Netflix has been handed more than £32 million of taxpayers’ cash to make racy costume drama Bridgerton in Britain.
The show, based on books by American author Julia Quinn, has been one of the most successful ever shows on the streaming service since it debuted over Christmas 2020.
It broke Netflix records with 625 million viewing hours in the first month.
The first four episodes of the third series were released in May and the last four earlier this month, with viewers gripped by the love affair between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, played by Luke Newton and Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan.
Set in the 1800s, the show charts the romantic exploits and rivalries of the Bridgerton family as they rise through the ranks of London’s high society.
Netflix has been handed more than £32 million of taxpayers’ cash to make Bridgerton in Britain. Pictured: Luke Newton as Colin with Nicole Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
The show, based on books by American author Julia Quinn, has been one of the most successful ever shows on the streaming service since it debuted over Christmas 2020
Viewers have been gripped by the love affair between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, in the latest series
It is produced by Shondaland, the company set up by Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes.
More than £160 million has been spent making the series since it went into production in 2018, according to accounts filed at Companies House.
This qualifies it for a tax break called the audio-visual expenditure credit, which gives studios a cash credit of up to 25.5 per cent of the money they spend in the country.
Netflix estimates the ‘Bridgerton universe’ has boosted the UK economy by more than £250 million through supporting around 5,000 local businesses which provide everything from food for the cast to the lavish period costumes.
Streaming shows’ budgets are usually keep secret as studios combine the cost of them in their overall expenses.
Shows made in Britain are exceptions.
Accounts reveal that the crew peaked at 216 staff during season three, with pay coming to £19.5 million over the past six years.
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