In 2022, Netflix’s hit show ‘Bridgerton’ will be releasing the long awaited second season to its viewers. Based on the eight-novel series by Julia Quinn, the show, which premiered on December 25, 2020, follows the lives of the Bridgerton family during London’s Regency era. The main storyline of the first season revolves around the oldest daughter, Daphne, as she debuts into the marriage market. Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) experiences adventure, romance, and heartbreak all within the first 8 episodes. Rege-Jean Page plays Simon Bassett, Daphne’s love interest, but fans have mourned the news that he will not be returning in season two. In his wake arrives a new romantic storyline, one involving the eldest sibling Anthony and ‘Bridgerton’’s newest family: The Sharmas.
Lately there has been an increase in Asian American representation within Hollywood. Marvel’s Shang Chi, Minari, and Crazy Rich Asians are among the recent pictures that have brought more Asian faces to the big screen. Even productions from Asian countries like Parasite and Squid Game have gained appreciation with American audiences. With the introduction of the Sharma family, Bridgerton joins that list of influential films.
Generally when we see South Asian characters in American shows they are secondary, supporting characters. The nerdy school boy, IT expert, doctor, strict parent, are all harmful misconceptions that tv has helped perpetuate. In the media they are often portrayed as poor and their culture is perceived as exotic. As is common with all stereotypes, their repetition influences the public and floods people’s minds with these banal notions.
However in this second season viewers will be exposed to a different perspective as we see Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley, brought to center stage. These next episodes are set to follow Anthony and Kate’s own love story. Arriving with Kate are Edwina and Mary Sharma, played by Charithra Chandran and Shelley Conn. Their appearances shine a light on some of Indian people and culture’s unseen roles in history. Set in 1811-1820, the show’s setting is during a time period when many British officials within the East India Company would marry and raise families with Indian women. Although this integration was done with the goal to initiate the children into British society, some aspects of Indian culture were retained. A professor from Cornell named Durba Ghosh said “A lot of the clothes that they wore would have been very much influenced by Indian clothing…They would have had things in their households like tea pots and brass pots that would be found in an elite Indian household.” I’m looking forward to (hopefully) seeing how those aspects are displayed in the show.
This season highlights once again the extreme importance of Asian representation in film. Not only does this apply to productions set during modern times, but also in historical dramas. Watching an accurate depiction of Asian lifestyles within eurocentric societies allows us to reflect on its connections to the societies we live in today. It also offers an insight on the lives of our potential ancestors. Especially with ‘Bridgerton’, the view of a South Asian lead in an American made show will have a lasting impact on many communities.