When it comes to romantic dramas, "Bridgerton" has been one of the genre's biggest hits of the last decade. Now in its fourth season, which premiered its first four episodes on Jan. 29, with the back-half to arrive on Feb. 26, the Netflix series remains a reliable ratings hit. Those new eps brought in nearly 40 million views in the season's first four days of streaming, reports Variety, as well as a critical darling (season 4 currently has a solid 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes).
Despite the collective success of the "Bridgerton" brand — which is based on the bestselling Julia Quinn novels of the same name — there is one sparkling standout in the franchise's crown. A diamond, if you will: the 2023 prequel miniseries "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story."
Years after its debut, the game-changing romance between the titular young queen and King George remains "Bridgerton's" greatest triumph, powered with emotional depth, well-earned character growth and, of course, intense chemistry between its leads. Need more convincing? Here's why you should add "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" to your Netflix watchlist ASAP.
What is 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story' about?
"Bridgerton" fans already know Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel in the mainline series) as the sharp-tongued, flamboyantly-haired royal in command of the Ton and her many subjects, but in "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," the future monarch is a mere teenager (India Amarteifio) navigating the discomforts of an arranged marriage to King George III (Corey Mylchreest) as well as her rise to prominence and power in society.
As well as giving an early-days sneak peek into the decades-long romance between Queen Charlotte and her betrothed, the prequel series also lets Netflix viewers in on the origin story of a young Lady Danbury, the queen's lady-in-waiting Agatha (Arsema Thomas), as she grows from a repressed wife in a loveless marriage to an independent and socially-savvy widow.
Why you should watch 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story' on Netflix
In a "Bridgerton" universe that includes the like of Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Regé-Jean Page and Nicola Coughlan, it's quite a feat for a romantic duo to stick out from that starry bunch but "Queen Charlotte" leads India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest manage to do just that with their palpable chemistry, which manifests not only as physical passion onscreen but deep emotional vulnerability between their characters.
Even now, years later, the strength of that foundation continues to fuel Charlotte and George's latter connection throughout the flagship romance — when Golda Rosheuvel's queen worries about a future sans her husband in season 4, the tears prompted by the scene are directly linked to the moving onscreen work that Amarteifio and Mylchreest put in to establish the loving pair.
As of press time, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" is the highest-rated "Bridgerton" installment, featuring a 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. (For comparison, the next-highest entries are seasons one and three, both tied at 87%.) "A resplendent romance between two of the most interesting characters in the Bridgerton saga, 'Queen Charlotte' is a spin-off that arguably perfects the primary series' formula," praises the site's critical consensus.
Tom's Guide will keep you updated on all things "Bridgerton" related, from the rest of the flagship series' fourth season to any spinoff news, teaser trailers, behind-the-scenes intel and more.
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