‘Bridgerton’ Author Julia Quinn on How Shonda Rhimes Unexpectedly Discovered Her Book Series

The woman behind the “Bridgerton” craze, New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn, is here! She opens up about the Netflix adaptation of her book “Bridgerton: The Duke and I” and how she connected with Shonda Rhimes to make the most talked about show on TV right now. Julia also talks about season two and unforgettable behind the scenes moments from the hit show set in the early 1800s.
#TamronHallShow #TamronHall #JuliaQuinn #Bridgerton
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[@ivanalexy1655]

It’s crazy how Bridgerton is the most watched show on Netflix. It’s just pushed the Witcher to number 2 yet everyone underestimated it. I’m so happy for her.

[@akuaboateng3030]

I do not know how many times I have watched it!

[@ByteMwen]

I've been longing for years for romance novels to have been put on film. I could not understand why no-one had done it when it is one of the best selling genres of books.

[@FutureCommentary1]

Just like romance novels are always underestimated although they are the category with the most sales.

[@TheBasher-_-]

Yeah lol I stay rewatching it 😂 just to hear "Ms Bridgerton." 😂

[@miss.g-shun-w]

I binged the first weekend and there was not a lot of talk about it come Monday. So it was fun to watch the momentum building with the show over the last month. Usually you come into it having already heard the hype but to be there from the beginning and see how the stars of the show have grown in popularity and the fan base has expanded has been really fun to see.

[@peggles7012]

Ok, time to petition for “The Bridgerton” Ben & Jerry’s flavor 🙌🙌.

[@nicholebondurant9788]

YASSS

[@UKLeonie]

Truly

[@michellekalski8823]

Yes!

[@Charanor]

Non-Dairy of course 😋

[@miss.g-shun-w]

I'm heading to their Instagram page NOW 😂

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I hate that Shonda Rhimes was ignored at the Golden Globes this year. Still, she and Julia have the best award possible: OUR adoration for their series! I hope Ben & Jerry's sees this and starts mixing that Vanilla, Caramel and Chocolate ice creams with truffles so we can have a Bridgerton flavor. 🤗🥰

[@sharlenemoore6007]

Could not have happened to a nicer person. Love the books, Love Julia, so excited about the success of Bridgerton.

[@carolharris2401]

She seems really nice. I havent read her books but I have read a lot of good romnce books. Its great seeing someone from the genre recognize for their talent

[@Laitalafraise]

I agree!

[@MsMary957]

If I hadn’t already been a fan of Julia Quinn, this conversation would have sealed the deal. She’s terrific!

[@halima-joyelliston5707]

At 6:18, when she said “I’m one person… I can only be as diverse as I am,“ it struck a chord. I wish more writers, producers, and directors had this mindset instead of trying to create diversity out of their own sheltered experiences. When they do that, it never turns out right; it always ends up full of stereotypes and very surface level racial conversations that never really touch on anything. Edit: Because some people think that I am saying that white writer should not write diverse casts, I figured I should clarify. I absolutely think that white writer should write diverse casts, and I also think that when they write diverse casts, they need to have a diverse sounding board. Why her words struck a chord with me was because she actually admitted that she is not as well-versed in writing a diverse cast as she could be, so she brought in diverse writers who brought in diverse ideas. She understood that as a white woman, she could only be so diverse without it being disingenuous. That is what struck a chord with me. It was such a heavy contrast to white writers who simply write diverse casts because it’s popular right now, and they fall back onto their preconceived notions and stereotypes about said diversity. Hope that clears things up.

[@RandomPersonette]

That's why its so important to create diverse spaces in writers rooms and in production teams so that people can learn from each other.

[@iamtvblake]

Well said!

[@kheyrokamil]

Agreed!

[@halima-joyelliston5707]

@@yoitsahmad Exactly! That’s the point! I guess I didn’t make it clear in the original post, but my point was I wish more white writers would include more diverse people in their circles when they write, so that they achieve truly diverse art, instead of trying to create diversity out of their own mind, not genuinely, because it’s the shit right now, and coming up with trash full of racist stereotypes and bullshit tropes.

[@norahvoltaire2541]

@@yoitsahmad exactly well said!!

[@jessica8221]

This is a great conversation with intelligent people.

[@littlesame]

She is so humble and kind, wow and I love she pointed out the intimate scenes are more attractive because it’s from a woman’s view

[@jamesspencer7912]

I just donated like six of her books to my local library in April when cleaning & decluttering. I’m crying now. I read her books 10years ago. Love her body of work. Going to order her books on my kindle.

