What a time to be alive. A Regency-era TV show produced by Shondaland called Bridgerton hit Netflix for the first time in 2020 and became an instant phenomenon with its record-shattering viewership. Thanks to the passionate response and loyal fanbase, the Bridgerton universe has a chance to grow exponentially, an opportunity the sensational Shonda Rhimes didn’t miss. In 2021, she took the showrunner wheel of a prequel miniseries focusing on a certain most esteemed character, the Queen herself; thus, the title Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. 2022 was filled with its filming and casting news, which is just as exciting. At last, as we reach February 2023, there’s more substantial clarity for the spin-off, such as it is set to go on for six episodes and a brand new preview that sent the fans into a frenzy.

Bridgerton fans rejoice as Netflix has finally shared more updates regarding the well-anticipated Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. On Valentine’s Day, the series’ official release date is proudly disclosed, and whether intentional or not, it falls on May 4, which is truly the best day to enjoy masterpieces thanks to the Star Wars pioneering. Most importantly, however, the date was dropped along with a bigger present: a 50-second teaser.

Regal, finely orchestrated music arrangement backs up the clip, heightening the intensity of each scene accordingly and steering it into dramatic climaxes, just as how historical drama series plays out. Though the video is brief, it doesn’t fleet away from the mind so easily. Every defining moment is present and accounted for and serves significance, a spectacle to behold and a promising show to look forward to, indeed.

The Reality of Charlotte’s Love Story Gets Unfurled

Netflix

As the series title suggests, Queen Charlotte takes the main character spotlight, specifically, the young version of her. It’s been announced for quite some time that the official premise centers on the Queen’s rise to prominence and power. But what tags along her origin tale is the love life she shared with the king, which apparently is a story that fans “asked for” — to translate, Charlotte and George are a couple they had wanted to see more of. It is understandable to wish so, given how little their romance was covered in Bridgerton, despite being highly intriguing.

Related: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story: What We Want to See In the Series

If the first-look snippet showcased the two’s uncommon first meeting, the teaser gives us much more glimpse at how their story unfolds after — perhaps even exactly after. The previous preview ends on the note of Charlotte discovering that the man she’s conversing with is precisely the one she has been avoiding (and speaking poorly of). So the new one reveals the distinctly ashamed Charlotte (India Amarteifio) greeting His Majesty in a courteous manner. Yet George (Corey Mylchreest) appears unoffended. Instead, he tenderly takes Charlotte’s hand and introduces himself with a smile, which she reciprocates. And just like that, a connection between the two is formed.

The scene proceeds to show the contented Charlotte, now wearing intricate jewelry and a shimmering crown, dancing with the also-pleased George. Again, it’s clear the two feel affection for each other. So, the pair’s arranged marriage seems to be off to a good start.

Be that as it may, as we all know, not even the strongest love can escape the troubles of married life. Now, it can’t be said that they got hitched without a hitch since there are no signs of the wedding scene. However, one equivalent is just as momentous and representative: the coronation part. In a ceremony held in a church, thus, available for many to spectate, George fondly clasps Charlotte’s hand in his. Yet the moment they enter closed space, the king breaks off the affectionate contact.

Along with the pushy warning slash command, “Your marriage is the business of this country. This cannot go wrong,” from Princess Augusta (Michelle Fairley), George’s mother, we then view the whirl of juicy drama that includes Charlotte walking away mid-argument and her facing George with vexation. Although, standing in between those intense moments are steamy bits between the two, per Bridgerton style. So really, it’s nice to see a portrayal of a marriage that’s as realistic as it goes, from the romance, the conflicts, and the carnal passion — properly teasing fans of the great things that are about to come in three months.

Empowering Monumental Feat Gets the Limelight

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As an attempt to shut down the negative accusation of historical inaccuracy, it has been made clear that alternate history is the creators’ justification for the rich diversity implemented in Bridgerton. While the approach was attentively integrated throughout the original’s two seasons, it’ll shine even brighter in the prequel, for the leading lady in question is of Black ancestry and, therefore, factors into the “societal shift” plot description.

Related: Bridgerton and Philosophy: Epicureanism, Progressivism, and Materialism

The clip opens with a tense young, unmarried Charlotte sitting inside a carriage. The scene is then juxtaposed with endless fervent cheers from the subjects as she, now bearing the crown, transports to the grand palace in the same horse-pulled-wheeled vehicle. It is presumed that a Black woman’s queendom is more than welcomed by the people. How the nobility takes Charlotte’s crowning glory remains a mystery for now. But most likely, a few least wouldn’t be too thrilled by the historic change because young Danbury (Arsema Thomas) did say, “You are the first of your kind. You must secure your position.”

And secure her position did Charlotte do. By engaging in what can be assumed will lead to full-fledged intercourse and, subsequently, the birth of George’s descendants, she is, in a sense, on a guaranteed path to becoming untouchable as the king’s woman and the mother of the land’s future rulers. But of course, the formidable Charlotte we’ve come to know never solely relies on such convenient means. No, she’s a resolute lady capable of asserting her authority when necessary, shown through her firm standing, “This is my home. I am the queen,” completed with the shot of the royal crown placed rightfully on top of her head.

“A love story that changed the world” is indeed the best phrase to summarize the show’s revolutionary essence. Fans cannot wait to witness how the narrative may unravel, especially since the teaser confirms the appearance of the familiar faces from Bridgerton reprising their roles in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, namely Golda Rosheuvel as Her Majesty, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton.