Netflix Drama Manager reflects on ‘how a bold gamble turned into our greatest series ever’ – Deadline

Bridgerton Wednesday became Netflix’s greatest series of all time when the streamer revealed that 82 million households had watched at least part of the eight-episode first season of Regency Romance in the first 28 days, a whopping 30% more than Netflix’s initial 63 million project. .

There have been a number of attempts to explain the extraordinary worldwide success Bridgerton, from the modern storytelling style in the best Shonaland traditions and the use of contemporary music to the talented and engaging multiracial cast to the perfect timing of the series, delivering sumptuous food and escape into the depths of the pandemic.

One of Netflix’s executives most closely associated with Bridgerton, VP Original Series Longtime – and proud – romance fan Jinny Howe explained why the series, already renewed for a second season, has become such a phenomenon, and the lessons it has learned from its success.

In what now looks like pretty good foresight, Howe – a member of Netflix’s drama team that handled character dramas, soap operas, and Shondaland – was promoted to head of drama development by Bela Bajaria during the major restructuring of the streamer’s programming operations in October. (Renate Radford has been made responsible for the drama, current)

Here’s what Howe wrote on the Netflix website when BridgertonThe blockbuster audience was announced yesterday:

‘Bridgerton’: How a bold bet turned into our biggest series ever

During my Netflix interviews, I remember being asked, “If you could do a show, what kind would it be and why?” I dared to tell the truth – that in a world of pop culture dominated by sci-fi and fantasy, I have always loved beautiful, lush romances. Getting paid directly, although I imagined the first project I would help bring to fruition at Netflix would be Bridgerton.

Witness to the fervor the show’s producers, including the inimitable Shonda Rhimes, showrunner Chris Van Dusen and executive producer Betsy Beers, have created has been surreal (hello, the musical TikTok!). And to be able to announce that Bridgerton is now the greatest series ever on Netflix is ​​a dream come true.

A record 82 million households worldwide have chosen to watch Bridgerton in its first 28 days. And the show made the top 10 in every country except Japan – reaching number one in 83 countries, including the US, UK, Brazil, France, India. and South Africa. Indeed, the success of Bridgerton rocketed the books to the New York Times bestseller lists for the first time, and 18 years after their first publication.

There are many lessons I have learned along the way, but these are the three most important:

All types of audiences love romance

Romantic books have always sold incredibly well. But these stories have rarely been shown on screen. Daphne and Simon’s ‘will they / won’t they’ love story, combined with the lavish costumes and sets, created a world to which members of all backgrounds and ages could escape. Bridgerton has shown that romance can be smart, vibrant, daring, and yes – universally appealing.

It pays to be bold and take creative “risks”

Bridgerton, like The Queen’s Gambit, defies tradition and demonstrates that period drama is not limited in scope or audience. The show is a fictional representation of London in 1813 that lifts the facade of regency life. Chris Van Dusen and Shondaland’s Regency reimagined isn’t meant to be history. It’s designed to be more lavish, sexier, and funnier than standard period drama – and that’s what surprised and thrilled our members so much.

More people want to see themselves reflected on the screen

Shondaland fans expect diversity in all of its shows. Bridgerton took a seed of truth about Queen Charlotte’s background to reinvent her as a black monarch using her power to influence a broader change in British society. Empowering people of color and women Bridgerton feel accessible and contemporary, resonating with audiences around the world. As The queen’s gambit and Emily in Paris – two other extremely popular Netflix series – Bridgerton is inspired by themes that are universal but directly appeal to women, as they feature independent female protagonists in lead roles.

And now… for the second season!