[@acelovesdiyschristopher7023]

Well look at it this way. U are sharing the passion for the book with a library and so many others can share that too.

[@safaeouabbou7438]

Such a lovely gesture :)

[@donnakerr4997]

James, I have all of her books in my library on my iPad.They have been there for many a year and I never ever thought of deleting them. I guess it was a great idea after all.

[@richieyh3211]

Julia Quinn is such a lovely person. I follow her her on social media and she's so tickled by all of the hoopla surrounding the series. As someone who has been a fan since I was a kid, I'm so happy to see this additional success for her.

[@gailcousins9609]

This is Awesome!

[@Blu3Br3]

Aman... same here... bought a few books from her series

[@acelovesdiyschristopher7023]

U were reading the bridgerton books since u were a kid?

[@richieyh3211]

@@acelovesdiyschristopher7023 Yes. I started reading Julia Quinn's books in my mid-teens.

[@Toni_313]

I started reading this woman’s books over 15yrs ago, and absolutely loved them….i will never understand why these networks don’t adapt more books, there’s so much great material out there

[@4rmAshes]

Finally she is getting the credit she deserves. Love you Julia!

[@roddypantheon]

Haha I love the way Quinn treats her characters like her babies 😂 "Anthony...he's so gonna get it"...I envy that feeling ..must be so wonderful for an author to see your works to be faithfully adapted😀

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

Bridgerton is anything but faithfully adapted!

[@mizzarlene2590]

Julia's energy is soo pure. I'm really happy for her success.

[@redkat1967]

I'm on the 3rd round of re-watching this series. Can't wait for season 2.

[@mrsanthonybridgerton1747]

I absolutely love Julia. For someone who is so successful, she is really humble. ❤️

[@KelMarBur79]

I donated about 80% of my paperback collections when I got the first Kindle but I’m so glad I kept my Bridgerton collection. I read those books way back before Kindle even came out and I loved the books so much I just had to keep them. I didn’t really pay too much attention when I heard that Shonda was coming out with a show called Bridgerton but when I saw the trailer a week from it’s release I screamed. I had to Google the show just to make sure it was centered around the books and that my eyes and ears weren’t deceiving me. Thank God I was on vacation the whole week so I could binge the whole series and reread the books. Can’t wait to see what they do with season 2.

[@linbee9461]

Believe it or not I donated 80% of my novels NYE athe Brigerton series included. I was super shocked to see it on Sunday, ny husband I binged watch and I told him I think this is from a book that I’ve read. I looked it up and yep sure it was.

[@charmainegill9223]

that's just what I did as well!

[@ravinj8625]

I’m so mad I left my collection, when I moved down south 😩😂

[@nflfangirl19]

This interview was GREAT! Super congrats to her 👌🏾

[@sharashami]

Good reflection when she said oh people are searching for the steamy scenes. Indeed those are not different from sexy scenes we’ve seen I mean related to how sexy or explicit is the scene, however having the woman-centered that changed everything, that was so cool !! And I got really surprised and you know happy having the scenes portrayed focused on women gaze. Love that! We commonly learn about sex and watch shows on tv from men perspectives and we sometimes loose ourselves as women. There is so much reflection/discussion this Bridgerton show has brought to the table! So glad this is happening 💕💕

[@trenaesumter2902]

People speculate on which couples story will be the best. I just hope the entire series will be done. Colin and Eloise ' s story are fabulous too. And Anthony and Kate. 💜 it's gonna be so good!

[@frianejade824]

I hope they do a series on one of Lisa Kleupas' books too! She's my other favorite historical romance writer apart from Julia Quinn. Would love to see the Hathaways on the screen as well ❤ I can't believe this genre is finally gaining the popularity it deserves! Been such a fan for a long time

[@mondaysho300]

Yes!! LOVE the Hathaways and the Wallflowers!!

[@farrashahfyza6579]

Imagine Devil In Winter on screen....

[@asan4410]

Please, Ben Barnes as Lord St.Vincent/future Duke of Kingston. Lord St.Vincent has that Dorian Gray vibe.

[@carlariley1584]

My favorite Julia Quinn book is Romancing Mr. Bridgerton!!! Can't wait!!!

[@eleniantoniou534]

Same! It is going to be sooooo good!!

