The period drama Bridgerton is known for its gossip, romance, and, of course, its steamy NSFW scenes which are inspired by a secret from the Georgian era. The Netflix series rose to popularity during its release in 2020. Audiences became enthralled with Lady Whistledown’s gossip column about the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes of rich and noble families in London. Amongst the piping hot drama lies equally piping hot sex scenes, which are not often associated with the period in which Bridgerton is set.

The show, based on the best-selling book series by Julia Quinn, follows the journey of love and marriage within the noble Bridgerton family. So far, the seasons have focused on two of the Bridgerton siblings. Bridgerton season 1 focuses on Daphne Bridgerton and her courtship with Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Bridgerton season 2 focuses on the biting, yet charming enemies-to-lovers courtship between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. The entire series takes a different approach to the period-piece romance genre, creating an antiquated world laced with modernity. Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift songs are made into their own classical renditions and the casting paved a way for representation in period dramas overall. While the romance in the series remains timeless, the sex scenes are, in comparison to what one would expect out of the era, a bit obscene. Bridgerton is set in the Georgian era, a period of time lasting from about 1714 to the 1830s, referring to the time the four King Georges ruled over England. This era is often associated with politeness and class, not sex.

While it may not seem like the case, the inclusion of Bridgerton’s sex scenes is actually quite accurate to the Georgian era. In fact, this particular era in history marked a change in how sex was viewed. People of the Georgian era stripped away the strict attitude surrounding sex that previous generations had and instead, embraced sexuality and desire secretly. This idea was not ingrained in society just yet, but was a sentiment shared amongst individuals and young people of the era. People were still expected to follow old traditions, such as marrying while young to someone from the same class, but overall, sexual relationships of all sorts blossomed during this time and attitudes became much more open–behind closed doors, at least.

Bridgerton Has Lots Of Sex Scenes For Good Reason

With Bridgerton’s copious amount of sex scenes, it’s easy to believe that they were included simply to reel in an audience. But, surprisingly, the inclusion of many NSFW scenes throughout the show actually portrays the historically accurate attitudes about sex. Through its sex-related scenes, the series is also able to highlight the underbelly of society at the time. In season 1, for example, Benedict Bridgerton attends a party filled with all types of “artistic” people participating in sexual activities together. At the party, he becomes involved in a threesome with two other women. This scene shows the sexual freedom that was happening in some parts of society. While sex was still taboo and secretive in the Georgian era, people were making sexual discoveries and having fun in private.

Bridgerton’s bold, steamy and inclusive tone is what makes it such a unique period drama. It proves that there are some elements of the past that don’t need to be kept completely historically accurate. From the music to the casting, Bridgerton is a refreshing take on the past. It does a brilliant job of embracing sexuality, which is exactly what the people of the Georgian era believed in.