Naturally, when the show’s fans are looking for movies and TV shows to watch after Bridgerton, historical romance tends to top the bill. Outlander is a recent parallel; there’s enough in both Downton Abbey and Poldark to make them good options; and, of course, Pride & Prejudice is the slightly tamer blueprint. But it’s another Jane Austen story that feels like the closest thing to Bridgerton season 3. Or more specifically, a modern retelling of it.
If You Loved Bridgerton Season 3, Watch Clueless
Early in Bridgerton season 3, Eloise reveals that she’s reading Emma by Jane Austen. It’s an interesting parallel to Bridgerton’s world, because of the setting, the romantic leanings, and the character dynamics as Emma herself attempts to play social manipulator. The difference, of course, is that Emma is oblivious to her lack of power, while Bridgerton’s influencers (like Lady Whistledown, the Queen and Lady Danbury) mostly dictate the game unchallenged.
Emma is also a particularly good parallel for Penelope in Bridgerton season 3. She is the influence Emma wishes she was, but at the same time, without the cloak of her alter-ego, Pen is delightfully clueless. And it’s Clueless that feels like the perfect follow-up to Bridgerton season 3 as a result.
While Whistledown is effectively Cher (Alicia Silverstone), Penelope is Bridgerton’s answer to Brittany Murphy’s Tai, performing to social expectations to “win” her romantic target, but entirely unequipped. Penelope is forced to lean on Colin’s lessons to navigate high society and find herself a husband, just as Tai needs Cher and Dionne (Stacey Dash) to fit in. Both are clueless, but end up unexpectedly “winning” by being true to themselves.
There’s even a similarity in how Cher herself ends up falling in love with her sort of brother Josh (Paul Rudd) in Colin’s realization that he is in love with Penelope. That was the subtle hint in Bridgerton referencing Emma so early. We should have seen it.
Bridgerton’s Emma Link Is Deeper Than You Realize
Eloise’s choice to read Emma is far from accidental, of course. Austen’s classic is a commentary on social hierarchy and privilege, just as Bridgerton is. Both stories also challenge the supposedly acceptable roles of women.
On top of that, there is something wonderful in imagining Colin as a stand-in for Cher. Both come from a position of privilege and attempt to adopt an aloof position that puts them just outside of society, while also benefitting from it. Both wear masks, are completely desirable, but make themselves consciously unavailable. And it’s only through realizing what’s right in front of them that their barriers are broken down and they find their happiness.
While you could take the link as an opportunity to watch either of the two most recent (and both excellent) adaptations of Emma, Clueless remains the most rewarding. Tai is a more entertaining take on Austen’s original character of Harriet Smith, and the unspoken social contracts of Beverly Hills high school feels oddly more fitting as a parallel to Regency England.
Even without the loaded meanings and the Bridgerton parallel, watching Alicia Silverstone’s breakout performance is an endless joy, and seeing Paul Rudd show his irresistible brand of accessible charm so early in his career is hugely rewarding.
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load