Yes, Bridgerton is based on the best-selling historical romance book series written by Julia Quinn.
Originally published between 2000 and 2006, the series follows the eight siblings of the noble Bridgerton family as they navigate London high society between 1813 and 1827 in search of love, adventure, and happiness. Each book focuses on a different sibling’s story, giving the series its rotating romantic perspective.
The television adaptation, produced by Shondaland, premiered on Netflix in 2020. Like the books, each season centers on one of the Bridgerton children—Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth—and their romantic journeys.
Bridgerton Books in Order (and How They Match the Show)
If you’re wondering how the books line up with the series, here’s a quick breakdown:
- The Duke and I (2000, Daphne’s story) → Season 1
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000, Anthony’s story) → Season 2
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton (2002, Colin’s story) → Season 3
- An Offer from a Gentleman (2001, Benedict’s story) → Season 4
The remaining books focus on the other Bridgerton siblings:
- To Sir Phillip, With Love (2003, Eloise’s story)
- When He Was Wicked (2004, Francesca’s story) → Confirmed Season 5 (2027)
- It’s In His Kiss (2005, Hyacinth’s story)
- On the Way to the Wedding (2006, Gregory’s story)
One interesting difference is that the show doesn’t follow the exact order of the books, which is why Colin’s story appears before Benedict’s in the series.
Netflix has already confirmed that Season 5 will adapt When He Was Wicked, focusing on Francesca Bridgerton’s story, with a release planned for 2027.
You can also check out the first teaser for the upcoming season here:
Bridgerton Season 5 Teaser
How Closely Does the Show Follow the Books?
The show is not a strict adaptation of the books. It changes the timeline, rearranges the order of the stories, and introduces new characters and subplots that aren’t present in the original series. These changes help expand the world and create a more interconnected story across seasons.
Books vs the Netflix Series: Which Is Better?
Personally, I find myself preferring the show to the books. While I love the structure of a romance series that shifts focus between characters, the show brings something extra to the story. The visuals—from the elaborate costumes to the rich London settings—add a layer of immersion that the books can’t quite replicate. The orchestral pop soundtrack is also a standout, giving the series a modern, unexpected feel.The show also takes a more inclusive and modernized approach to its world, with a diverse cast and updated take on society. These choices broaden the universe of Bridgerton and make it feel more accessible to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy character-driven romance with a mix of drama and modern flair, Bridgerton is one of the most successful recent examples of a book-to-screen adaptation.