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Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse creator behind Bridgerton, has responded to critics who have labelled the Regency-era romance as 'woke' due to its diverse and colour-blind casting. In a recent interview, Rhimes playfully dismissed the criticism, calling it 'cute'.

Bridgerton, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, quickly became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its lavish costumes, scandalous storylines, and compelling characters. However, the show's decision to cast actors of colour in roles traditionally portrayed by white actors sparked controversy among some viewers, who accused the series of being 'woke' and pandering to modern social justice movements.

The term 'woke,' often used derisively, has become a catch-all phrase for anything perceived as politically correct or overly sensitive to issues of race, gender, and identity. Rhimes' response, however, suggests she is unfazed by the criticism and views it with a sense of amusement.

"It's cute," she told The Los Angeles Times. "People saying Bridgerton is ‘woke.’ I’m trying to figure out where they got that from. It's a show about the pursuit of pleasure."

Rhimes has consistently defended the show's casting choices, arguing that the Regency era was a time of immense global trade and cultural exchange, making it plausible for people of colour to be present in London society. She also emphasized that the focus of the show is on the characters' relationships and desires, rather than their race or ethnicity.

“I don’t think that it’s a revelation that there were Black people in England during that time,” Rhimes added. “There were. And it’s not my job to educate people.”

The success of Bridgerton has demonstrated that audiences are eager to see diverse representation on screen, and Rhimes' unwavering commitment to inclusivity has undoubtedly contributed to the show's popularity. The series has broken viewership records for Netflix and has spawned a dedicated fan base worldwide.

The controversy surrounding Bridgerton's 'wokeness' highlights the ongoing debate about representation in media and the challenges of creating inclusive content that appeals to a broad audience. However, Rhimes' response serves as a reminder that authenticity and storytelling should take precedence over catering to narrow ideological viewpoints.

With its third season currently in production, Bridgerton is poised to continue its reign as a cultural phenomenon, defying critics and celebrating diversity in a way that is both entertaining and empowering. The show's ability to blend historical drama with contemporary sensibilities has solidified its place as a groundbreaking series in the television landscape.