#Shonda Rhimes’ ‘Bridgerton’ sets Christmas premiere on Netflix

Netflix’s first Shonda Rhimes show, “Bridgerton,” will premiere on Christmas Day.

The show will be the streaming giant’s first under the Shondaland umbrella — two years after Rhimes made her big deal with them, which was reportedly in the neighborhood of $150 million.

Based on a series of historical romance novels by Julia Quinn, “Bridgerton” is a period drama set in England’s Regency era, 1811-1820. Expect top hats, petticoats and dance cards straight out of Jane Austen. It’s quite a departure from the modern-day doctors and lawyers that populate the rest of Shondaland in shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder.”

The plot follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the oldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family, as she makes her debut in London society and searches for a husband. She soon crosses paths with the rakish Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). All the while, the mysterious Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) tracks everyone’s scandals. The series has color-blind casting, painting a diverse picture of 19th-century England, and it will be helmed by longtime Shondaland collaborator Chris Van Dusen (who worked on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal”).

Other actors in the cast include “Derry Girls” star Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Florence Hunt, Claudia Jessie, Adjoa Andoh and more.

“Bridgerton” will hit Netflix on Dec. 25, 2020.