Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023) User Reviews

Better than the original

[TheRedSunset · 7/10 · 4 May 2023]

I have enjoyed the original Bridgerton, but only after watching Queen Charlotte have I realized just how much was lacking from it.

The original Bridgerton series, compared to this one, is too distracted, with a destination that's clear and safe, such that space is set for a hazy or careless middle. This show however carries itself with its goal in mind and does it with grace. It is just six episodes, shorter than the original, but never for once feels hastened. With every scene you can sense the care with which it was made, that it meant something to someone somewhere to form this in the way it was formed. Most importantly, it had gall, and it did it in a way that was never gratuitous. Don't get me wrong, I love the laid-backery of the original series, but sometimes I think you have to step close to the fire and burn some skin.

Also, the cast was capable, but the shining star has to be the woman who plays the younger lady Danbury, she just glows (much as the older one) and steals the story.

It is a sizeable shame that this is a limited series. Big complements!

The human condition

[bcirilli · 8/10 · 4 May 2023]

This series did a lovely job of balancing the present and past with a variety of human conditions. The actors portrayed so much feeling and conflicting emotions and I was drawn in. The actor who played king George did a beautiful job of balancing the desire to be normal to the point that he would do anything to be worthy of Charlotte. The actress who played Queen Charlotte was wonderful at balancing confusion, desire and putting herself aside to be George's anchor. These actors conveyed these feelings balancing on the head of a pin. I hope that the real queen and king had somewhere near this type of love... The final scene of episode 6 was so beautifully done and brought me to tears. That's what love should be.

Disappointing

[foodieinaus · 6/10 · 6 May 2023]

I went into watching the series with high hopes but unfortunately this spin off does not deliver, the story's pacing is too slow and then too fast in places, with unnecessary replaying of other episode scenes for exposition (which is unnecessary given the season is 6 episodes).

Their is so much push and pull between the two romantic leads that it is difficult to connect or root for their romance. The story also jumps between the Bridgerton timeline and Queen Charlotte timeline further detracting from the main story line. The chemistry between the leads is not strongly built before their sexual scenes, making these scenes feel out of place, rushed and uncomfortable. In addition, watching this series involves some uncomfortable bordering on unconsensual sexual scenes with crowd favourtie Lady Danbury with her husband. Lady Danbury in this spinoff also does not capture the quitessential essence of her original portrayl in the Bridgerton series.

This spin off was almost successful in turning me away from the Bridgerton series as a whole. I personally wouldn't devote 3 hrs to watch this again.

So much better than I expected it to be

[torongen · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

Usually when you think of spinoffs, you don't think they'll be better than the originals. I wanted it to last longer than the 6 episodes it runs for.

It's more mature than the original two Bridgerton seasons, and deals with more complex issues with greater sensitivity. It's timeless love rather than romance. Still with all the opulence of the Bridgerton series, and even more opulent since it's the royal family.

The cast is great. Young Charlotte, King George, the Dowager Princess... Everyone really. If you like period shows and want something a little deeper than Bridgerton Seasons 1 & 2, this is a must watch.

You did not go over the wall.

[gypsy-87293 · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

There really are not enough words to capture how utterly beautiful this season is. I adored the first season, but season 2 was underwhelming. This story about the Queen and her George breaks your heart over and over. The entirety of the season is summed up in the final scene, under the bed, with two people seeing each other as they were when they first fell in love. Even after all the pain of Charlotte coming to terms with her husbands mental illness, she never left his side. She would always get under that bed with him, always looked at him and saw the man she fell in love with. I have not cried this hard over any show prior. But you don't finish unhappy, you finish in love with their love.

Disposable

[LordOfLotion · 6/10 · 5 May 2023]

This isn't the best work of the Bridgerton series and I hope it's not an omen for season 3. It's got all the costumes and some familiar faces, but it's left sorely lacking in some other areas.

They leaned too heavily into George's illness too soon and I completely lost any suspension of disbelief. The characters themselves said "servants talk," and that level of shenanigans going on for that long would have been noticed and talked about all over the place.

The entire 4th episode was basically a clip show made from the previous 3 episodes. If I wanted to watch the first 3 episodes again, I'd do it. Watching all that again from George's point of view was just agonizing, when a scene or two of the medical "treatments" would have done the job much better.

Lady Danbury has the most interesting story of all the side characters and they've relegated her to a sub-plot when she really should have gotten her own season. I would watch several seasons of her navigating London society by herself, but OH NO. Her plot in the present kind of turned into a nothingburger at the end and I don't even know why they bothered with it.

