‘Bridgerton Effect’ will add £275m to the UK economy, says Netflix

Since its debut, the ‘Bridgerton’ series has not only captivated audiences around the world, but also provided a significant boost to the British economy.

Netflix reports that the “Bridgerton universe”, produced by Shondaland, has injected £275 million into the British economy over the past five years.

Highlighting the franchise’s financial impact, Shonda Rhimes, CEO of Shondaland and producer of hits like “Grey’s Anatomy,” opened trading on the London Stock Exchange last Friday to mark the launch of the second part of season three.

Rhimes emphasized the cultural resonance of “Bridgerton,” noting its influence on trends, baby names and even weddings. “The Bridgerton universe holds a special place in culture, resonating with young and old, creating conversations, setting trends and influencing everything from baby names to weddings,” she said. She further highlighted that the show has boosted the UK economy by a quarter of a billion pounds, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses.

According to Netflix, the production has supported nearly 5,000 local businesses over the past five years. Rhimes underlined the economic significance of arts and culture, stating that their impact extends to local communities.

Anna Mallett, Netflix’s vice president of production for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, echoed Rhimes’ sentiments. She highlighted the cultural and economic contributions of ‘Bridgerton’ and confirmed that Britain is the home of Netflix and a central hub for their investment in storytelling.

Netflix’s figure of £275 million, calculated internally, includes both direct and indirect expenses, including production costs. This positive news comes amid a challenging period for UK film and TV studios, which are facing job losses as the post-pandemic streaming boom subsides.

Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, while not necessarily a ‘Bridgerton’ fan, expressed her excitement about celebrating the economic and cultural impact of the British film and creative industries.

The £275 million estimate excludes income from related activities such as themed events, merchandise and tourism, suggesting the true economic impact may be even greater. Iconic locations such as Castle Howard in Yorkshire and Ranger’s House in Greenwich are likely to have seen more tourist visits thanks to the show.

The series spawned numerous trends, including the ‘Regencycore’ aesthetic, which remains popular today. A recent Pinterest report highlighted the ‘Bridgerton tea party’ as a top trend, with searches increasing 430% in April year-on-year. Creative tea recipes and floral decor ideas are popular as people seek inspiration for organizing themed events.

Retail chains such as Liberty are embracing the ‘Regencycore’ trend with immersive pop-ups and special fabric collections. The show’s influence extends to interior design, with DIY paneling and period-inspired decor becoming fashionable.

‘Bridgerton’ has also had an impact on beauty trends, with Cult Beauty seeing a rise in ‘saucy romance’ looks with blushed cheeks and fake freckles. Home furnishings retailer Eurocell reported an increase in searches for wisteria plants, pergolas, water fountains and outdoor candles, reflecting the show’s lush garden aesthetic.

Beth Boulton, marketing director at Eurocell, noted that “Bridgerton” has inspired a garden trend characterized by abundant plants and vibrant climbing flowers, adding a sense of wonder to outdoor spaces.