Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a Must Watch! [REVIEW]

I have been a fan of the Bridgerton Netflix series from the beginning. My love of season 1 inspired me to begin reading the books it’s based on. Let me tell you, they do not disappoint. However, this time Shonda Rhimes is taking us back to the beginning of one of the iconic, ruckus-causing characters of the series, Queen Charlotte. 

In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story we see Charlotte is dealing with the pressures of her children providing an heir to the thrown. This storyline serves as the catalyst to send us back to the beginnings of her betrothal to King George III, their love story, as well as his spiral into madness. 

On top of that, we learn so much about Lady Danbury’s past that also affects her present. We also see my favorite character, Violet Bridgerton, and how she’s on her own journey to confront suspicions of the past, as well as being ready to move forward with her life.

Queen Charlotte IS FANTASTIC

I am absolutely in love with the Queen Charlotte series. The story is as compelling as it is heartbreaking. India Amarteifio (Military Wives) as a young Charlotte is magnificent. She fully embraces the characterization and power of Golda Rosheuvel. Her chemistry with Corey Mylchreest, or as I like to call him – the lost Franco brother –  jumps off the screen.

Corey Mylchreest’s (The Sandman) portrayal of King George III is impeccable. He’s incredibly charismatic and childlike in his spirals. He has a way of making you fall in love with him along with Charlotte the whole way through. 

While some people will scoff at the liberties in storytelling taken, I look at the Queen Charlotte series similarly as I would Reign or The Tutors. This is a dramatization loosely based on history. That said, the way the writers flesh out the Kings spiral into madness is powerful. 

If you’re unfamiliar, King George III is known as the Mad King. Modern Psychiatrists can’t quite agree on what they believe the king suffered from. Was it a case of acute intermittent porphyria or was he bipolar? Either way, someone living in the 17-1800s showing signs of either would be considered madness.

Medical treatments for mental illness were brutal back then and the writers do not hold back. Watching George being willing to do anything to fix himself for the woman he loves is heartbreaking. Watching how gentle Charlotte is when she learns of his “madness” is earnest. I was rooting for them the entire way through even though I knew where we were going to end up.

THE SERIES FOCUSES ON MORE OF OUR FAVORITE BRIDGERTON CHARACTERS

The love story aside, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story covers more characters’ backstories. First, Lady Danbury, as we know, is a powerful woman of the ‘ton, but how did she get there? Well, questions are answered and we see her life and struggles to become the incredible woman we know her as today unfold. Arsema Thomas (Redeeming Love) as a young Lady Danbury does an excellent job. We can see her softness, as well as her strength throughout the entire series. As we know, Lady Danbury never remarries and you will 100% understand why.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story also gives us a glimpse into the life of a young Violet Bridgerton. I love how we get to learn more about these characters’ personal lives as well as how they’re all intertwined. Sometimes when watching the original series I lump the adults into one group. However, with this series, you see the stark differences in ages, class, etc. in a much clearer, poignant lens. 

One youthful character arc surprised me, but I’m so glad they did this. Throughout the series, we learn so much about the Queen’s hand, Brimsley. He seems like a slightly throw-away character in the Bridgerton series. So, it’s nice to see how integral he is to Charlotte’s story while also having a life of his own.

I NEED MORE Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story EPISODES

One thing I will say is that Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story has a different tone than the first two seasons of the original series. The sex scenes are there, but they’re not as forward as season one, but also not as prudish as season 2. They find a happy medium full of lust, laughter, and love.

I am so sad there were only 6 episodes because I devoured them! They are just that good. I would LOVE to see more backstories of our favorite characters of Bridgerton. Hopefully, we’ll get Violet and Edmund’s love story next! 

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story comes to Netflix on May 4th! I will absolutely be watching it again.