The correct order to watch Bridgerton shows on Netflix

Shondaland’s adaptation of Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” novel series for Netflix has taken the most subtle approach to the Regency-era romance yet. The extensive reworking of race and gender from the source material is integrated into the show’s core, creating a fantastical setting Encourages authentic representation on screen that matters. Being an ongoing series that closely follows the chronological format of Quinn’s books, ‘Bridgerton’ is currently gearing up for its fourth season, which She plans to focus on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) finding lasting love Amidst massive internal unrest and societal pressure.

The Netflix series wrapped its two-part third season in 2024, revealing the tender and angst-ridden dynamic between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), whose friendship blossoms into something more. If “Bridgerton” is able to stick to the “Bridgerton-bro” formula for each season (provided the show isn’t canceled at some point), we can expect Her intended eight-season plan would finally come to fruition.

The order to watch “Bridgerton” may not be too complicated since it mostly follows a linear pattern, but discerning where the previous episode, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” fits into the timeline can be a little confusing. Furthermore, “Queen Charlotte” blends two plots: one set in the present and linked to the overarching exposition, and the other beginning in 1761, where young Charlotte (India Amartefio) meets (and marries) King George (Corey Melchrest). Without further ado, let’s outline the best way to enjoy Bridgerton, as well as everything the Toon District has to offer.

To get the most out of the Shondaland adaptation, follow this watching order:

• Bridgerton Season 1 (2020)

• “Bridgerton” Season 2 (2022)

• Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Season 1 (2023)

• “Brederton” Season 3 Part 1 (2024)

• “Bridgerton” Season 3 Part 2 (2024)

• “Bridgerton” Season 4 (released in 2026)

The first season of “Bridgerton” establishes the toons — members of British high society in the Regency era — and how matchmaking invigorates a sense of community while masking the societal ills rampant beneath its surface. The social seasons signaled a good time for London houses to facilitate balls, lavish receptions, and provide opportunities for interested suitors to mingle with those “debutants” for marriage. As we have seen time and time again, personal desires and societal expectations (which are closely linked to class perception) collide, forcing many characters to choose between embracing independence and accepting a life of compromise. while The first season focuses on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her search for a suitorSeason 2 focuses on her brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), who struggles to reconcile family duty with what his heart desires.

I won’t spoil the nitty-gritty for those who haven’t watched the series yet, but some of the underlying themes in “Bridgerton” are worth analyzing, especially when it comes to the changes made from the source material. In a society where marriage and childbearing are considered moral obligations, there is little room for personal freedom. However, characters like Benedict and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) follow paths that are described as “unconventional” by societal norms (and in some cases, outright rejected). This complexity is mostly absent in Quinn’s novels, which take a more traditional, heteronormative approach to their central romances and bypass scrutiny of Tone’s hypocrisy. To the extent that the TV show “Bridgerton” does.

Back to the viewing order – once you’ve finished the first two seasons of “Bridgerton,” it’s time for “Queen Charlotte,” which unveils an enduring love story that’s both beautiful and tragic at the same time.

Since seasons one and two provide us with a solid foundation for Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) in the current timeline, a prequel spin-off fits comfortably after this point. The older Queen, who rules with confident elegance, has only been viewed through an impersonal lens until now, but “Queen Charlotte” introduces us to her true heart. Her marriage to George was one of comfort and commitment, but they developed an intense, organic love capable of weathering the harshest storms despite the social pressures that tried to keep them apart. Charlotte’s character develops like a rich tapestrywoven with each role she’s supposed to play, yet the threads lead right back to her true personality beneath the insular facades of strength.

After you’ve finished the show, you should watch the entire third season of “Bridgerton,” which is split into two parts for no real purpose other than to end the first half on a cliffhanger. Aside from focusing on the central relationship, Season 3 gets to the heart of Lady Whistledown’s problem, exploring the fine line between gossip and public character assassination, and highlighting the desperation of young women forced into marriage. Between lavish parties and classical performances of popular pieces, worlds of broken dreams and broken promises are exchanged, as some characters yearn for choices they have yet to make.

While you wait for Season 4, you can read Quinn’s series of novels, especially A Gentleman’s Proposal and To Sir Philip, with Love, which explore the stories of Benedict and Eloise respectively. Since its counterparts in the series are noticeably different, it remains to be seen how the two versions converge and differ, and whether the Netflix series dares to change basic expectations to give the duo a stronger, better take.