Summary
WhileBridgertontakes a (presumably long) hiatus between seasons 3 and 4,Netflix is releasing a new TV series that is seemingly similar to Shonda Rhimes' popular period drama but is actually very different.The historical romance show, created by Chris Van Dusen, is based on Julia Quinn’s book series of the same name and follows the lives ofthe Bridgerton family. Falling in line with the set of eight novels,every season ofBridgertonrevolves around one Bridgerton sibling and their love story, with Daphne’s being told in season 1, Anthony’s in season 2, and Colin’s in season 3.
Bridgertonshowrunner Jess Brownell previously predicted that season 4 would be released at least two years following the ending of season 3. So, fans should expect new episodes in 2026.
Given that the wait forthe release ofBridgertonseason 4(and the mystery concerning which Bridgerton sibling will headline the next set of episodes) is expected to be long, it makes sense why Netflix would want to debut shows that could serve as replacements for the well-received historical romance series. However, just because a TV show is a period piece, that doesn’t mean it is entirely comparable toBridgerton.WhileNetflix’s “newBridgerton” series is set in a past time period,that’s evidently one of the only qualities it shares with Rhimes' show.
The Decameron’s Source Material Is Nothing Like Bridgerton’s Period Drama
Giovanni Boccaccio’s Collection Of Short Stories Was Written In The 14th Century
Netflix is set to release all eight episodes ofThe Decameronon Thursday, July 17, 2025. WhileThe Decameronappears to be as raunchy asBridgertonbased on its trailerand occurs in a different time as opposed to the present day, viewers shouldn’t expect it to be exactly like the historical romance series.Bridgertonis based on romance books written in the 21st century. However, Netflix’s upcoming TV show, created by Kathleen Jordan, isinspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’sThe Decameron,a collection of short stories originally written in the mid-1300s,when the Black Death was rampant in Europe.
The Decameron Is The Tonal Opposite Of Netflix’s Bridgerton
The Decameron Is A Comedy
Not only isThe Decameron’s source material wildly different fromBridgerton’s, but the upcoming series also separates itself from the popular historical romance show via its tone and genres.The Decameronis a medieval black comedy,a few words that have never been used to describeBridgerton.Yes, some ofthe characters inBridgerton(like Benedict, Eloise, Lady Danbury, Queen Charlotte, Portia Featherington, and so on) provide occasional comedic relief. But one would not label the series as a comedy.
[The Decameron’s] combination of the characters' differing personalities and circumstances, the raunchy themes of sex and drinking, and the ridiculous means of survival presumably results in a hilarious story.
The Decamerontakes place in 1348 in Florence, Tuscany, at the height of the bubonic plague,aka the Black Death. The TV show’s story follows a group of wealthy nobles and their servants as they quarantine in a countryside villa as the disease is killing countless Europeans. At first glance, one wouldn’t think thatNetflix’s new showThe Decameronis a comedy. However, the combination of the characters' differing personalities and circumstances, the raunchy themes of sex and drinking, and the ridiculous means of survival presumably results in a hilarious story.
According toTudum by Netflix,creator Kathleen JordandescribedThe Decameronas “short little horny tales.“Star Jessica Plummer added, “Think, like,Love Island, but back in the day. A lot of drama, a lot of sex, a lot of, yeah, craziness.” So, yes,The Decameronbrings just as much sex to the table asBridgerton,but in a more humorous way than the historical romance series ever will.
Benedict vs. Eloise vs. Francesca: What Order Bridgerton Seasons 4, 5 & 6 Should Happen In
Netflix has yet to announce the main character of Bridgerton seasons 4, 5, or 6, with the candidates being Benedict, Eloise, and Francesca.
When The Decameron Is Set Compared To Bridgerton
The Decameron Takes Place Hundreds Of Years Before Bridgerton
As mentioned above,The Decameronis set during the mid-1300s while the Black Death is rapidly spreading across Europe. So,the 14th-century medieval black comedy takes place almost 500 years beforeBridgerton’s timeline.The historical romance show begins in the early 1810s, with Colin and Penelope’s love story in season 3 occurring around 1815. Of course, theBridgertonprequelQueen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storyis set several years prior to the events of the parent series as it is set in 1761 (at least, the scenes featuring young Queen Charlotte and King George).
It’s unclear how many yearsThe Decameron’s story will span, but it is known that it will begin in 1348. The Black Death began in 1346 and ended in 1353, so, the upcoming show’s timeline may run into the 1350s (depending on its renewal status). Meanwhile, each season ofBridgertontypically takes place one year after the other, meaning that season 4 will likely be set in 1816.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on July 08, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
