Since its debut, the Bridgerton series has not only captivated audiences around the world, but also provided a major boost to the UK economy.
Netflix reports that “Bridgerton Universe,” produced by Shondaland, has pumped £275 million into the UK economy over the past five years.
To highlight the franchise's financial impact, Shonda Rhimes, CEO of Shondaland and producer of hits like “Grey's Anatomy,” opened trading on the London Stock Exchange last Friday to mark the launch of the second part of the third season.
Rhimes stressed the cultural resonance of “Bridgerton,” noting its influence on trends, baby names and even weddings. “The world of Bridgerton occupies a special space in culture, resonating with young and old alike, creating conversation, setting off trends and influencing everything from baby names to weddings,” she said. She also stressed that the exhibition boosted the UK economy by a quarter of a billion pounds, supporting thousands of jobs and companies.
According to Netflix, production has boosted nearly 5,000 local businesses in the past five years. Remes stressed the economic importance of art and culture, noting that their impact extends to local communities.
Anna Mallett, Netflix's vice president of production for EMEA, echoed Rhimes' sentiments. She highlighted the cultural and economic contributions of Bridgerton, emphasizing the UK as Netflix's home and a central hub for its investments in storytelling.
Netflix's £275m figure, calculated internally, includes direct and indirect spending, including production expenses. This positive news arrives amid a difficult period for UK film and TV studios, which are seeing job cuts as the post-pandemic streaming boom winds down.
Julia Huggett, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, while not necessarily a fan of “Bridgerton”, said she was delighted to celebrate the economic and cultural impacts of the UK’s film and creative industries.
The £275 million estimate does not include revenue from related activities such as themed events, merchandise and tourism, suggesting the actual economic impact may be higher. Iconic sites such as Castle Howard in Yorkshire and Ranger's House in Greenwich are likely to see an increase in tourist visits thanks to the show.
The series sparked several trends, including the “Regencycore” aesthetic that remains very popular. A recent Pinterest report highlighted “Bridgerton Tea Party” as a trend, with searches up 430% in April compared to the previous year. Creative tea recipes and floral decor ideas are becoming popular as people look for inspiration to host themed events.
Department stores like Liberty are embracing the “Regencycore” trend with immersive pop-ups and custom fabric collections. The show's influence extends to interior design, where wood paneling and modern-inspired decor have become fashionable.
“Bridgerton” has also influenced beauty trends, with Cult Beauty noting a rise in “defiant romantic” looks featuring red cheeks and faux freckles. Home improvement retailer Eurocell reported an increase in searches for wisteria plants, pergolas, water fountains and outdoor candles, reflecting the show's lush garden aesthetic.
Beth Bolton, marketing director at Eurocell, noted that Bridgerton inspired the gardening trend characterized by an abundance of vibrant climbing plants and flowers, adding a sense of wonder to outdoor spaces.