Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for The Buccaneers.
Apple TV+ released the first few episodes of earlier this month, and in spite of initial appearances and trailers, it's surprisingly not that similar to . Although both projects tackle the difficulties of the marriage mart during the 19th century, the latest adaptation of Edith Wharton's unfinished novel takes a much less glamorizing approach to the balls and matchmaking culture of the time. Instead of focusing on the blooming romance between two leads, a formula that is well-known for, theApple TV+ original is centered on with their less conservative ideals and burning desire to win over the eligible British lords.ADVERTISEMENT
is set several decades after 's Regency era, but the urge for young girls to get married is present in both period dramas. However, the portrayal of the marriage mart couldn't be more different between the two shows. who have grown up free-spirited and less preoccupied with posture and sewing. They are much more accustomed to running around in their bare feet than taking an afternoon tea, so it comes as no surprise that these characters face culture shock when they arrive in England. Although some can camouflage their way into the British setting (especially
While the marriage mart is portrayed as ruthless for ' lively American girls, places less focus on the trials that its female characters face in trying to find a husband. The two seasons of the Netflix series portray couples who fall in love and successfully find happiness as a result of the matchmaking culture. Daphne Bridgerton () receives the title of "diamond of the season" early on and ends up married to the Duke of Hastings (
The positive experience of marriage portrayed in ADVERTISEMENT
Both Conchita and Jinny are shown as victims of a system that they didn't quite anticipate when they accepted their marriage proposals, making them question their roles in society.ADVERTISEMENT
In addition to their differences in the portrayal of the marriage mart and its results, ADVERTISEMENT
The series also criticizes social class through Nan's storyline. Guy Thwarte (Matthew Broome) catches Nan's attention from their first interaction, and likewise, he is interested in her too. Given that she comes from a wealthy American family, he finds her the perfect choice to be his wife. With a ring in his pocket ready to pop out at any second, Guy is taken aback when he finds out that Nan is actually a bastard, the product of her father's affair with another woman. He doesn't ask her to marry him, and when he changes his mind and tries to pursue her a second time, it is too late. By then, Nan has won over Theo (
Although it might be easy to compare and at first glance, especially given their bright, modern aesthetic and a , they are unique in their own sense. More than that, they're equally worthy of appreciation for their diverging takes and the increased range they bring to the period drama genre.
The first four episodes of are already available to stream on Apple TV+, with the remaining episodes premiering weekly every Wednesday.