Bridgerton, the highly popular Netflix series depicting the upper class, has had a significant impact on the British economy. Over the past five years, estimates suggest that the show has brought in around 275 million pounds (approximately 325 million euros) to Britain. The production company behind Bridgerton describes its cultural and economic impact as groundbreaking.
Netflix’s estimate includes both direct and indirect production costs, supporting nearly 5,000 local entrepreneurs over the years. The jobs created by the production have been welcomed, especially in the post-coronavirus crisis. The “Bridgerton effect” has led to a rise in popularity of empire line dresses, five o’clock tea, and themed trips inspired by the series. Fans of the show have been making “pilgrimage trips” to the filming locations across England, and there is a demand for various Bridgerton-themed events.
Shonda Rhimes, CEO of Shondaland, spoke about the immense cultural and economic importance of Bridgerton at an event at the London Stock Exchange. The series set in the 19th century premiered on Netflix in December 2020 and continues to influence trends and conversations. However, this cautious estimate is based on production costs alone and does not include potential income from increased tourism due to the series. Despite this limitation, it is clear that Bridgerton has had a significant impact on popular culture and driven economic activity in Britain.
