Bridgerton has some unexpected competition in the period-romance genre, as Prime Video’s My Lady Jane is currently scoring higher approval ratings than any series of the popular Netflix show to date. Not only that, but the series has also posted some strong viewership volumes that could easily rival Bridgerton’s peak, and is one of Prime Video’s biggest series right now, second only to The Boys.

My Lady Jane is a historical romance, but also incorporates elements of myth, fantasy, and adventure into its mix. Based on the novel by Cynthia Hand and the life of Lady Jane Grey, the British-made series dropped its complete first season on June 27, instantly gaining a strong following and widespread praise. This has seen the series claim an impressive 91% Tomatometer score, 4% higher than any season of Bridgerton.

From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, Netflix’s Bridgerton is based on the romance novels of the same name by author Julia Quinn. The series follows the eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth, as they search for love during the social season and navigate life in Regency-era England.

Although Bridgerton does not have any fantasy elements – beyond those looking for the kind of bodice-ripping fantasy the Netflix show offers – the series has been mostly unchallenged as the dominant force in historical romance. My Lady Jane’s debut has suggested that there may finally be a new contender coming to slap it across the face with a glove, at least as far as critics are concerned.

How Does My Lady Jane’s Audience Score Stand Up to Bridgerton?

Bridgerton recently released its third season on Netflix, and saw its Tomatometer score rise to meet that of Season 1 at 87%. This was an improvement on Season 2’s 77%, but in all cases lag behind My Lady Jane’s Season 1 score. However, things are much more even when it comes to the audience scores for both shows.

While Bridgerton has been improving its audience score season on season, bringing its approval rating up from 70% for Season 1 to the current standing of 76% for Season 3, My Lady Jane has delivered a solid 74% at the time of writing. If the series succeeds in securing a second season, then there is every chance that it could manage to outshine its closest rival in both critical and audience terms.

Can My Lady Jane be Bigger Than Bridgerton?

In terms of being recognized, the name of Bridgerton has become ingrained in the minds of those looking for something to take them back in time, to when men were men, women were women, and there were a lot of petticoats to get through. The familiarity of the series can certainly continue to build its audience, but that is also something that could, eventually, become its main stumbling block. The setting of the story continues to revolve around the lives of the characters, but there is nothing beyond a good old-fashioned round of posh-sex somewhere in the middle of it to keep viewers from tuning out.

My Lady Jane’s period setting and romantic elements can potentially satisfy some of the same audience as Bridgerton, but can also draw in fans of fantasy shows such as Supernatural with its creatures and unworldly elements. With many already labeling the edgy historical comedy as Bridgerton’s successor, Prime Video will be more than happy to try and steal their rival’s thunder by commissioning a second season pretty soon.

My Lady Jane Season 1 is available on Prime Video. Seasons 1-3 of Bridgerton can be found on Netflix.