The hit show “Bridgerton” is officially the most watched original Netflix series in the company’s history.
The program, based on a book of the same name by Julia Quinn, even surpassed the streaming service’s own rosy projections in its first season by earning 82 million views, Deadline reported Wednesday.
Bridgerton depicts upper-class life in Regency England, giving a subversive look at the era with color-blind casting and a storyline that focuses strongly on the lives of women.
The series was released on Netflix on December 25 and is described by GQ Magazine as a combination of ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Downton Abbey’.
“I think the show offers an incredible escape for the audience at a time when it’s exactly what is needed,” said director Chris Van Dusen.
” Bridgerton ” is this lush, lively, steamy Regency love story; it is about romance, love and joy; I think all of these things are really universal themes that people respond to. ”
Netflix tweeted a message of appreciation to the fans of the show on Wednesday, thanking them for making ‘Bridgerton’ a hit.
Regé-Jean Page, who plays The Duke of Hastings, also posted a photo featuring the entire cast and crew in which he thanked fans for their love and support.
Last week, Netflix announced that Bridgerton will return for a second season, focusing on the older Bridgerton kid, Anthony, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey.
It remains unclear how much of the series’ season one cast will return.