[@carlariley1584]

@@eleniantoniou534 huhuhuhu i knoooow #polin

[@beapinkie9]

I randomly went into the UW bookstore to buy the Bridgerton book series and the author Julia Quinn happened to be there and signed all my books 📖💕🖊🎩💎🥰

[@barbarasmith6731]

I hope season 2 will be just as good or even better but I won’t hold my breath. I think one of the reason why season 1 was such a hit was because of the chemistry between Daphne and Simon. They sold us a love story and I don’t think anyone else will be able to do that again.

[@TheLindafoxcat]

Rege jean page is possibly the biggest heartthrob we have seen in.... years... but another factor was also timing: people are stuck slat home, watching netflix snd are looking for an uplifting escapism.

[@robertgaumont155]

Bridgertons are all love stories....S.G.

[@lailaalanna315]

I think season 2 will be great but Simon and Daphne are incomparable 😍❤❤❤

[@marinaadams8667]

Season one was a phenomenal hit because of one person....Rege' Jean Page!

[@barbarasmith6731]

@@robertgaumont155 yes I know, it it's also about the connections to the character and The Chemistry Between the characters. There's no one on the show that has a kind of chemistry like Daphne and Simon.

[@creaturesofexcess]

I have loved Regency Romance novels for over 20 years and read the entire Bridgerton series as they released. As an AA woman it was amazing to finally see a representation of myself in this adaptation.

[@kismkasm3178]

What’s an AA woman?

[@creaturesofexcess]

@@kismkasm3178 African American

[@kismkasm3178]

@@creaturesofexcess - ... and you like Regency romance novels - what do you like about them, the history aspect?

[@creaturesofexcess]

@@kismkasm3178 yes, I guess it’s the history, romance, and the assurance of a happy ending. I don’t look to them for historical accuracy though.

[@kismkasm3178]

@@creaturesofexcess - oh. I ask because I find it kind of unique for an AA woman to be so interested in Regency Romance novels. But the two other aspects you mentioned are pretty much universally compelling, no matter what the setting. We all find joy in romance and happy endings.

[@yaramattos6486]

Excellent interview! Congrats! And Julia is so amazing!

[@hollyseeks5222]

I've been a huge fan of the Bridgerton book series for YEARS!!! Love that it's now a TV fantastic series!

[@tanveechoudhary1838]

While we are at it, Julia Quinn's Smythe-Smith series needs equal attention. It's do beautiful. ❤️

[@windimose4252]

Indeed

[@loriedwardssprunk9303]

I have loved her books for years. So exciting when she posted all the progress on her Facebook acoount.

[@akuaboateng3030]

While I was in High School, I was a Harlequin Romance freak!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@miss.g-shun-w]

I am now in love with Julia Quinn as a person. She's so insightful! #GirlCrush

[@wubbsie1]

Great interview! I am a Julia Quinn fan, and now a Bridgerton fan. Can't wait for season 2!!

[@noveldixon9963]

I LOVE SHONDA RHIMES 😍😍😍

[@rodneybean2455]

I feel this has exploded because Shonda Rhines diversified the material and allowed some historical facts to actually become mainstream. There was a Queen Charlotte with African ancestry but how many of us are told that history in books, movies, and TV? Shondaland has a way of making stories for everybody to enjoy. Thankfully more diverse people are at the table where these decisions are being made. Let's hope it continues in that direction.

[@kimberlyjohnson4057]

...from a "female centered gaze"...of course it's more sexy...love it

[@pbouiehughes]

We needed this . Living in a time where so many things are so negative. This took me away from it all. Exciting!

[@zeranebenyelle9520]

Ms. JUlia you are the best. Read every one of your books. So watching the show is like going home to visit loved family memebers.

[@Blu3Br3]

Same... I totally agree

[@springdayisnottoday371]

I think this interview was so well and Quinn pointed out important points

[@MachineCheese]

Loved all her answers. Esp the one to the daphne consent situation, 100% agree.

[@gwenrook775]

I have just bought all her books! I have read the first prequel and could not put it down!! She is an absolute queen of writing and captivating people. I love the series of novels and the Netflix series. Well done

[@user-dk5cy4gr5z]

Love, love Julia Quinn, I've read all her books

[@nathalielkapuya1456]

Love Julia's reflections on the consent conversation. I don't know why it's been difficult for many to grasp the context. The world has not always been in post 21st century reality where we're having valid discussions about toxic behaviour that was tolerated without much thought in the past. For me, I absolutely love the adaptation as a teenage fan of romance novels and historical romances. They really smashed it. Will now have to read the books.

[@kayekaye08]

Tamron is on a roll!! I love it

[@ethioluv1dalluS]

OMG. I can't believe that Tamron Hall and Julia Quinn are the same age!!!!!!! 😱

[@marriejames01]

One ages like milk the other like wine.