Minor gripes: I wanted Charlotte to wear her own German wedding dress, and I think she did, but I'm not sure. They made a point out of putting in the relationship between the two butlers/whoever, but they never said what happened to one of them-if they did I missed it. There was a tiny tiff about how dark Charlotte's skin should be painted for a portrait, but when we saw it later it looked the same color to me even though Princess Augusta told them to lighten it. I have no idea why Violet Bridgerton was in this at all. Charlotte wasn't stupid, but she couldn't figure out that many of her children hadn't gotten married because she hadn't arranged it. I could hear George screaming all the way from America, but no servants ever talked about it... ad nauseum.

There's more, but this was disposable overall and I won't be watching it again. I hope Colin and Penelope get a better season.

Binged it all in one day!

[whitw816 · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

This was a wonderful addition to the Bridgerton series, and in my opinion, the best. I honestly didn't realize that Queen Charlotte was based on the real Queen Charlotte who was married to George III. Also led me to do some reading and there are accounts that Charlotte did indeed have a darker complexion and I love that this was used to imagine a world where as early as the late 1700s races could intermingle without (much) prejudice. How much further would we be in this journey if this were true?

I also enjoyed the dive into King George's illness. The acting of the lead roles dealing with this was fantastic. The ensemble cast was amazing too. A much watch if you liked the first and/or second season of Bridgerton!

The Queen Charlotte series is superior to the original Bridgerton series

[Hellooo1234321 · 13 May 2023]

The Queen Charlotte series is far superior to the original Bridgerton series. The two starring actors had greater chemistry and performed better together than the two other season 1 and 2 leading couples of the original series. I'd like to see more miniseries. The first and second Bridgerton series is far too corny. The Queen Charlotte series managed to provide complexity and food for thought. That is exactly what I am missing from the original Bridgerton series. I hope they continue to do miniseries. Because this mini-series, and hopefully future ones, have a more in-depth story and they now have two leading actors who can act. The main plot of the two starring players is the finest, so I give it an 8/10. The miniseries' various side storylines aren't always engaging. 6/10 for that; after four episodes, I skipped those parts since they were a little too long, and I focused on the main plot of the two characters because it was the most engaging. Overall, the primary tale is excellent, and I recommend that you stick to it if you get tired of the other minor characters. My overall rating for this miniseries is 7.5/10.

How dare u make me sad about the british monarchy

[Lia-74937rs · 7/10 · 10 May 2023]

I kid in the title. Obviously, as with Bridgerton, there's a suspension of disbelief surrounding the historic aspects. Overall I did enjoy this show, but I also found some issues with it that bothered me. I'll start with the good: I was very interested to see the portrayal of George as deeply sympathetic because he is so villainized in other media. Not to say that there is nothing to be said for that portrayal, but it often relies so heavily on villianizing not the man but the madness, which certainly could not have been easy to deal with in that time, even as king. It was very interesting to see that struggle portrayed, especially with an overall happy outcome. I quite enjoyed his and Charlotte's story, and especially the end of the last episode.

I also quite enjoyed the Lady Danbury story, as she is one of my favorites in the original show, but this is where we enter the bad. The pacing of this show was... off. And I think that is due in large part to the lady Danbury storyline. The way episodes cut between them felt forced, and the episode dedicated almost entirely to Danbury felt off topic, even if I was interested in the story itself.

My other issue was the way they carried out the story with Brimsley and Reynolds. It's good to have representation, but they haven't actually put much into it. Textually they are together and care a great deal for one another, but they actually have very little story or substance to them, we know very little about either one, and in the end one of them is just vaguely gone and missed by the other, maybe dead but even that much is unclear.

Overall I'm glad I took the time to watch, but it definitely could have been better.

THE CONFESSION SCENE OUTSOLD.

[hazard111 · 9/10 · 4 May 2023]

I love the Bridgerton series so here I am with the spin-off. Can I just say, I find it funny to see a disclaimer: "It's not a history lesson. It's fiction based on a fact." because soooo many people will likely look into this series and assume it's a documentary of the real Queen Charlotte then get mad because of it. No, it's not real, sorry to disappoint.

Anyway. It's arranged marriage to genuine lovers trope which I am a sucker for. To me the leads have great chemistry. India Ria Amarteifio really embodied the adult Queen. She's headstrong and will speak her mind. Meanwhile Corey Mylchreest is adorable. I love their banters together.

There's also snippets of the other characters which is great. Arsema Thomas as young Lady Danbury and Sam Clemmett as young Brimsley are just perfect castings. You'd learn more of their stories so watching them in the main show gives them more depth now.

The show itself is light hearted but with heavy notes. It's not as laid back and upbeat as the main show but it's overall a fun watch and doesn't take itself THAT serious. I may have shed some tear here and there.

