Shonda Rhimes’ first Netflix project is the streamer’s most watched new show, based on the Bridgerton Series, a collection of eight novels by writer Julia Quinn. First published in 2000, with seven books following through 2006, each novel focuses on the love life and nuptials of one of the eight Bridgerton siblings. (Quinn later expanded the Bridgerton universe through sequels and prequels.) First up is the beautiful Daphne Bridgerton (played in the series by Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest Bridgerton daughter and diamond of the ton. In order to appear more desirable to a sea of competitive suitors, Daphne begins a fake courtship with the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), aka a “rake,” aka a 19th-century fuckboy. But in cinematic fashion, the two soon discover that they actually burn for one another, leading to marriage and the tantalizing sex scenes that the show is now famous for.
