How Bridgerton’s Steamy Romance Changed The Netflix Game 5 Years Ago

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As a critic, I remember the late 2010s being a weird time for Netflix originals. They were making shows, sure, but hadn’t quite figured out what they wanted to be. Then came a romance series – their most provocative yet – and things shifted. Up until that point, Netflix had earned some respect with shows that critics and audiences loved, but they were still searching for a defining identity as they headed into the new decade.

Beyond occasional successes like Stranger Things, many of Netflix’s original shows came and went without making a big impact. They’d attract a small group of dedicated fans, but quickly fade from public discussion and weren’t renewed for future seasons. As Netflix navigated a period of transformation, it became obvious the platform needed a major hit to propel it forward.

Netflix started shifting its strategy about five years ago with the release of a particularly passionate romance series. Although the platform was known for escapist entertainment, it hadn’t previously excelled at romance. This new series, a visually stunning and immersive experience, proved to be a turning point for Netflix.

Bridgerton Changed Netflix’s Programming Forever When It Released 5 Years Ago On Christmas

Image by Yeider Chacon

Despite feeling like a long-running hit, Bridgerton first premiered on Christmas Day in 2020, meaning it celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. The series quickly became a massive success for Netflix, ranking among its most popular original shows. Created by Shonda Rhimes and adapted from Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels, the show’s unique blend of historical setting and modern themes helped it stand out.

Viewers immediately fell in love with the world of Bridgerton, and Netflix quickly realized the show was a success. It’s become well-known for its diverse cast, beautiful costumes and sets, and its passionate storylines. As audiences became more open to mature content, Netflix perfectly timed the release of Bridgerton as a steamy and romantic drama.

2026 Will See The Release Of Bridgerton Season 4

With 2026 approaching, Bridgerton remains a hugely popular show on Netflix, and the next season is expected to build on that success. Season 4 will premiere in January and will continue the show’s tradition of focusing on a different sibling’s love story each season. This time, the story will center on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his unexpected journey to find love.

Steamy Romance Shows Based On Books Keep Getting More Popular On Streaming

Image via Netflix

The popularity of Bridgerton wasn’t a fluke, which is great news for fans of romance! Since the show became a hit, streaming services have been increasingly adapting romance novels for the screen, and creating some fantastic shows and movies. Netflix, especially, has continued this trend after seeing how well Bridgerton performed. Even five years later, Bridgerton continues to influence how romance stories are brought to life on screen.

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2025-12-24 22:18