Bridgertonis undoubtedly one of Netflix’s biggest shows right now, but the period drama has a big barrier to break if it wants to coverall the Julia Quinn novels. The adaptation series became a success instantly after its Netflix release, capturing audiences with its creative approach to period dramas, merginga modern twist with classic onscreen chemistry. So far,each season ofBridgertonhas masterfully adapted one of eight books, but with Netflix’s continuous record of canceling shows prematurely,Bridgerton’s eight-season goal seems like an uphill battle.
Netflix is quickly becoming infamous for its growing graveyard of canceled shows, and while it’s mostly known for its collection of one-season originals,Bridgerton’s ambitious eight-season projection has never been completed by a Netflix show before. Even shows likeStranger Things, which arguably pushed Netflix into the global mainstream, have planned narratives that end long before eight seasons. The streaming company has proven time and time again that it values a show’s statistics over its storytelling, andBridgertonhas a lot to accomplish if it’s going to maintain the success of both.
Netflix’s Longest-Running Original Show Ended After 7 Seasons (Bridgerton Needs 8)
Bridgerton Needs To Show That It Can Retain Its Status As A Global Phenomenon
Currently,Netflix’s longest-running original isGrace and Frankie, the Emmy-nominated sitcom about two women becoming friends after their respective husbands fall for one another.Grace and Frankieran for seven seasons, one less thanBridgerton’s requirement, and a large part of that success was the show’s starring actors. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are legendary actresses who dominated Hollywood in the 70s and 80s.
So having the pair reunite forGrace and Frankiepulled in an older demographic that Netflix wouldn’t usually reach, filling a niche in the streaming market. EvenBridgerton’s popularity doesn’t make the eighth season a shoo-in, asNetflix’s obsession with creating new material has even led the streaming site to cancel popular showsthat are still relevant.
Bridgerton’s 20 Steamiest Scenes, Ranked
Bridgerton and its prequel spinoff, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, have both contained some incredibly steamy and romantically tense scenes.
For example,BoJack Horseman, despite being fortunate enough to have a concluding narrative, is one of the many relevant shows that Netflix cut down before reaching the planned projection.Bridgertonneeds to show that it can retain its global phenomenon status if it wants to keep later seasons off the chopping block.
Bridgerton Has Changed The Order Of The Books But Still Needs A Few More Seasons
All Because Of Its Praised One-Sibling-Per-Season Structure
TheBridgertononscreen adaptation has naturally diverged from the source material, adjusting the order of the sibling’s romances and altering events of the novels, butthe show has stayed true to the books with its one-sibling-per-season structure. If the show is to continue this narrative parallel,Bridgertonmust reach an eighth season, completing Gregory’s arc and concluding the story.
Bridgertoncould make an economical choice in its continuation, and choose to combine the novels in later seasons, but that would likely upset fans who appreciate the depth of each story and could reduce their viewership.Bridgertonhas an advantage in the novel’s pre-existing fanbasealongside the show’s established phenomenon status, but a large part of any Netflix renewal is the ability to continuously bring in a new audience.
If the show is going to break the Netflix record, it will need to be consistently raising its own bar each season.
If the show is going to break the Netflix record, it will need to be consistently raising its own bar each season.Bridgerton’s deliberately stylized elements were undoubtedly a major factor in reaching their current success, but the show will have to balance staying true to Quinn’s beloved books alongside delivering fresh and noteworthy content.
Can Netflix’s Bridgerton Realistically Cover All Of The Julia Quinn Novels?
Viewer Retention Isn’t The Only Concern For Bridgerton
WithBridgerton’s new showrunner,Jess Brownell, claiming the show won’t return until 2026, it appears that production constraints could be one ofBridgerton’s biggest problems. Each season ofBridgertonhas been highly-anticipated, but making fans wait two years for only eight episodes will likely impact audience momentum. Unfortunately, viewer retention isn’t the only concern forBridgerton.
If seasons continue at this production rate, a plannedBridgertonseason 8 wouldn’t be released until 2034, putting fan-favorite characters at risk of aging out and being recast. It’s not all bad news though, as Netflix has heavily invested inBridgertonthroughout the years, keeping the show well-marketed and even creating the award-winning spin-offQueen Charlotte.
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Since the last season started building toward Francesca’s story, the creators are likely thinking ahead, which may even reduce production time in the future. WhetherBridgertonsucceeds in its goal is down to its ability to remain culturally relevant, and judging by its current status, a possible season eight isn’t too far-fetched.
