Bridgerton is currently the number one show on Netflix in the United States following the premiere of its fourth season. The season is being released in two parts, with part one debuting on January 29 and part two scheduled for February 26, 2026. The hit series was created by Montgomery County native Chris Van Dusen, a Watkins Mill High School Class of 1997 graduate who also attended Daly Elementary School in Germantown.
Set in the early 19th century, Bridgerton follows the eight siblings of the noble Bridgerton family Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth as they navigate London’s highly competitive marriage market. Each season of the series, mirroring the structure of the books, focuses on a different sibling’s search for love.
The show is produced by Shonda Rhimes and is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton collection novels. While race is not addressed in the original books, Van Dusen was intentional about creating a series that reflects the modern world. That inclusive approach aligns with the broader vision behind Shondaland productions.
Bridgerton presented a rare opportunity to reimagine a traditional period drama with a multiracial cast, blending Regency era aesthetics with contemporary themes. Van Dusen has said he wanted to take period storytelling often viewed as conservative and transform it into something fresh, topical, and relatable.
Before developing Bridgerton, Van Dusen worked as a writer and producer on Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. His involvement with the series began after being introduced to Quinn’s eight-book collection, where he quickly connected with its blend of romance, intrigue, sexuality, and strong family dynamics.
For Van Dusen, bringing Bridgerton to the screen has been about more than adapting a popular book series. It has been a years-long effort to build a richly detailed world that expands who gets to be seen and represented in period television.