I recommend it to Bridgerton fans or "historical/period drama" aesthetic show fans. LET ME TELL YOU THE CONFESSION SCENE is right up there with the main show... dare I say even better?? Because here they're married so it feels more like a mature accepting love, til death do us part type of vibe compared to the other two. Binge worthy.

Just wonderful!

[sue-06239 · 10/10 · 28 May 2023]

A beautiful love story, superbly acted by every character. Full of warmth, humour and emotion, with fabulous costumes and beautiful music.

The final episode left me feeling very emotional, not only because of Queen Charlotte and "Just George", but also the brilliantly played Brimsley and Reynolds.

Characters familiar from previous Bridgerton series such as Lady Danbury and Violet are great again, and it was so good to learn about them as young women.

The actress playing Young Charlotte was perfect and the amazing chemistry between her and King George was entirely believable.

A wonderful series for all true romantics.

Decent! 6.5/10

[ectievi · 6/10 · 18 May 2023]

There are many things about this series that were very well done. The set designs, costumes, and casting choices are all honestly on point. From a technical standpoint, everything about this series is great.

On to the writing. It is mostly decent, I appreciate that it attempts to create a story with more depth than the original, and the love story between Charlotte and George definitely achieves that. It also features a secondary love story worth engaging in, Brimsley and Reynolds'.

However, the issues that led to this rating are related partly to poor pacing. There are only 6 episodes and there was a lot of repetitiveness, making me wish multiple times the story would just get to the point faster, and that time was being wasted on rehashing scenes from previous episodes instead of offering characters much needed new moments.

Another problem is the poor continuity with the original series. Agatha's storyline, for example. The second season made a reference to her having known "great love" which clearly isn't portrayed in this show. On the same character, this is the second occasion in which the Bridgerton universe features explicit marital rape, which in both cases did not feel like a necessary addition.

I found season 1 of Bridgerton to be boring, season 2 was decent due to much better chemistry between the lead actors. This one is a step above when it comes to depth and writing.

Bridgerton is cheesy, yes, but it is obviously meant to be. It's not everyone's cup of tea. This show takes itself a bit more seriously when it comes to themes and topics that are addressed, so I am judging it as such.

Repetative???

[krizzy-648-899992 · 1/10 · 15 May 2023]

Ok am I the only one that felt like I have been wasting my time on watching the same scenes multiple times... like what are the makers thinking.. that we are stupid???? This entire show would have been finished in 3 maybe 4 episodes if it wasn't for the repetitive scenes that kept showing...

What is the deal with showing the same scenes over and over again, this truly ruined my entire experience of watching this show that I had high hopes for. If you want to show a scene from both perspectives, do not insult your viewer by showing the exact same scene with a minor difference, it's not cool.

Horrible experience this last one.. do better!!

Want to add each star that King George looked at - Stunning

[skpn123 · 10/10 · 7 May 2023]

Now I love the Bridgerton series - the music, the costumes, the colour and the personal growth the character's undertake, the surprises and the complex relationships but it is all fairly light and surface level Not so Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story which I found it quite disturbing and even traumatic at times (especially as I have worked in Mental Health areas for decades) but 1000 % magical. Left me breathless and captivated so many times, on the entire roller coaster of emotions from loving them as a couple to wanting to go behead a certain Doctor myself. Let's be thankful he is dead...... well for 100s of years ha ha ha

I could not take my eyes off Corey Mylchreest - just WOW - captivating from the first scene he was in. India Amarteifio was also wonderful, picking all the nuances of the older Queen actor, Golda Rosheuvel to perfection.

The Queen has always been my favourite Bridgerton character but my understanding of her has grown exponentially. Thank you to all involved. I usually struggle to full the newer IMDB word limit but this one was easy - so much to compliment!

First Shonda Show and Binged Within One Day

[fayandray · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

I've tried most Shonda shows and have never gotten through the first 30 mins. I was hooked on this show from E1, didn't stop watching til 6 episodes later and hoping it will get an S2! Although, I will say the way this was wrapped up, it seems they don't expect another season.

I wasn't a huge fan of Bridgerton, mostly because it didn't explain (at least in the short time I gave it) how there were black aristocrats in Regency England. Now I know this show is total fantasy, but as long as it's not just left as a gaping hole, I can suspend reality to go along with a fantasy - Queen Charlotte has no holes and addressed everything directly.

The writing is fantastic, the show is evenly paced and I really really root for the characters! Hope there's another season!

It was just missing somethings..

