The Regency Debut

Amidst the chaos of modern American cities, demanding jobs, and ever-changing technology, it’s refreshing to go back in time and stroll through the Queen’s blooming rose garden or bask in the spring sun in Hyde Park every once in a while. Although the concept of yearning for simpler times is nothing new, the Regency Era seems to hold a never-ending sway over society, one that cannot escape the reins of the 21st century. From the delicate intricacies of beaded dresswork at the modiste to the romanticization of classical music, the Regency Era is rich with cultural influences that continue to outlive the time period.

It would be difficult to discuss Regency in 2026 without mentioning the elephant, or should I say, the diamond, in the room. Bridgerton season 4 aired this past month, and fans couldn’t get enough of the Regency soap. Shonda Rhimes, American producer and screenwriter, has yet again hit the mark with the newest season of the Netflix original series. The season follows the third brother, Benedict, as he pursues love through his search for the unknown masked princess. Closely following the Cinderella storyline, the episodes are rich with tales of true love, social class, and identity. Rhimes cast Yerin Ha, a Korean-Australian actress, to play Sophie, the Cinderella-inspired character.

Rhimes is notorious for her modern take on the Regency Era, and each season she continuously tests the social norms of the 19th century, redefining the status quo. Although glamorized for its soft elegance, the Regency era was historically partial to rich, Anglo-Saxon families. The wealth gap was immense, and the Queen of England was as white as snow. Rhimes’ Regency series portrays the 19th century through the lens of equality and fluidity, while still transporting the viewer into pastel palaces and cobblestone cottages. So while many claim to wish they were born in a simpler time, fantasizing about tiny tea sandwiches and handsome suitors, this Regency romanticisation is best lived through the television screen.

The second half of the new Bridgerton season premieres on February 26th, 2026. The last episode left fans on a cliffhanger, with the handsome Benedict Bridgerton still yearning for his mysterious lover. Originally a book, the Bridgerton series follows a similar plotline, but the show adds its own dramatic flair in a very Netflix fashion. Fans are anxious to see where the story will lead next, trying to predict the show through analyzing author Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. Despite the short wait, Bridgerton lovers can’t seem to keep their gloves off their never-ending Regency obsession. Alongside the Regency hype, some even took this obsession to a new level in 2020, coining what the internet refers to as the coquette fashion style, categorized by hyperfeminine clothing reminiscent of Marie Antoinette. The Regency hyperfixation in 2026 lies on the much-anticipated film Wuthering Heights; to fill the Bridgerton void, Fennel's adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic Regency novel will have to suffice until the second half of season four is released.

The Regency era is rich with culture, love, beauty, abundance, and, of course, fabulous dresses. In today's world, Regency-inspired media is being pushed out each year, and the coquette aesthetic is still alive and well. It doesn’t seem as if the fascination is waning any time soon, which means there will be plenty of time to take a ride in the carriage, fall in love, and promenade around the Ton.

Strike Out,

Writer: Samantha Goldberg

Editor: Daniela Mendoza

Graphic Designer: Laiba Mubarak

Tallahassee

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