Netflix’s new romance show Bridgerton has already become one of the first big hits of 2021. The period drama has been viewed in more than 63 million households since its Christmas debut, holding the number-one spot in 76 countries. Now, Bridgerton fever is overtaking TikTok, as users draw comparisons between the show’s 1800s setting and the world of today.
For the uninitiated, Bridgerton is the newest show from Shonda Rhimes, creator of hits like Grey’s Anatomy, How To Get Away With Murder, and Scandal. It centers on the gossip and intrigue surrounding young debutante Daphne Bridgerton and her romance with the dashing Duke of Hastings.
The Bridgerton Challenge
In order to celebrate the show’s runaway success, Netflix has taken to TikTok with a brand new viral challenge. Called simply the Bridgerton challenge, it involves making comparisons to how things were done in the early 1800s versus how we do them today.
To get people started, Netflix provided three examples: flirting, getting ready, and gossiping.
Prominent TikTokers wasted no time in jumping on board with the challenge, providing their own “then and now” comparisons based on the three prompts, providing some key insights into the changing times.
For one thing, getting ready for a night on the town isn’t quite as intense as it was in the 19th century — although it’s still no picnic. This first one, however, feels very relevant to today.
@haileygalligan ##stitch with @netflix ##BRIDGERTON ##2020 ##Christmas2020 ##facemask ##fypシ ##foryoupage ##fyp ##foryourpage ##for you ##netflix ##elegant ##trending
♬ original sound – Hailey
The simple act of flirting has also taken on more complications over the years, far removed from the subtle glances and gestures of the Bridgerton set.
@fibulaa #stitch with @netflix Used to be so simple….. anyways snap? #bridgerton #ad
♬ original sound – Connor Wood 🐸
Gossip plays a prominent thematic role in Bridgerton, with the mysterious Lady Whistledown spreading dirt via printed pamphlets. Modern-day versions will have less charitable language. (WARNING: There’s some swearing in this one.)
Perhaps in today’s world, Lady Whistledown would be dishing to her followers on social media instead?
@shreksdumpster #stitch with @netflix the gossip is funnier now imo😭 #bridgerton #ad
♬ original sound – sarah
You won’t find that many videos off the hashtag #bridgertonchallenge; instead, just look for #bridgerton itself.
But finally, here’s a little bonus for a group of TikTokers who went off script entirely and came up with their own version of the challenge.
The first season of Bridgerton is currently available to stream on Netflix. Meanwhile, speculation about a second season for the hit series remains unconfirmed.