5 Times Netflix's Bridgerton Seriously Outshined the Books
"The book was better"... isn't that what we're used to hearing?
But sometimes a good adaptation can actually improve on its source material, and that's definitely been true of Bridgerton!
Here's five times when the Netflix series undeniably surpassed the books.
When it gave us the story of Edmund Bridgerton
In Julia Quinn's novels, the Bridgerton patriarch is a minor character who dies before the events of the first book. He is mentioned occasionally throughout the series, but his character is never meaningfully explored.
In the show, flashbacks to Edmund's death and the fallout that followed gives new layers of emotional resonance to Anthony's character, letting the audience understand the trauma he's carrying.
When it developed great female friendships
The relationship between Eloise and Penelope took a hit at the end of season 2, but that only meant something because there was a meaningful friendship there in the first place.
While the books don't care much about relationships outside the romantic realm, the show keeps it real by depicting close and complicated bonds between Eloise and Penelope, Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury, and the sisters Kate and Edwina.
When it fleshed out the characters
The Bridgerton books focus in on one sibling per novel, but the show allows us to see glimpses of all the Bridgerton siblings regardless of who is enjoying the romance of the season.
We've all learned to love Eloise Bridgerton for her independence and sharp wit, and her character already feels far more fleshed out than it ever did in the novels.
Likewise, Daphne's character is given more depth and agency than in the books; the show explores her struggle to define herself outside of societal expectations as well as her growing realization that "perfection" is a trap.
When it wove multiple plots together
Each Bridgerton book is quite heavily focused on a single romance, so if you're not interested in the main couple you'll have a tough slog.
The Netflix show weaves together multiple plotlines from the books in a more seamless and cohesive way, making it easier to follow the various story arcs and keeping viewers engaged.
When it changed THAT scene
When Daphne took sexual advantage of her husband in Season 1, there was a lot of outrage. But believe it or not, the show actually made a serious improvement on the books here!
In The Duke and I, Daphne waits until her husband is drunk before she makes her move… and oh yeah, he's also ASLEEP.
When he wakes up, he tells her clearly that he wants her to stop – but she pins him down as hard as she can. And you thought the show was icky? YIKES!