[roro_sa · 7/10 · 5 May 2023]

After loving the Bridgeton series' I was so excited to see the prequel series.. But alas, the Queen Charlotte series was just missing some of the Bridgeton Je ne sais quoi.

I think it could be summed up in a few things..

Firstly, the number of episodes did not do the Queen Charlotte story line any justice. The series ended so quickly that I had to check to see if I somehow skipped episodes. It felt like it was left hanging up in the air.

The story could've been portrayed a bit more concise. Perhaps it was because each episode showcased two different timelines, which in the end stifled each era's storyline.

The way in which the episodes were being filmed, also seemed a bit off. The scenes were a lot more gloomy, not as bright and airy as with the Bridgeton series' - with the exception of Georges 'medical' treatments which understandably needed to be more dark and dingy.

That breathe of fresh air feeling, the magic, the vivid and brightness of colours, was not there or was insufficient.

Somehow there also a lacking in the music or tones of music. I hardly remember any of it.

The actresses and actors on the other hand, did really well. They all brought their A-game and did their best to bring the characters to life.

All the female characters were perfectly cast, as well as the two aids to the young royals.

Overall, I felt like this was'nt the same Shondaland that put together the Bridgeton series.

They had the winning magic formula in Bridgeton, it's a pity that it didn't convey all the way through the Queen Charlotte series.

Hopefully the next chapter of the Bridgeton or a second season of Queen Charlotte will bring the life and light back again.

IMO.

Far better than s1 or 2

[TheDyingGirl · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

In my opinion this spin off is so much more better because not only did they have better chemistry but this couple actually had real problems unlike any of the couples in the Bridgerton series.

They gave us so much of their goey love but I was still craving for more when it ended and those hot scenes we have come accustomed to with the bridgerton world were not lacking. I was not fatigued as I was especially with season 2 of Bridgerton which was so much like a spoof of Bridgerton rather than s2 itself and boy was it so anticlimatic and when they eventually got together I honestly did not even care if they died in the next scene. It was such a pain and hard slog to finish that season with its 2 hr episodes. Even with season 1 I found it to be a bit draggy at the end. However with this one i wanted more but I am satisfied that they kept it at 6 episodes and dialled back with movie length episodes. The final scene under the bed was chef's kiss. Still as goofy and gaga over each other as the day they met. Queen Charlotte is far superior and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Great actors !! King George is one handsome lad and Queen Charlotte is beautiful with her cute button nose.

Corseted

[adamsandel · 7/10 · 6 May 2023]

Unlike Bridgerton which is energetic romantic comedy, this is straight drama that feels both constrained and bloated at the same time. There are moments of great poignance, especially in the young love story - and it soars when focusing on the mental struggles of the young King George.

Unfortunately those moments feel buried amid overlong, repetitive fantasy scenes about racially integrating the British monarchy and nobility, and the trials of young Lady Danbury.

This is a shame since a great love story based on a faithful depiction of real history could have been more powerful. The streaming mandate that no story can be told in less than six hours also gets in the way and tries the viewer's patience.

Although it's a female-empowerment show with solid performances all around, the true standouts are Corey Mylchreest in a star-making turn as the loving but tortured young King George, and Sam Clemmett as the Queen's loyal servant, whose every glance and moment demands as much attention as the king's ransom worth of elaborate costumes and wigs.

More Episodes Needed...Season 2 Please!

[syd9907 · 10/10 · 6 May 2023]

I thought I wouldn't like anything Bridgerton after the first season (wasn't vibing on that second season at all), but here I am with Queen Charlotte. I love this limited series. It's way better than both seasons of Bridgerton because it has depth, maturity and excellent acting. I appreciate the telling of the origin story of how Queen Charlotte came to power by an arranged marriage to King George. Then how they fell in love. There's so much chemistry between the two leads, it blows your mind. It also introduces us to Lady Danbury which is played by Srsema Thomas...bravo to her. The young actress who plays the young Queen Charlotte, India Amarteifio, is superb. She shows a stellar acting range portraying the young queen, that belies her youth and acting experience. Here's hoping that Amarteifio is well on her way to a phenomenal career. And of course Golda Rosheuvel as the older Queen Charlotte is as excellent in this as she is in the regular series.

Truthfully, there's not many missteps in Queen Charlotte, and if there are some, they're so minor, they're hardly noticable. Every actor/actress in this series is cast right and understood the assignment. I wish Shonda Rhimes would have made this more than just a 6 episode limited series.

Easy to watch!!

