Bridgerton has created a massive demand for afternoon tea sets and formal tablecloths as fans try to recreate the Regency dining experience.
The monumental success of the Netflix show spurred sales of patterned tablecloths, cake stands and champagne, The Telegraph reported.
The show became Netflix’s biggest hit this week with 82 million views in the first month it was available, setting the record for most watched debut on the streaming service.
Set in 19th-century London, the series is an adaptation of a series of novels by Julia Quinn and follows the life of an upper-class family.
The monumental success of the Netflix show spurred sales of patterned tablecloths, cake stands and champagne, The Telegraph reported.
According to the retailer, sales of patterned tablecloths are up 553 percent since the show’s debut. Meanwhile, sales of plain tablecloths were up 228 percent and pie stands by 16 percent.
Even champagne saw a boost as sales were up 52 percent.
Nicola Hattersley, a tabletop buyer at John Lewis, said, “ By providing the perfect escapism during lockdown, we see the nation embracing afternoon tea, while also taking some extra time to set the table for dinner with formal tablecloths.
“We’ve also seen strong demand for four-poster beds as customers have bought more eye-catching furniture since the series aired.”
The eight-part series, which launched on Christmas Day, is now the streaming giant’s most watched show in 83 countries, including the UK, France and the US.
According to the retailer, sales of patterned tablecloths are up 553 percent since the show’s debut. Meanwhile, sales of plain tablecloths were up 228 percent and pie stands by 16 percent
Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily caught up with the previous top spot holder, The Witcher, who received 76 million streams in the first 28 days.
Netflix’s main drama Jinny Howe announced the impressive streaming figures during an interview with Variety, adding that Bridgerton has made it to the top 10 in every country except Japan.
Bridgerton was expected to hit 63 million households in the first four-week projections, meaning it broke the target by an impressive 19 million.
Netflix’s other hits, including The Queen’s Gambit and Lupine, have also received very healthy numbers after their launches, at 62 million and 70 million respectively, Deadline reports.
Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily caught up with the previous top spot holder, The Witcher, who received 76 million streams in the first 28 days.
Reflecting on the timing of Bridgerton’s release amid the pandemic, drama lead Jinny said, “ I really think I see a pivot point in terms of people who want things to get a little more ambitious and just escape and feel good.
‘It’s hard to know where we will be in a few years, but I think this is going to be the trend for now. I imagine it will continue to follow this route with a blue sky and a good feeling. ‘
It comes after the hit Regency drama was confirmed for a second series, this time after Anthony Bridgerton’s quest for love.
Bridgerton follows the self-titled family and how their lives are turned upside down by the revelations of London’s illusory and anonymous Lady Whistledown.
Netflix confirmed the news in an ironic statement written as mysterious show leader Lady Whistledown.
The first series focused on Daphne’s quest for love, while also introducing viewers to her siblings (photo LR: Florence Hunt as Hyacinth, Luke Newton as Colin, Ruth Gemmell as their mother Violet, Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne, Claudia Jessie as Eloise , Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Will Tilson as Gregory, and Luke Thompson as Benedict)
They also shared the news on Twitter and YouTube with a montage of the best clips from the first series.
The statement read: ‘The barrel is buzzing with the latest gossip, so it is an honor to announce: Bridgerton will officially return for a second season. I really hope you saved a bottle of ratafia for this most delightful occasion.
This author has been reliably informed that Lord Anthony Bridgerton intends to dominate the social season. I will have my pen to report on all of his romantic pursuits.
But, kind reader, before firing up the comments section with requests for more nasty details, know that at this point I’m not inclined to report on the specifics. After all, patience is a virtue. Sincerely, Lady Whistledown. ‘
Season 2 is believed to begin production in spring, Netflix has yet to confirm which characters will officially return for Series 2 or further details.
The first series had a strong focus on the love story of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, and Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor.
The two characters start out as friends as a ploy to fool London’s elite and Lady Whistledown herself.
But after falling in love, Simon is forced to confront his inner demons after vowing never to marry or to father an heir to his duchy, out of spite against his late father.
The first series briefly touched on other stories, including Anthony’s own turbulent romance with his opera singer Siena Rosso, played by Sabrina Bartlett. It is not known whether Anthony and Siena will reunite in Series 2.