming a key Netflix intellectual property.

Despite its formulaic approach, Bridgerton remains an enjoyable watch. Luke Thompson's portrayal of Benedict Bridgerton and Yerin Ha's performance as Sophie Baek are engaging, even with character nuances like Ha's migrating accent. The romance, while less explicit than previous seasons, fulfills audience expectations for dashing aristocrats and seemingly impossible love stories. The show's creators successfully deliver the desired elements of period dress, social gatherings, and romantic entanglements. Bridgerton's predictable formula consistently yields a pleasant, albeit unoriginal, viewing experience, functioning as a successful American soap opera in historical attire.