TV Tuesdays: On the occasional Tuesday, I will review a book series or novel that has been made into a TV Series. I will then answer the question that everyone asks: which is better, the TV adaption or the book?
Book Series: Bridgertons by Julia Quinn (2000-2006) | Show: Bridgerton (2020-ongoing)
Which did I read/see first? TV Show
Series: The Bridgertons
There is a prequel Series: The Rokesbys & a series of Lady Whistledown Stories
Author: Julia Quinn
# of Books: 8 (Full Reading Order Here)
There are also 2nd epilogue novellas for each novel.
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Regency, Historical Fiction, Romance
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: Third Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: January 2000 – June 2006
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
Series Rating: 4/5
The Duke and I 4/5 | The Viscount Who Loved Me 5/5 | An Offer from a Gentleman 5/5 | Romancing Mr. Bridgerton 5/5 | To Sir Philip, With Love 4/5 | When He Was Wicked 2/5 | It’s in His Kiss 3/5 | On the Way to the Wedding 3/5
Were My Expectations Met?
I love a good historical romance but I had never heard of The Bridgertons until Netflix announced the show. To be fair, I was quite young when the books originally came out–definitely not the right age to read them! But even when I dove into the genre later in life, it never crossed my radar.
I was really excited to watch the show when Season 1 was launched. I adored Downton Abbey when it first came out and love a good family drama series, so I was eager to see what this was like. I think I almost binged the entire season in one sitting because I became so obsessed with the characters (I spread it out over 2 days in the end). The fashion, the drama and the romance, sigh, it met my expectations for sure!
By the time Season 2 came around, I had read all the books so I kind of knew how things would go for the characters and their stories. However, the added elements to TV series to make it, well, an ongoing TV series have kept the seasons fresh and exciting even if I know the characters’ book stories. I also love getting those glimpses into previous characters’ HEA in the show as time progresses in the TV timeline.
How Close is it to the Books?
All the key scenes from the books are recreated and are perhaps more impactful when you see them play out before your eyes as a TV viewer? I think there is something so magical about witnessing the chemistry of characters on a screen. The heart of the romances and the heart of the Bridgerton family is definitely the foundation of the show even if some minor character and plot liberties are taken.
There are definitely some added elements and changes made from the books to help extend the longevity and continuity of the TV show. For the most part, I’d say the changes are positive.
Things like changes to Eloise’s character (she’s duller in the books IMO), the meddling of the Queen (she isn’t a character in the books), Francesca’s story (I detested her book but really like the show’s direction) and how they deploy Lady Whistledown (her role takes a backseat after book 4 I felt) are all changes I really like and ones I think benefit the story and the TV format. The books are connected but are still sort of isolated pockets; the TV series really ties everything together to give it that continuity.
I would say that some of the character choices in the books are probably more historically accurate than the show’s approach. I’m thinking about Benedict’s story in particular but also some elements of Daphne’s story as well. However, I can appreciate how the show is trying to present a world as it should be and not as it was. You can’t rewrite history per say but one of the things I love about fiction is the ability to explore what historical periods would be like if we looked at some elements through a modern lens.
Did I Like the Cast?
One of the “issues” with watching the show first is that you have those people in your mind when you read. So I applied the characters from TV to my reading experience and I had no complaints. I think the cast is great in this series; from minor to major characters, everyone is so fun to watch! They bring these characters to life in an organic way that will satisfy any book fan.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
With the recent announcement that Season 5 and 6 are on the way, I’m excited to see what will happen next. The characters I suspect that will be the leads (Eloise and Francesca) are the two I’m very curious to see play out because they differ a lot in the show from their book counterparts.
I really have no idea what they are going to do with Eloise as I did enjoy her book but can’t see it really working with her TV character. I think most TV fans who have never read the books would be shocked at who Eloise ends up with so that’s why I can’t wait to see what happens!
As for Francesca, I truly hated her book! It really came down to the execution of it – I didn’t like her romance at all and I missed the rest of the Bridgertons as most of her story takes place away from the family home. But that’s why I like that we get inklings of her character in these earlier TV seasons as I believe it will set up her story properly and finally make me a fan of her romance.
I’m going with the TV show. I really like the direction it seems to be going in with the stories of the latter half of the book series. I also think the characters are more intriguing and layered. Plus, I think it has done a great job of bring the world of Bridgerton to life that will satisfy any book fan.
Do you agree? Leave a comment below!
Synopsis for The Duke and I (from Goodreads):
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable.
Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.
Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.
The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule…
Trailer:
