The correct order to watch Bridgerton shows on Netflix

The Netflix adaptation of Shondaland's Julie Quinn series of Bridgerton novels has so far taken a nuanced approach to the Regency-era romantic tale. An inclusive reimagining of race and sexuality from the source material is woven into the show's essence, creating a fictional environment that promotes authentic on-screen representation that matters. As an ongoing series that closely follows the chronological format of Quinn's books, Bridgerton is currently gearing up for its fourth season. plans to focus on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) finding lasting love between enormous internal turmoil and societal pressure.

The Netflix series concluded its two-part third season in 2024, revealing the tender but angsty dynamic between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicole Chowlen), whose friendship blossoms into something more. If “Bridgerton” can stick to the one Bridgerton-sibling formula per season (provided the show isn't canceled at some point), we can expect its intended eight-season plan will finally come to fruition.

The “Bridgerton” watch sequence might not be too complicated since it mostly follows a linear pattern, but it can be confusing to determine where the prequel “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” fits into the timeline. Additionally, “Queen Charlotte” juggles two storylines: one set in the present, which ties into the overarching show, and the other set in 1761, when a young Charlotte (India Amartefio) meets (and marries) King George (Cory Milcrease). Without further ado, let's outline the best way to experience Bridgerton and all that Ton has to offer.

To get the best of the Shondaland adaptation, follow this watch order:

• “Bridgerton” Season 1 (2020)

• “Bridgerton” Season 2 (2022)

• “Queen Charlotte: The Bridgerton Story” Season 1 (2023)

• “Briderton” Season 3 Episode 1 (2024)

• Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 2 (2024)

• “Bridgerton” Season 4 (Releasing 2026)

Season 1 of “Bridgerton” explores the tone of the show's Regency-era British high society, and how their relationships foster a sense of community while hiding societal problems raging beneath the surface. The social seasons mean a time for London houses to facilitate balls, lavish receptions and opportunities for interested suitors to meet those “debuting” to marriage. As seen time and time again, personal desires and societal expectations (which are closely related to class-based perceptions) collide, forcing several characters to choose between embracing autonomy and a life of compromise. While the first season centers on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dinevoor) and her search for a suitorSeason 2 focuses on her brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), who tries to balance family responsibilities with what his heart desires.

I won't spoil the finer details for those who haven't seen the series yet, but some major themes in “Bridgerton” are worth picking apart, especially the changes made from the source material. In a society where marriage and childbearing are moral obligations, there is very little room for personal freedom. Despite this, characters like Benedict and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) follow paths that society's norms call “unconventional” (and in some cases outright rejected). These complexities are largely absent from Quinn's novels, which take a more traditional, heteronormative approach to their central novels and do not scrutinize Tone's hypocrisy. to the extent that the “Bridgerton” television show does.

Going back to the clock, once you've finished the first two seasons of “Bridgerton,” it's time for “Queen Charlotte,” which unfolds an enduring love story, both beautiful and tragic.

With seasons 1 and 2 giving us a solid foundation for Queen Charlotte (Golda Rochevell) in the current timeline, a prequel jump-off fits right in after this point. The elder queen, who rules with self-assured elegance, has so far only been seen through an impersonal lens, but “Queen Charlotte” introduces us to her true heart. Her marriage to George was one of convenience and obligation, but the two develop an intense, organic love that can weather the fiercest storms despite societal pressures trying to tear them apart. Charlotte's character unfolds like a rich tapestrywoven throughout every role she's supposed to play, yet the threads lead back to exactly who she really is beneath the facades of aloof strength.

Once you're done with the spinoff, you should watch all of “Bridgerton” Season 3, which is split into two parts for no real purpose other than the first half ends with a cliffhanger. Beyond the spotlight on relationships, season three gets to the heart of Lady Whistledown's problem, explores the fine line between gossip and public character assassination, and highlights the hopelessness that grips young women forced into marriage. Between extravagant balls and classic productions of popular songs, worlds of dreams and serious promises take place, and some characters yearn for the choices they have yet to make.

While you're waiting for Season 4, you can check out Quinn's series of novels, especially A Gentleman's Proposal and To Sir Philip, With Love, which explore the stories of Benedict and Eloise, respectively. As their series counterparts are distinctly different, it remains to be seen how the two versions converge and diverge, and whether the Netflix series dares to change canonical expectations to give them stronger and better arcs.