Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story not only provides a resoundingly confident yes to all those questions, the prequel series actually manages to provide an important narrative and emotional context for the larger world in which it is set.
This sexy, sumptuous prequel to the Regency hit blends Shondaland fantasy with the fact-based story of how young, mixed-race Charlotte (a stellar India Amarteifio) meets and marries hottie King George III (Corey Mylchreest) only to learn his shocking secrets.
Inquiring minds will be appeased by the chemistry between Amarteifio and Mylchreest, built through a more interesting conflict than the typical will-they-won’t-they. ... In its clear understanding of what makes “Bridgerton” work, and where it can improve, “Queen Charlotte” feels organic rather than cynical.
A cleverly constructed prequel to producer Shonda Rhimes’ media darling. Reaching back to the origins of supporting players, the limited series offers additional insight to how this sumptuous society came to be, while showcasing its more mature denizens.
The prequel feels rushed and slick production, usually Bridgerton’s hallmark, occasionally goes out the window. ... The central romance and lack of chemistry between the central lovers is the real problem here. Mylchreest is horribly miscast as the king.