The most popular series on Prime Video right now is season 4 of The Boys, a devilish and grotesque take on superheroes. While it’s certainly an exceptional series, it’s not a comforting series, unlike Netflix’s Bridgerton, which launched its third season earlier this year.
If you’re looking for something a little more romantic and period, Prime Video recently launched a new series that’s right up your alley. The adaptation of Cynthia Hand’s novel My Lady Jane is the second most popular series on the platform right now, according to Reelgood.
The cheeky Tudor Prime Video series has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and after binge-watching it, I can confirm that it lives up to its hype. It’s worth noting that this score is higher than any Bridgerton series other than the Queen Charlotte prequel.
If you’re a Bridgerton fan and aren’t sure whether to watch this new Prime series, then these similarities (without spoilers) might be enough to convince you.
The story is only vaguely interpreted
Bridgerton isn’t exactly known for its historical accuracy. Sure, it’s set during the reign of King George III and Queen Charlotte, but many elements have been adapted to create a more fantastical and romantic setting.
While factual purists may hate the idea, it allows the show the freedom to use outrageous costumes, feminist storylines, and a very diverse cast that was not typically present in other period television series.
My Lady Jane takes this theme and takes it a step further by adding fantastical elements to the Tudor setting. It’s a lot more ridiculous than the Netflix hit, but once you get over the shock of the first twist, it’s a fun plot point that’s crucial to the rest of the series.
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Unlike Bridgerton, it references some of the horrific violent acts that The Crown was committing at the time, but don’t worry because these events aren’t often shown on screen, and even the ones that do happen are incredibly toned down compared to what you’d find on shows like House of the Dragon.
Narration is a key element of plot
Lady Whistledown is the Gossip Girl of the Bridgerton series, and this pseudonym is at the heart of the third season. For the audience, she often provides additional context to the plots or an idea of how outsiders will perceive the drama that unfolds with our main cast.
Although the narrator of My Lady Jane is not a well-known character, he provides a brilliant (and hilariously vulgar) commentary on the setting and context. He breaks the fourth wall by discussing the changes made to this reimagined account of Jane’s life, discussing the differences between that period of history and the modern day, and even jokingly referring to you, the viewer, as a “peasant.”
Both shows use storytelling incredibly effectively, showing that it fits this niche genre very well.
The enemies-turned-lovers trope is part of both shows
With the exception of Colin and Penelope, all of the main couples in Bridgerton experience the classic enemies-to-loves arc. This works perfectly in a romance, as a couple can experience a lot of tension when their arguments turn into a steamy face-off.
If you’re a fan of this style of plot, then My Lady Jane will be right up your alley. Jane finds Guildford infuriating when she first meets him, but can’t deny her attraction to him. When they’re unexpectedly forced together, things start to go south.
Expect lots of mouth-watering kisses, heated arguments and witty banter that quickly turns into outright flirting. Fans of Anthony and Kate are sure to have a field day.
Both shows use modern music throughout
One of Bridgerton’s strong points is its classic take on modern pop music. From Taylor Swift to Ariana Grande to Pitbull, this show has taken a few dance hits and turned them into majestic string pieces that often accompany one of the show’s big balls.
Prime Video’s new hit is a little more rock and roll in its choices, playing the songs simply as they are – even blaring one of them during a scene in a tavern. Naturally, there’s no way songs like these could have existed at that time, but given the other plot changes, it’s easy to let that slide. Artists on My Lady Jane include Black Honey, Led Zeppelin, Gossip and Griff.
The protagonists are all rather dreamy.
Let’s be honest: The biggest draw of both Bridgerton and My Lady Jane is its jaw-dropping couples. Many iconic scenes from the Netflix series come to mind, set in balls, gardens, and even carriages.
Jane and Guilford both get their chance to shine in the Prime Video series, with emotional speeches, steamy scenes, and off-the-charts chemistry. You’ll be loving these two as much as Bridgerton’s iconic couples before you know it.
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
Kirsty Ellis/Amazon MGM Studios
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