Netflix has dropped half two of the fourth collection of Bridgerton, where we discover second son Benedict (Luke Thompson) yearn after his woman in silver. Equally as sizzling and steamy as the other collection, this half finds Benedict reeling from his rejection by Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

While we could have been swooning at “be my mistress?”, Sophie was left horrified by the prospect, fearing the same factor that occurred to her mom would comply with her too. Bridgerton is entertaining, yes, as it paints an extremely idyllic image of life in early nineteenth century Mayfair. Historical accuracy doesn’t actually matter when portraying a love story between two forbidden lovers of different lessons.

However, when watching the first half of the collection, it took one episode to make me realise: “I’ve seen this story before.”

Now, I haven’t read the books, but there’s no query that Benedict and Sophie’s story is Cinderella. Illegitimate daughter compelled to work as a maid? Check. Wicked step mom and terrible step sisters? Check. Time runs out at midnight? Check, examine, examine.

I’m not saying Julia Quinn co-opted the story, but it’s fairly comparable, which makes Bridgerton less distinctive than first thought. It’s a story we’ve all heard before — and one we already know the ending to.

That’s not to take away from the gratifying performances, but when you already know how the story goes to end, there’s no factor of shock. The most surprising half has nothing to do with the couple — but I gained’t spoil that for you.

If you’re wanting for a movie or TV show to actually tug at your heartstrings, Bridgerton isn’t it.

One Day (2024)

Much like Bridgerton, One Day had the UK in a chokehold when it dropped in February 2024. The story, written by David Nicholls, follows couple Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) over the approaching years, as their relationship sparks on the evening of July 15 (St Swithin’s Day) after their commencement from the University of Edinburgh before going their separate methods.

They speculate what their lives will appear like in the future, with each episode of the collection offering a snapshot of their lives in the years to come on July 15. Their lives and stories always discover a method to intertwine, but never come together as one — not yet, anyway.

It’s a traditional story of two people who are destined to be together, but life pulls them aside in more methods than one. You’re rooting for them while being equally annoyed with how they act. As a sensible individual once said, love doesn’t always come straightforward.

One Day will throw you in at the deep end of your feelings, have you ever splitting your sides, pulling out your hair, cheering, and crying like a child.

As Slate described the collection: “Excruciating to watch. I loved it.”

Normal People (2020)

This TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel was plastered all over the place during 2020, conserving many people in good company during lockdown. It paved the way in which for actors Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones to turn into the future of Hollywood.

A restricted collection, people had just six episodes to delve deep into Connell and Marienne’s relationship. A typical coming of age story where two people from different walks of life discover solace in each other, no matter how a lot the skin world tells them to keep away.

Normal People makes an attempt to show the truth of a messy, advanced journey of first love, self-discovery, and communication challenges between two seemingly reverse youngsters. It highlights important conversations around class variations, mental health, miscommunication, and the fluctuating nature of relationships as the pair attempt to navigate life in college, college, and past.

It’ll have you ever considering about your first love, no matter how deep and painful those reminiscences could also be. The collection will ask you, “what if?”.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

If you’re a fan of the Bridgerton world, this spin-off provides you an insight into the interior machinations and story behind the eponymous Queen Charlotte. Played by Golda Rosheuvel and India Amarteifio, we see Charlotte whisked away from Germany to marry the future King George III (performed by Corey Mylchreest and James Fleet).

Using a break up narrative, we see the younger couple be taught about each other and develop their own blossoming love story, while the Queen Charlotte we all know and love from the main collection battle to discover her own kids, marriages and produce a royal inheritor, after the death of her only authentic granddaughter. It’s also a probability to perceive the battle of King George’s mental sickness, which is touched upon in Bridgerton.

The collection will not be only about an enduring and sophisticated love story, but also a story of love between associates (we’re speaking about you Lady Dandury and Brimsley). Just wait for your coronary heart to break.

For any historical past buffs, the collection provides a little Easter egg proper at the end. After failing to discover a successor through the Prince Regent and a disaster of succession, Queen Charlotte’s fourth son Prince Edward and his spouse Princess Victoria announce they’re anticipating. Spoiler! It’s the future Queen Victoria.

The last scene between Queen Charlotte and King George is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure, because after all this time, it’s those two against the world.

Notting Hill (1999)

Notting Hill is a cult traditional, and if you ask anybody what movie comes to thoughts when they suppose of London, undoubtedly it’s this one. If only it was that straightforward to meet the love of your life in a bookshop.

Another story of starcrossed lovers, Hugh Grant’s Will and Julia Roberts’ Anna is the top of 90s rom-com. Grant’s skill to yearn after any main woman must be studied.

We all know the story and return to it time and time again where we need a bit of nostalgia in our lives. Notting Hill is timeless and it’ll always be a movie you’ll be able to flip to when you need that good feeling.