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Netflix’s Bridgerton has returned for the second half of series four, but if you’re looking for a love story that will really tug at your heartstrings, you’re better off looking elsewhere(Image: Liam Daniel/Netflix)

Netflix has unleashed part two of Bridgerton’s fourth series, where we watch second son Benedict (Luke Thompson) pine for his mysterious lady in silver. Just as sizzling and passionate as previous instalments, this half sees Benedict struggling after being knocked back by Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

Whilst we might have been melting at “be my mistress?”, Sophie was left appalled by the suggestion, dreading that her mother’s fate would become her own. Bridgerton is entertaining, certainly, as it presents an impossibly romantic vision of early 19th-century Mayfair life, reports the Express.

Historical precision isn’t particularly important when depicting a romance between two star-crossed lovers from opposing social classes. Yet, whilst viewing the first half of the series, it took just one episode for me to clock: “I’ve seen this story before.”

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Bridgerton missed the mark for me, there are far better love stories to become obsessed with(Image: Liam Daniel/Netflix)

I haven’t read the books, but there’s little doubt that Benedict and Sophie’s tale is Cinderella. An illegitimate daughter compelled to work as a servant? Check. Evil stepmother and ghastly stepsisters? Check. Does the clock striking midnight end everything? Check, check, check.

I’m not suggesting Julia Quinn pinched the storyline, but the similarities are striking, which renders Bridgerton less original than initially presumed. It’s a narrative we’ve all encountered previously – and one whose conclusion we already anticipate.

That’s not to diminish the engaging performances, but when you’re aware of how things will conclude, there’s no element of surprise. The most startling moment has nothing to do with the couple – but I won’t spoil that for you.

If you’re after a film or telly programme to properly wrench at your emotions, Bridgerton certainly isn’t the answer.

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Prepare to have your heart ripped out(Image: Brentwood Gazette)

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One Day (2024)

Similar to Bridgerton, One Day had the nation completely gripped when it landed in February 2024. The narrative, penned by David Nicholls, charts the journey of couple Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) across subsequent years, as their connection ignites on the evening of July 15 (St Swithin’s Day) following their graduation from the University of Edinburgh, before they head off in different directions.

They wonder what the future holds for them, with each instalment of the programme offering a glimpse into their lives in years ahead on July 15. Their paths and narratives consistently manage to cross, yet never quite merge into one – at least not immediately.

It’s a timeless story of two souls meant to be together, yet circumstances tear them apart in countless ways. You’ll find yourself championing them while simultaneously feeling exasperated by their choices.

As someone wise once remarked, love isn’t always straightforward. One Day will plunge you into the depths of your feelings, leaving you in stitches, tearing your hair out, celebrating, and sobbing uncontrollably.

As Slate put it about the programme: “Excruciating to watch. I loved it.”

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Normal People will have you reminiscing about your first love(Image: BBC)

Normal People (2020)

This television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s book was absolutely everywhere throughout 2020, providing plenty of folk with a welcome distraction during lockdown. It launched actors Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones towards becoming Hollywood’s next big stars.

With just six episodes to immerse yourself in, this limited series charts the captivating relationship between Connell and Marianne. It’s a classic coming-of-age tale following two individuals from vastly different backgrounds who find comfort in one another, despite the world seemingly conspiring to keep them apart.

Normal People strips back the glossy veneer to reveal the raw, complicated reality of first love, self-discovery, and the struggle to communicate between two seemingly mismatched teenagers. It tackles weighty themes, including class divides, mental health, crossed wires, and the ever-shifting nature of romance, as the pair attempt to find their footing through school, university, and the wider world beyond.

Prepare to be transported back to your own first love, however bittersweet those recollections might be. This series will leave you asking yourself, “What if?”

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Get to know the story of Queen Charlotte(Image: Netflix)

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

For devoted fans of the Bridgerton universe, this spin-off pulls back the curtain on the fascinating backstory of the iconic Queen Charlotte herself. Portrayed by both Golda Rosheuvel and India Amarteifio, we witness Charlotte uprooted from her German homeland to wed the future King George III (portrayed by Corey Mylchreest and James Fleet).

Through a dual timeline, we watch the young pair discover one another and nurture their budding romance, whilst the Queen Charlotte familiar from the main series grapples with finding suitable matches for her children and securing a royal successor, following the death of her sole legitimate granddaughter. It also offers insight into King George’s mental health battles, which are briefly explored in Bridgerton.

The series isn’t merely about an enduring and complex romance, but equally a story of friendship and devotion (yes, we mean Lady Dandury and Brimsley). Prepare for your heart to shatter.

For history enthusiasts, the series plants a subtle nod right at the conclusion. Following unsuccessful attempts to secure succession through the Prince Regent and an impending constitutional crisis, Queen Charlotte’s fourth son, Prince Edward and his spouse, Princess Victoria, reveal they’re expecting. Spoiler alert! It’s the future Queen Victoria.

The closing scene featuring Queen Charlotte and King George proves both devastating and uplifting simultaneously, because ultimately, it’s those two against the world.

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Notting Hill will forever be a 90s cult classic

Notting Hill (1999)

Notting Hill remains a cult favourite, and when people think of London on film, this inevitably springs to mind. If only finding your soulmate in a bookshop were actually that straightforward.

Another story of ill-fated romance, Hugh Grant’s Will and Julia Roberts’ Anna, represents the absolute peak of 90s romantic comedy. Grant’s talent for pining after any female lead deserves serious academic examination.

The plot is familiar to us all, yet we revisit it repeatedly whenever we’re craving a dose of nostalgia. Notting Hill remains ageless and will forever be a go-to film when you’re after those warm, fuzzy feelings.