The prequel series could have focused more on the romance itself, but Queen Charlotte has plenty of charisma, heart, and dramatic tension.


As one of Netflix’s most popular series, it was only a matter of time before Bridgerton got a spinoff. Created by Shonda Rhimes, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story changes gears, turning its attention toward the titular character and her love story with King George III. The series jumps between two time periods, balancing multiple storylines. The historical fantasy series sets up a lovely central romance, and gives focus to Lady Danbury’s story, among several others. The prequel series gets too caught up in establishing the monarchs’ love as the bridge between their society’s divide when it could have focused more on the romance itself, but Queen Charlotte has plenty of charisma, heart, and dramatic tension to make it worth recommending.

When the series actually focuses on Charlotte and George’s romance — the adoration they clearly have for each other, the tension that stems from George’s secret, and their devotion to making their marriage work — the story soars. There’s a lot of drama to mine from their relationship, as there are internal and external conflicts at work that bring them closer together and also threaten to tear them apart. India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest have excellent chemistry, though the show doesn’t lean on it as heavily as it could have. As a limited series, Queen Charlotte separates the pair for longer than need be, prolonging the tension unnecessarily, especially considering the external drama and subplots that require balance.


One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is Lady Danbury’s story, namely as it pertains to her married life (sans the excessive sexual assault), status, and journey towards independence and self-worth. Both the younger and older versions of the character get some meaty material to work with and Arséma Thomas and Adjoa Andoh deliver. Even Violet Bridgerton’s subplot about moving on and reconnecting with her sexual desires is lovely, as it leans into the fact that aging doesn’t erase a woman’s wants while strengthening the existing friendship between Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. Similarly, young Lady Danbury and Queen Charlotte’s relationship is also handled well, showcasing the support they provide one another, and the trust that is built between them. When the series centers its primary relationships, it begets lovely, empowering and tender moments.

The show is still a fantasy that only pulls from history occasionally, and reminds us of its fictitious elements at the very beginning, but it’s hard to get too lost in the fantasy of it all when there are story elements that reflect the present. At the same time, the series is grounded, and the world-building showcases what's at stake for each character should things not work out between Queen Charlotte and King George. All told, Shonda Rhimes and her team are great at balancing the various storylines. Queen Charlotte has some wonderful acting, intensity, and great relationships at its core. While I wish there had been more focus on the romance between Charlotte and George, as it would have elevated the series and smoothed out the rest of the story elements, the Bridgerton prequel remains a charming and engaging binge.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is now available to stream on Netflix. The series consists of six, one-hour episodes, and is rated TV-MA.