The most popular thing on Prime Video right now is season 4 of The Boys, a diabolic and grotesque take on superheroes. While it’s certainly a stellar 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 tad more romantic and period-style, then Prime Video has recently launched a new series that will be right up your street. The adaptation of Cynthia Hand’s novel, My Lady Jane, which is the second-most popular show on the platform right now according to Reelgood.
The cheeky Tudor Prime Video series has a 93% critically approved rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and after binging it I can confirm it lives up to the hype. It’s worth noting that this score is higher than any of the Bridgerton shows other than the Queen Charlotte prequel.
If you’re a Bridgerton stan and are unsure about whether to give this new Prime series a watch, then these (spoiler-free) similarities may be enough to win you over.
History is only loosely interpreted
Bridgerton is not exactly known for being historically accurate. Sure, it’s set during the reign of King George III and Queen Charlotte, but many things are adapted for a more fantastical and romantic setting.
While factual purists may detest the idea, this allows the show the freedom to use extravagant costumes, feminist plots and a widely diverse cast that had not been typically present in other period TV series.
My Lady Jane runs with this theme and takes it one 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 is crucial to the rest of the series.
Unlike Bridgerton, it does refer to some of the horrific violent acts that the Crown would enact back in the day, but don’t worry as these events aren’t often shown on screen, and even the ones that occur are incredibly toned down to what you’d find in shows such as House of the Dragon.
Narration is a key part of the plot
Lady Whistledown is the Gossip Girl of the ton in Bridgerton, with the alias being a main focus in the third season. For the audience, she often provides additional context to plots or an idea of how outsiders will be viewing the drama happening with our main cast.
While the narrator in My Lady Jane isn’t a known figure, he adds a brilliant (and hilariously vulgar) commentary to the setting and context. He breaks the fourth wall by referring to the changes made in this reimagined tale of Jane’s life, talking about the differences between this time in history and the modern day, and even jokingly referring to you, the viewer, as a ‘peasant’.
Both shows use narration incredibly effectively, showing that it fits this niche genre very well.
The enemies-to-lovers trope is part of both shows
Except for Colin and Penelope, all the main couples in the Bridgerton series experience the classic enemies-to-lovers arc. It works perfectly in romance, as a pair can experience plenty of tension as their arguments delve into a steamy stare-off.
If you’re a fan of this plot style, then My Lady Jane will be right up your street. Jane finds Guildford infuriating when she first meets him but cannot deny her attraction for him. When they’re forced together unexpectedly, things begin to escalate.
Cue plenty of tantalisingly near-kisses, heated fights and witty banter that very quickly descends into straight-up flirting. Anthony and Kate fans will certainly have a field day.
Both shows use modern music throughout
One of the staples of Bridgerton is its classical 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 grand balls in the show.
The new Prime Video hit goes a little more rock and roll with its choices, playing the songs simply as they are – even having one blasting during a tavern scene. Naturally, there’s no way songs like that could have existed during this period, but given the other plot changes it’s easy to let this slide. Artists in My Lady Jane include Black Honey, Led Zeppelin, Gossip and Griff.
The leads are all rather dreamy
Let’s all be honest – the biggest draw of both Bridgerton and My Lady Jane are its swoon-worthy 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, both with emotional speeches and steamy scenes alike, and chemistry that is off the charts. You’ll be shipping these two just as much as the iconic Bridgerton pairs before you know it.
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
