Creator Takes on Bridgerton Comparisons in New Apple TV+ Show: A Valid Perspective

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The creator of Apple TV+'s new drama, The Buccaneers, acknowledges the valid and inevitable comparisons to Bridgerton.

The Buccaneers' development began prior to the release of Bridgerton, according to creator Katherine Jakeways, who stressed that it wasn't an endeavor to mimic its triumph. Modernizing period dramas by combining traditional settings with contemporary sensibilities has become a prevalent approach in recent times, which correlates with Edith Wharton's style in The Buccaneers.

The creator of the new Apple TV+ drama, The Buccaneers, acknowledges the comparisons to Bridgerton. In recent times, there has been a rise in period dramas that merge elements of the past and present, reimagining classical settings and styles with modern sensibilities, occasionally incorporating contemporary music. Other notable examples include Hulu's The Great, HBO's The Nevers and The Gilded Age, and Apple TV+'s Dickinson. The Buccaneers, based on Edith Wharton's novel, is the latest addition to this subgenre.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, series creator Katherine Jakeways discusses the parallels between The Buccaneers and Bridgerton, Netflix's period drama with a contemporary twist. Jakeways acknowledges the validity and inevitability of the comparison but emphasizes that development on the Apple TV+ adaptation began prior to the release of Bridgerton. In the following quote, Jakeways praises the Netflix series while also highlighting Wharton's distinctive style.

“The Bridgerton comparison is both valid and inevitable,

What To Know About The Buccaneers

It was never our intention to simply replicate Bridgerton, but we were certainly aware of its influence and I have great admiration for their accomplishments. However, the modernization of period dramas has become a prevalent approach in recent years, and it aligns with our original vision. Edith Wharton's novel, The Buccaneers, also incorporates this modernization element within its narrative.”

Based on Warton's posthumously-published novel from 1938, the series revolves around a group of lively young American women who travel to London in the 1870s. Their arrival triggers a clash between their carefree attitudes and the locals' rigid customs rooted in centuries of tradition. While these women are sent to London with the purpose of finding husbands and titles, their ambitions extend far beyond that.

The Buccaneers boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Kristine Froseth from The Society in the role of Nan, Alisha Boe from 13 Reasons Why as Conchita, and Josie Totah from Saved by the Bell reboot as Mabel. Notable appearances also come from Christina Hendricks, best known for her role as Joan on Mad Men. As the Wharton novel is adapted for Apple TV+, Jakeways, who previously worked on Tracey Ullman's Show and had on-screen roles in shows like Sherlock, takes charge of the writing process.

The Buccaneers has garnered overall favorable reviews from both audiences and critics, although it has faced criticism for incorporating contemporary songs by artists like Taylor Swift. The soundtrack of Bridgerton sets the Netflix series apart, as it cleverly incorporates modern music. While there are some similarities, the Apple TV+ drama takes a distinct approach to its high-class period drama.

Editor's P/S

As a fan of period dramas, I am excited about the release of The Buccaneers on Apple TV+. The show's creator, Katherine Jakeways, acknowledges the comparisons to Bridgerton but emphasizes that The Buccaneers has its own unique style and approach. I appreciate that Jakeways is not trying to simply replicate Bridgerton's success, but is instead taking a fresh and innovative approach to the genre.

I am also intrigued by the show's premise, which follows a group of young American women who travel to London in the 1870s and clash with the locals' rigid customs. This fish-out-of-water story has the potential for a lot of humor and drama, and I am eager to see how it unfolds. The cast of The Buccaneers is also very talented, and I am looking forward to seeing them bring these characters to life. Overall, I am optimistic about The Buccaneers and believe it has the potential to be a great addition to the period drama genre.