Bridgerton is undoubtedly one of Netflix’s biggest shows right now, but the period drama has a big barrier to break if it wants to cover all the Julia Quinn novels. The adaptation series became a success instantly after its Netflix release, capturing audiences with its creative approach to period dramas, merging a modern twist with classic onscreen chemistry. So far, each season of Bridgerton has 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 like Stranger 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, and Bridgerton has 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 is Grace and Frankie, the Emmy-nominated sitcom about two women becoming friends after their respective husbands fall for one another. Grace and Frankie ran for seven seasons, one less than Bridgerton’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 for Grace and Frankie pulled in an older demographic that Netflix wouldn’t usually reach, filling a niche in the streaming market. Even Bridgerton’s popularity doesn’t make the eighth season a shoo-in, as Netflix’s obsession with creating new material has even led the streaming site to cancel popular shows that are still relevant.
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. Bridgerton needs 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
The Bridgerton onscreen adaptation has naturally diverged from the source material, adjusting the order of the sibling’s romances and altering events of the novels, but the show has stayed true to the books with its one-sibling-per-season structure. If the show is to continue this narrative parallel, Bridgerton must reach an eighth season, completing Gregory’s arc and concluding the story.
