Technology

My Lady Jane will fill the Bridgerton-shaped hole in your life

Published

1 week ago

July 9, 2024

The most popular thing on Prime Video right now is season 4 of The Boys, a devilish and grotesque take on superheroes. While it’s certainly a great show, it’s not a comfort watch — unlike Netflix’s Bridgerton, which debuted its third season earlier this year.

If you’re looking for something a little more romantic and old-fashioned, Prime Video recently launched a new series that’s for you. The adaptation of Cynthia Hand’s novel, My Lady Jane, is currently the second most popular show on the platform, according to Reelgood.

The brutal Tudor Prime Video series has a 93% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and after watching it, I can confirm that it lives up to the hype. It’s worth noting that this score is higher than all Bridgerton shows except the Queen Charlotte prequel.

If you’re a Bridgerton stan and aren’t sure whether to give this new Prime series a watch, these (spoiler-free) similarities might be enough to convince you.

History is only interpreted loosely

Bridgerton isn’t exactly known for being historically accurate. Of course it’s set during the reign of King George III and Queen Charlotte, but many things have been adapted for a more fantastical and romantic setting.

While factual purists may loathe the idea, this gives the show the freedom to use extravagant costumes, feminist plots, and a highly diverse cast that has typically not been present in other period TV series.

My Lady Jane follows this theme and takes it a step further by adding fantasy elements to the Tudor setting. It’s much more ridiculous than the Netflix hit, but once you get over the shock of the first twist, it’s a fun plot device that’s crucial to the rest of the series.

Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios

Unlike Bridgerton, it does hint at some of the heinous acts of violence that the Crown would carry out at the time, but don’t worry, as these events aren’t often shown on screen, and even the events that do take place are incredibly toned down to what you’d expect. would find in shows like House of the Dragon.

Narration is an important part of the plot

Lady Whistledown is the Gossip Girl of the ton in Bridgerton, with the alias central to the third season. For the audience, she often provides additional context to plots or an idea of how outsiders will view the drama unfolding with our main cast.

Although the narrator in My Lady Jane is not a well-known figure, he adds brilliant (and hilariously vulgar) commentary to the setting and context. He breaks the fourth wall by referencing the changes made in this reimagined story of Jane’s life, talking about the differences between this time in history and modern times, and even jokingly pointing out to you, the viewer refer to as a ‘peasant’.

Both shows use narration incredibly effectively, showing that it fits this niche genre very well.

The “enemies versus lovers” trope is part of both shows

With the exception of Colin and Penelope, all of the main couples in the Bridgerton series experience the classic enemy-to-lover arc. It works perfectly in romance, as a couple can experience a lot of tension as their arguments deepen into a steamy look.

If you’re a fan of this style of plot, then My Lady Jane is for you. Jane finds Guildford furious when she first meets him, but cannot deny her attraction to him. When they are unexpectedly forced together, things start to escalate.

Provide plenty of seductive almost-kiss, heated fights and witty banter that quickly turns into outright flirting. Anthony and Kate fans are sure to have a field day.

Both shows use modern music throughout

One of Bridgerton’s core products is its classic adaptations of modern pop music. From Taylor Swift to Ariana Grande and even Pitbull, this show has taken some dance hits and turned them into majestic string pieces that often accompany one of the big balls in the show.

The new Prime Video hit goes a little more rock ‘n’ roll with its choices, playing the songs just as they are – even with one bang during a tavern scene. Of course, it’s impossible that these types of songs could have existed during this time period, but given the other plot changes, it’s easy for this to happen. Artists featured in My Lady Jane include Black Honey, Led Zeppelin, Gossip and Griff.

The leads are all quite dreamy

Let’s all be honest: the biggest draw of both Bridgerton and My Lady Jane are the swooning couples. There are plenty of iconic scenes that come to mind for the Netflix series, set in balls, gardens and even carriages.

Both Jane and Guilford get their chance to shine in Prime Video’s series, delivering both emotional speeches and steamy scenes, and off-the-charts chemistry. Before you know it, you’ll be shipping these two as much as the iconic Bridgerton couples.