‘Bridgerton’: Shonda Rhimes’ Period Drama Arrives on Netflix This Christmas (PHOTOS)

Bridgerton Family Netflix
Liam Daniel/Netflix

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with the first series from Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland on Netflix?

Eight one-hour episodes of Bridgerton, set in Regency London, debut on the streaming service on December 25. Get ready to dive into the work of romance, scandal, and wit with the first-look photos below introducing its families and friendships.

The series follows the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), making her debut in the competitive marriage market and hoping to find true love (like her parents). “But as her older brother begins to rule out her potential suitors, the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) casts aspersions on Daphne,” the logline reads.

That’s when the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) comes in. He’s the “highly desirable and rebellious … committed bachelor and the catch of the season,” and while they may say they’re not interested in the other, “their attraction is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future,” Netflix promises.

Chris Van Dusen serves as showrunner and executive produces with Rhimes and Betsy Beers. Julie Ann Robinson, Sheree Folkson, Tom Verica, and Alrick Riley will direct.

Bridgerton, Series Premiere, Friday, December 25, Netflix

Jonathan Bailey Regé-Jean Page Bridgerton Anthony Simon Basset
Liam Daniel/Netflix

Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page)

Bridgerton - Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton and Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
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Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), Gregory Bridgerton (Will Tilston), Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), Francesca Bridgerton (Ruby Stokes), Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), and Hyacinth Bridgerton (Florence Hunt)

Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton in a carriage with Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix

Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell)

Phoebe Dynevor Regé Jean Page Bridgerton Daphne Simon Basset
Liam Daniel/Netflix

Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page)

Bridgerton - Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Harriet Cains as Phillipa Featherington, Ben Miller as Lord Featherington, and Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
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Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), Portia Featherington (Polly Walker), Phillipa Featherington (Harriet Cains), Lord Featherington (Ben Miller), and Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter)

Golda Rosheuvel Bridgerton Queen Charlotte
Liam Daniel/Netflix

Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel)

Ben Miller Polly Walker Luke Newton Ruby Barker Bridgerton
Nick Briggs/Netflix

Lord Featherington, Portia, Prudence, Phillipa, Colin, and Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker)

Adjoa Andoh and Regé-Jean Page - Bridgerton - Lady Danbury and Simon Basset
Liam Daniel/Netflix

Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Simon Basset

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
Liam Daniel/Netflix

Eloise and Penelope