[@swellchstyle3331]

I just love this and her!!! Great interview 😍👌🏾👏🏾

[@JenShea]

What a fantastic interview!! I am so impressed with Julia Quinn and loved the stories!!!

[@JD-mk6zc]

These two ladies are at the top of their fields and my personal favorites and what they created was a game changer.

[@beautifulrosemary6565]

I was enthralled with anticipation and elation! I watched the show in 6hrs like Emily in Paris and was hooked. Great television! Thank you Netflix! 💕

[@carolharris2401]

Lol I was sneaking around reading mills and boon when I was way too young too. But the funny thing is I love them not necessarily for the romance I was young and I didnt understand a lot of that stuff. I love them because they took me to far away places at least they did seem that way when I was a kid Great Interview! And yes I want Anthony to suffer

[@SerenasMom3]

Amen, sister! I was interested in how people lived, the mundane things, and how they interacted. It’s the cute-meet and the fireworks in the dialogue. Love witty dialogues!

[@robertgaumont155]

Anthony gets his. First a LADY to be reckoned with then LOVE....S.G.

[@acelovesdiyschristopher7023]

@@SerenasMom3 and the amazing and beautiful locations

[@pangchang3332]

Tamron is such a good interviewer!

[@tracyleesmith781]

Great interview! CONGRATULATIONS Julia!!

[@iamtvblake]

BRAVO! I am such a big fan. Where are the auditions for the next 7 seasons being held? I want to read for a part. ❤️😘❤️😀😘👍❤️😀😘❤️

[@Blu3Br3]

Facts.... I'm trying to see something

[@goldskygregor]

You’re such a good interviewer, Ms Hall ❤

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Good for her. ♥️

[@stacybee154]

Love this series.

[@yogithashetty2587]

Brilliant show 👏🏻thanks to Quinn

[@ShaundraLee1920]

I owned all eight of the original series and the epilogues besides having my workplace (a library) own all of her works. I loved her work all along and wanted to pass it along. I got several of my coworkers to love before the Netflix series and am pretty proud of this. Congrats, Julia! I love you.

[@suzantaibu273]

What a wonderful interview

[@sharonmickey4566]

Books on vacation. We got "Hamilton" that way... :)

[@Justnessafanow]

Bridgerton has become of my series💯🥰💞🇯🇲

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

Great interview. Though not a fan of the genre I've become enchanted with the series and, as a consequence, have purchased the nine books. I've read the first six and am still re-watching the series and the many KZbin clips available. I may need therapy. I agree with Julia. I saw a glorious story on the healing power of love and not the colour of the actors so am eagerly awaiting series two. UPDATE: I've now read all the Bridgerton books, including the four prequels and have two more books to read to finish Julia's entire catalogue. I shall be going into therapy shortly thereafter to ascertain how someone who had previously not been a fan of the genre can become so addicted.

[@8923373742]

I can so relate to her 😃

[@maitemannaerts60]

I have watched the series 4x and I’m reading my 3th book. I AM OBSESSED 😍

[@akuaboateng3030]

I just finished the first book!

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Julia Quinn is as delightful as ‘Bridgerton’ is!

[@sabrinakroffges]

So so inspiring to hear and watch. I'm also an aspiring author

[@SteelTreeGone]

Very nice to meet you even if it’s on my I pad, you wrote a beautiful book wonderful for you,

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

Maybe the sexy scenes are shocking to viewers because in films from the regency period never show this side.

[@lastella1994]

I'm getting the books. I loved season 1 I watched it on the 26th December!!!

[@michaelcain9324]

I know I’m inspired. Congrats!

[@taiblanche9100]

I would totally buy a Bridgerton flavor ice cream.

[@lauraindira8421]

🙌🏻👏🏻omg! Great idea!

[@Andrea.S.Alvey12]

Would gooseberry be in it? I've no idea what a gooseberry looks like, let alone how it tastes.

[@pearlrodgers354]

Love love this movie

[@DantesflameX]

The story made intrigued but, thew diversity made me stay tbh. BRAVA very well done. One of the best shows i've ever seen in my almost 29 years of life.

[@Blu3Br3]

Say that shit again my friend... facts.. same here.. and I already have read her material... I am a fan of the Authors works... but the show really caught my attention...I always believed, that I was born in the wrong era.... truly enjoyed the show

[@finessefine]

@Sergio 🤗I know!!!