[maxandme · 7/10 · 4 May 2023]

It was nice to find out about their story because there isn't much in Bridgerton, few mentioning does not explain at all. Now we know why queen Charlotte is who she is in the series. I did not like her very much but after seeing her struggles, her behavior is much more understandable. There was no need for the intertwine between Agatha and Violet in the past that can cause different pathline for them both, in my opinion at least. I wonder whether there will be season 2 but maybe they should leave it just the way that is. Anyway those who liked watching Bridgerton should definitely see it as well.

Shonda does it again!

[angelaw-69401 · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

Brilliant. Casting, story, acting. Just brilliant.

I LOVE both India and Arsema. They're my new favorite actors. I can't stand when a show has a younger and older version of the same character and they look nothing alike. The younger versions of the women are spot-on in not only appearance but mannerisms in this one.

I'm not even halfway through the series as I leave this review, it's that good. Oh, and the dude that plays the king is SO PRETTY. I think I saw he's only be in a couple of things which is so hard to believe because his acting is so good.

If you like Bridgerton, this is just as good if not better!

Not as good as the original. Awkward acting/pacing.

[thsalf1020 · 7/10 · 13 May 2023]

First of all, Bridgerton is one of my the best shows I've ever enjoyed watching (this from someone who does not watch romance or historical fantasy). However, this show felt like it was missing the magic of the original.

Queen Charlotte is season 2.5, supposedly after season 2, just before season 3 will begin its social season.

Queen-- I'm not sure this spin-off should exist. For some reason Americans demand a back story of every character in existence, and it is tiring. The Queen is supposed to be in a league of her own, and this show humanized her to the point it almost delegitimizes the power she is shown to hold in S1 & 2 (keep in mind, this is about storytelling a romantically rosy fantastical view of the past). That said, the original actress was great as expected, but I am still doubtful of this.

Violet -- Her character seems quite unsure of herself in this season, and a bit of a dimwit. In S1&2 she is the matriarch of the Bridgerton household. Why this shift in tone?

Young Lady Danbury -- I'm not sure if it was the writing or the acting, but the actress seemed stiff and uncomfortable in the role. It was awkward watching her character at times. The plot about her having an affair felt odd, and makes uncomfortable suggestions for her lady friendship.

Her arrangement with the King's mother felt unnatural and illogical. A plot line to describe why the Danbury's have their power was not needed. Mystery is powerful in storytelling, and if an explanation is shown for every single little thing, then there is no theory crafting, no pondering. That is part of the fun of franchises. So this was disappointing.

Pacing -- The first three episodes go on forever. Not until episode four does it feel like the show really begins.

The lushly floral sets, the music set to contemporary renditions of pop music, witty banter, etc. Are all key parts missing from this series.

Overall, it's better than having no new Bridgerton, but I would have rather preferred we got Season 3 for Collin and Penelope.

Not a 7,2

[hailey-19656 · 1/10 · 15 May 2023]

I have seen Bridgerton, and I can remember it was enjoyable. This however, is not worth the hybe. The visuals, shots, locations and outfits are amazing. Bridgerton franchise has an amazing world building!

But the dialogue was horrible and shallow, the acting wasn't great. And it all didn't really make sense to me?

Is this truly what we've become ? They try to throw in shock value like sex scenes with an older man, public sex, a lot of sex in general, if you're someone who enjoys the pocket romance from the corner store, then this is for you, but if you want to watch a good series that doesn't make you cringe (not in the good way) every now and then, then i'd suggest something else.

Spin-off Done to Perfection

[CubNutButter · 10/10 · 5 May 2023]

I was so pleased to see Netflix investing more in the world of Bridgerton and being one of my favourites in the show, Queen Charlotte was a perfect character to explore for a prequel. The casting is absolutely spot on, I honestly enjoyed every single character and their acting, the script, everything is a work of art. India Amarteifio is *the* perfect actor for the titular role and it's crazy to think I didn't know much of her work before. The chemistry between India and Corey is a rare gem and their relationship is believable from start to end. It was heartwarming to see Brimsley and Reynolds have their story heard too. The costumes are on point, the transitions are seamless, the story is playful, the music is fantastic. I've nothing bad to say- I can't wait to see more!

This broke my heart in all the right ways

[rebeccaleewheeler · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

I went into this show with lower expectations that usual, as spin-offs generally do not live up to the original. I've read the books, where Queen Charlotte is not a character, so adding her to the original Bridgerton series felt forced. However, within the first few minutes of Queen Charlotte, I was hooked.

This was a beautiful love story. Well... Stories. My heart aches, not just for Charlotte and George, but for Agatha, Brimsley, and even Violet. Each one having a depth of character that amazed me. At the end I was openly crying, as it was such a beautifully told conclusion for each character.

All in all I am left bereft; saddened by a series that left me wanting more.