Bridgerton has caused a boom in demand for afternoon tea games and formal tablecloths as fans try to recreate the Regency’s dining experience.
The monumental success of the Netflix program fueled an increase in sales of printed tablecloths, cake stands and champagne, The Telegraph reported.
The show became Netflix’s biggest hit this week with 82 million views during the first month it was available, setting the most-watched debut record on the streaming service.
Set in 19th-century London, the series was adapted from a series of novels by Julia Quinn and follows the life of an upper-class society family.
The Telegraph reported that the monumental success of the Netflix program boosted sales of printed tablecloths, cake stands and champagne.
Since the program’s debut, sales of printed tablecloths have increased by 553%, according to the retailer. Meanwhile, simple tablecloth sales rose 228% and pastry shops rose 16%.
Even champagne experienced an increase, as sales soared 52%.
Nicola Hattersley, John Lewis’s desktop buyer, said: “Providing the perfect escapism during the closing, we are seeing the nation embracing afternoon tea while taking a little more time to prepare the table for dinner with formal tablecloths. .
“We’ve also seen strong demand for headboard beds, as customers have bought more statement furniture since the series aired.”
The eight-part series, which launched on Christmas Day, is now the most watched show by the streaming giant in 83 countries, including the UK, France and the United States.
Since the program’s debut, sales of printed tablecloths have increased by 553%, according to the retailer. Meanwhile, simple tablecloth sales rose 228% and pastry shops rose 16%
Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily surpassed previous headline, The Witcher, which received 76 million views in its first 28 days.
Netflix drama chief Jinny Howe announced the impressive streaming numbers during an interview with Variety, adding that Bridgerton has moved up to the top ten list of all countries except Japan.
Bridgerton was expected to reach 63 million homes in its first four-week projections, meaning it has destroyed the target by an impressive 19 million.
Netflix’s other hits, including The Queen’s Gambit and Lupine, have also received very healthy figures after their releases, with 62 and 70 million respectively, according to Deadline.
Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily surpassed previous headline, The Witcher, which received 76 million views in its first 28 days.
Reflecting on the timing of the Bridgerton launch in the midst of the pandemic, drama head Jinny said, “I think I’m seeing a pivot in terms of people who want things to feel a little more aspirational, escapist and feel good.” .
“It’s hard to know where we’ll be in a couple of years, but I think that’s going to be the trend for a while. I imagine it will continue to go through this blue sky, a route that feels ‘good.’
It comes after Regency’s successful drama was confirmed for a second series, this time after Anthony Bridgerton’s search for love.
Bridgerton follows the family of the same name and how their lives are turned upside down by the revelations of the exciting and anonymous Lady Whistledown in London.
Netflix confirmed the news in a statement described as a mysterious Lady Whistledown star.
The first series focused on the search for Daphne’s love, while introducing viewers to her siblings (pictured LR: Florence Hunt as Hyacinth, Luke Newton as Colin, Ruth Gemmell as Violet Mother, Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Will Tilson as Gregory and Luke Thompson as Benet)
They also shared the news on Twitter and YouTube with a montage of the best clips from the first series.
The statement read: “The tons are surprised by the latest gossip, so it’s an honor to inform you: Bridgerton will officially return for a second season. I hope you’ve stored a bottle of ratafia for this delicious 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 each and every one of his romantic activities.
However, dear reader, before setting up the comments section on with requests for more sordid details, know that at this time I do not feel like reporting the details. Patience, after all, is a virtue. Really, Lady Whistledown.
It is believed that the second season will begin to take place in the spring; Netflix has not yet confirmed which characters will officially return for series 2 or more details.
The first series focused heavily on the love story of Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, and Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor.
The two characters begin as friends as a ploy to deceive the London elite and Lady Whistledown herself.
However, after falling in love, Simon is forced to confront his inner demons after vowing never to marry or generate an heir to his duchy despite his late abusive father.
The first series briefly touched on other stories, which included Anthony’s turbulent romance with his mistress of opera singer Siena Rosso, played by Sabrina Bartlett. It is unknown if Anthony and Siena will meet in Series 2.