While “Bridgerton” takes a (presumably long) hiatus between seasons 3 and 4, Netflix is set to release a new TV series that appears similar to Shonda Rhimes’ popular period drama but is actually quite different. Created by Chris Van Dusen, the historical romance show is based on Julia Quinn’s book series and centers around the Bridgerton family. Following the structure of the eight novels, each season of “Bridgerton” focuses on one sibling’s love story, with Daphne’s tale in season 1, Anthony’s in season 2, and Colin’s in season 3.
“Bridgerton” showrunner Jess Brownell has previously predicted that season 4 will be released at least two years after the end of season 3. As a result, fans can expect new episodes in 2026.
Given the long wait for the release of “Bridgerton” season 4—and the ongoing mystery of which Bridgerton sibling will headline the next set of episodes—it’s understandable why Netflix would introduce new shows to fill the gap left by the beloved historical romance series. However, it’s important to note that just because a TV show is a period piece doesn’t mean it is entirely comparable to “Bridgerton.” Netflix’s “new Bridgerton” series may be set in a historical era, but that is evidently one of the few similarities it shares with Rhimes’ show.
The Decameron’s Source Material Is Nothing Like Bridgerton’s Period Drama
Giovanni Boccaccio’s Collection Of Short Stories Was Written In The 14th Century
Netflix is set to release all eight episodes of “The Decameron” on Thursday, July 25, 2024. While “The Decameron” may appear to be as raunchy as “Bridgerton” based on its trailer and is set in a historical period, viewers shouldn’t expect it to be exactly like the popular romance series. “Bridgerton” is based on romance novels written in the 21st century, whereas Netflix’s upcoming show, created by Kathleen Jordan, draws inspiration from Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron,” a collection of short stories originally written in the mid-1300s during the Black Death in Europe.
| The Decameron Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Zosia Mamet | Pampinea |
| Saoirse-Monica Jackson | Misia |
| Tanya Reynolds | Licisca |
| Amar Chadha-Pate | Dioneo |
| Leila Farzad | Stratilia |
| Lou Gala | Neifile |
| Karan Gill | Panfilo |
| Tony Hale | Sirisco |
| Douggie McMeekin | Tindaro |
| Jessica Plummer | Filomena |
The Decameron Is The Tonal Opposite Of Netflix’s Bridgerton
The Decameron Is A Comedy
Not only is The Decameron‘s source material wildly different from Bridgerton‘s, but the upcoming series also separates itself from the popular historical romance show via its tone and genres.
“The Decameron” is a medieval black comedy, a description that has never been used for “Bridgerton.” While characters in “Bridgerton” such as Benedict, Eloise, Lady Danbury, Queen Charlotte, and Portia Featherington provide occasional comedic relief, the series is not classified as a comedy
“The Decameron’s” combination of diverse characters, raunchy themes of sex and drinking, and absurd survival tactics presumably results in a hilarious story.
The Decameron takes place in 1348 in Florence, Tuscany, at the height of the bubonic plague, aka the Black Death. The TV show’s story follows a group of wealthy nobles and their servants as they quarantine in a countryside villa as the disease is killing countless Europeans. At first glance, one wouldn’t think that Netflix’s new show The Decameron is a comedy. However, the combination of the characters’ differing personalities and circumstances, the raunchy themes of sex and drinking, and the ridiculous means of survival presumably results in a hilarious story.
According to Tudum by Netflix, creator Kathleen Jordan described The Decameron as “short little horny tales.” Star Jessica Plummer added, “Think, like, Love Island, but back in the day. A lot of drama, a lot of sex, a lot of, yeah, craziness.” So, yes, The Decameron brings just as much sex to the table as Bridgerton, but in a more humorous way than the historical romance series ever will.
When The Decameron Is Set Compared To Bridgerton
The Decameron Takes Place Hundreds Of Years Before Bridgerton
As mentioned above, The Decameron is set during the mid-1300s while the Black Death is rapidly spreading across Europe. So, the 14th-century medieval black comedy takes place almost 500 years before Bridgerton‘s timeline. The historical romance show begins in the early 1810s, with Colin and Penelope’s love story in season 3 occurring around 1815. Of course, the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is set several years prior to the events of the parent series as it is set in 1761 (at least, the scenes featuring young Queen Charlotte and King George).
It’s unclear how many years The Decameron‘s story will span, but it is known that it will begin in 1348. The Black Death began in 1346 and ended in 1353, so, the upcoming show’s timeline may run into the 1350s (depending on its renewal status). Meanwhile, each season of Bridgerton typically takes place one year after the other, meaning that season 4 will likely be set in 1816.
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