Bridgerton has sparked a boom in demand for afternoon tea sets and formal tablecloths as fans try to recreate the Regency dining experience.
The monumental success of the Netflix show fuelled a rise in sales of patterned tablecloths, cake stands and champagne, reported The Telegraph.
The show became Netflix’s biggest hit this week with 82 million views over the first month it was available, setting the record for the most viewed debut on the streaming service.
Set in 19th-Century London the series was adapted from a series of novels by Julia Quinn and follows the lives of a family in upper class society.
The monumental success of the Netflix show fuelled a rise in sales of patterned tablecloths, cake stands and champagne, reported The Telegraph
Since the show’s debut sales in patterned tablecloths have risen by 553 per cent, according to the retailer. Meanwhile sales of plain tablecloths were up 228 per cent and cake stands were up 16 per cent.
Even champagne saw a boost as sales soared by 52 per cent.
Nicola Hattersley, a tabletop buyer at John Lewis, said: ‘Providing the perfect escapism during lockdown, we’re seeing the nation embracing afternoon tea while also taking a little extra time to set the table for dinner with formal tablecloths.
‘We have also seen strong demand for four-poster beds as customers have been buying more statement furniture since the series aired.’
The eight-part series, which was launched on Christmas Day, is now the streaming giant’s most watched show in 83 countries including the UK, France and US.
Since the show’s debut sales in patterned tablecloths have risen by 553 per cent, according to the retailer. Meanwhile sales of plain tablecloths were up 228 per cent and cake stands were up 16 per cent
Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily overtaken the previous top spot holder, The Witcher, which received 76million streams in its first 28 days.
Netflix’s head of drama Jinny Howe announced the impressive streaming numbers during an interview with Variety, adding that Bridgerton has made it into the top 10 list in every country except Japan.
Bridgerton had been expected to hit 63million households in its initial four-week projections, meaning it has smashed the target by an impressive 19m.
Netflix’s other hits including The Queen’s Gambit and Lupin have also received very healthy numbers following their launches, boasting 62m and 70m respectively, reports Deadline.
Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily overtaken the previous top spot holder, The Witcher, which received 76million streams in its first 28 days
Reflecting on the timing of Bridgerton’s release amid the pandemic, head of drama Jinny said: ‘I do think that I am seeing a pivot in terms of people wanting things to feel a little more aspirational and just escapist and feel good.
‘It’s hard to know where we’ll be a couple years from now, but I think that this is going to be the trend for a while. I imagine it’s going to continue to go this blue sky, feel-good route.’
It comes after the hit Regency drama was confirmed for a second series, this time following Anthony Bridgerton’s quest for love.
Bridgerton follows the self-titled family and how their lives are turned upside-down by the revelations of the illusive and anonymous Lady Whistledown in London.
Netflix confirmed the news in a tongue-in-cheek statement penned as mysterious show lead Lady Whistledown.
The first series focussed on Daphne’s search for love while also introducing viewers to her siblings (pictured L-R: 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 best clips from series one.
The statement read: ‘The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honour to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season. I do hope you have stored 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 any and all of his romantic activities.
‘However, gentle reader, before you set the comments section alight with requests for more sordid details, know that I am disinclined to report on the particulars at this time. Patience, after all, is a virtue. Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.’
It is believed that the second season will begin production in spring, Netflix have yet to confirm which characters will be officially returning 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.
Yet after falling in love, Simon is forced to confront his inner demons after vowing to never marry or sire an heir to his dukedom out of spite to his late abusive father.
The first series did briefly touch on other stories, which included Anthony’s own turbulent romance with his opera singer lover Siena Rosso, played by Sabrina Bartlett. It is unknown whether Anthony and Siena will reunite in series 2.