Netflix recently released The Decameron, a black comedy based on the novel written by Giovanni Boccaccio that creates an exciting trend alongside Bridgerton.The Decameron is based on a book, centering around a group of nobles and their entourages that have sheltered together while the Black Death ravages Europe. The series features Saoirse-Monica Jackson among The Decameron‘s cast as Misia, the servant of the noblewoman Pampinea. Jackson has appeared in several roles across film and television since the series ended in 2022, but none have made as big of a mark as her breakout role.

Nicola Coughlan, who has worked alongside Jackson, has also had a good year on Netflix, reprising her character in Bridgerton season 3 as Penelope Featherington, the primary love interest of Colin Bridgerton. With Jackson now appearing in a major Netflix series, this could also be the start of a new trend for the streaming giant that could spell good things for the former cast of Derry Girls.

Bridgerton Season 3 & The Decameron Gives Derry Girls’ Cast 2 Big 2024 Netflix Shows

And Both Have Caught A Lot Of Attention

Pampinea (Zosia Mamet) appearing bored and Misia (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) by her side in The Decameron season 1
Dioneo (Amar Chadha-Patel) carrying a woman in his arms in The Decameron season 1
Panfilo, Dioneo, and Sirisco stand by the door in The Decameron season 1, episode 2 Tindaro stands next to Dioneo who's plays the lute in The Decameron season 1, episode 2 Sirisco looks through the ceiling of the carriage in The Decameron season 1, episode 2Pampinea (Zosia Mamet) appearing bored and Misia (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) by her side in The Decameron season 1 Dioneo (Amar Chadha-Patel) carrying a woman in his arms in The Decameron season 1 Panfilo, Dioneo, and Sirisco stand by the door in The Decameron season 1, episode 2
Tindaro stands next to Dioneo who's plays the lute in The Decameron season 1, episode 2 Sirisco looks through the ceiling of the carriage in The Decameron season 1, episode 2

The release of Jackson’s The Decameron means that Netflix now boasts two high-trending shows featuring standout actors in their post-Derry Girls career. Bridgerton entered Netflix’s all-time popular list at number 10 before settling in at 6, with season 1 already holding the number 4 spot on the list. This comes as no surprise, given the buzz surrounding the series leading up to season 3’s release.

It’s exciting to see these fantastic actors from such a critically acclaimed series both on new shows on the streaming service.

While The Decameron hasn’t managed to break into the all-time list on the streamer, it managed to generate its own buzz with the raunchier tone the period piece took. With The Decameron’s comedic tone contrasting Bridgerton’s drama, Jackson makes an excellent addition to dark comedy, getting to flex her comedic skills in a way most period pieces wouldn’t allow for. The two shows may not stand side-by-side, but it’s exciting to see these fantastic actors from such a critically acclaimed series both on new shows on the streaming service.

Netflix’s Bridgerton & The Decameron Follow Derry Girls’ Critical Acclaim

Fans And Critics Have Loved Them Both, To Different Degrees

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton season 3 part 2's trailer

Derry Girls is a comedy series with a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the audience score isn’t far behind. While neither Bridgerton nor The Decameron have reached quite the same levels of acclaim, Bridgerton comes the closest with the third season rating at 88%. Meanwhile, the new show sits at a comfortable 66%, and while some reviews for The Decameron have been mixed, many have been positive about the dark comedy. Both actors have gone from their breakout roles to find their own acclaim, which is ultimately a win for Netflix and audiences alike.

With even the creator of Derry Girls working with Netflix, it may only be a matter of time before we see other actors from the popular comedy series popping up on the streaming service. Whether drama or comedy, it’s clear the cast of Derry Girls has serious acting chops and the potential to succeed when given the right material. What that material might be remains to be seen, Bridgerton and The Decameron have created a fun trend that will hopefully continue.