The third season of Bridgerton gave fans of the sophisticated costume drama a real highlight this early summer, but has since left a gaping hole. While we are gradually receiving the first pictures and videos of the hotly anticipated 4th season of the Netflix hit, it will still be years away.
If you are looking for a suitable replacement, you could probably find it in the ARD media library instead. There are two film highlights hidden there that seem tailor-made for Bridgerton fans. But you have to hurry – because the films are only available for free viewing for a few days left.
Bridgerton replacement No. 1: Love & Friendship stream for free for another 2 days in the ARD media library
It’s no secret that Bridgerton novelist Julia Quinn is strong based on the works of Jane Austen. She wrote primarily about the social lives of various women in late 18th century Britain, often shedding light on the marriage market at the English court. Her epistolary novel Lady Susan, written around 1794, was no exception.
Director Whit Stillman took this as the basis for his historical drama Love & Friendship in 2016 and told the story of the widow Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) for the first time in the moving image looking for two husbands at once makes – one for herself and one for her daughter. In the best Austen style, a drama full of clever intrigue and romance unfolds that is in no way inferior to Bridgerton.
Watch the trailer for Love & Friendship here:
Love & Friendship – Trailer (German) HD
You can still watch the film until November 7, 2024 Stream completely free of charge in the ARD media library. If you miss Love & Friendship there, you can currently stream the Austen film adaptation on Amazon Freeve and on Joyn Plus+ with a subscription instead.
Bridgerton replacement No. 2: Pride and Prejudice stream for free in the ARD media library for 4 more days
Just a few days later, the ultimate classic leaves the ARD’s free media library: Pride and Prejudice. Although the 1995 BBC miniseries is considered by many to be the only true film adaptation of the most famous Austen novel, Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation has a special place in the hearts of many millennials. Keira Knightley takes on the role of Elizabeth Bennet, who is not particularly willing to marry, whose life and views change forever when she meets the stubborn Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen).
Any Bridgerton fan who hasn’t seen this film should be banished to the television with immediate effect, because the Netlfix hit was probably inspired by this mother of all Enemies to Lovers stories in the early seasons. And for anyone who counts the film as one of their favorite repertoire, we warmly recommend a feel-good rewatch during the cold season.
Watch a trailer for Pride and Prejudice here:
Pride and Prejudice – Trailer 2 (German)
The film still stands until November 9, 2024 Free stream available in the ARD media library. If you miss Pride and Prejudice there, you can catch up on the film instead on Amazon’s Arthouse Channel and on Magenta TV with a subscription.