[@joshuamartinez2444]

Girl that fake audience clapping made me think it was raining outside here Lolol

[@summerraine3934]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kimberlyking9523]

😅

[@terryedwards171]

Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas are to 2 of my favorite romance writers.

[@mimic4820]

Me too

[@eldersun9877]

She is Adorable .....

[@ruthnoronha8206]

The best thing about race and color is sure we can be different based on judgemental society and it’s prejudices and thus it’s impact on individuals. But we all have culture, and when we have a good story and it’s riveting we forget skin color we are just glued to the screen.

[@mshushjan]

I’m absolutely aware Anthony’s story will be the best in the show!

[@lebana]

I hope it’s good. I’ve started reading his book and I’m currently so mad at his character

[@mshushjan]

@@lebana yes! you cant love hime. You fall in love with him at first sight and Jonny greatly helps you to do it. I think Honny\Anthony in the show is the best what can be in the show. Brilliant and amazing, livly and so charming, so true and magnetic! Jonny\Anthony is the best part in the show, though I mostly like Francesca's book and Michael on particular!

[@lebana]

@@mshushjan I guess it’s personal preference, in the show I didn’t care much for him either. I actually really liked Anthony in the book The Duke and I, but not so much in his own book. As far as the show, I liked the Duke better, he’s the epitome of handsome

[@mshushjan]

@@lebana of course it’s personal preferences and I said mine. And yes I liked the duke, but in the book. And cant stop saying my fav is Michael. I have reread Francesca’s book dozen times ❤️😘

[@almaespina23]

I still want Miss Butterworth and The Mad Baron on paperback! Pls make it possible Ms. Quinn 😂

[@herstorylives7405]

Loved this interview!

[@Heather_T]

Congratulations Julia! Read your books when they were first published and was thrilled to watch the first series of Bridgerton. I have long been interested in Regency England period romances, - the fashions, the social classes and all the restrictions. Other worthy Regency authors to have a series created for would be Stephanie Laurens and Amanda Quick.

[@kawanatarbert1251]

I don’t even like Ben and Jerry’s but I would eat the heck out of eat while I watch the show.

[@thelsuicegonzalez9174]

I love it and I'd definitely eat my favorite while watching the show, Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia. So good. 🤗

[@theshadowfax239]

How do you not like ice cream? 😂

[@raynonartis8917]

I love Tamron Hall Show

[@NellieKAdaba]

Me too

[@elainemurphy7944]

I want to see Daphne and Simone fall deeper in love give party’s and travel and work on having a family,they can say the last footage was a dream Daphne has of giving birth to a son.

[@marywallace4032]

It was the epilogue of the book. Not a dream at all.

[@dlppl3407]

Loved Julia Quinn as soon as I discovered her 10 years ago. I wish they would consider Lisa Kleypas' series The Hathaway's. Personally I rank this one 10 and the bridgertons 9.

[@ravinj8625]

Is the Hathaway series about the ranchers? I used to read her books nearly 20 yrs ago

[@dlppl3407]

@@ravinj8625 the first book of the series came out in 2007. So an unexpected inheritance elevates the Hathaways to the ranks of aristocracy. Amelia is the heroine and in charge of her younger sisters and his "messed up" brother. Fascinating series 👍🥇

[@madgemackles4337]

I kept falling asleep during the first few episodes and then it started getting better

[@jonathancineus6424]

In the thumbnail I thought it was the Mom in “Everybody Loves Raymond” 😂

[@jussarapontesdacruz7664]

Que apresentadora bonita e elegante!

[@eatingcrisps3875]

I saw the name Julia Quinn and thought she'd be old. I'm surprised lol

[@namiahajarah3473]

Am with you.. there's nothing explicit....they are just really pleasant...pple can be overly dramatic

[@fattbkr]

For many years i wonder why they didn't make tv series or movies adaptation with ALL those good romance novels that exists. They would be soo succesfull. Finaly the time have come i guess.

[@levonowens4084]

✨✨✨

[@acelovesdiyschristopher7023]

I'm glad they touched on Simon's rape scene. It's really important to bring up the opposite of the stereotype that men always and must enjoy it or can't be assaulted.

[@linbee9461]

I had the entire series and believe it or not NYE we cleaned and purged and I got rid majority of old clothes shoes and romance novels and her books included🤦🏽‍♀️here I am shocked on Sunday when I watched it and was like this is Julianquinns series.

[@katkorn5499]

I love Julia Quinn’s books and I loved the “Bridgerton” series especially...also loved the Netflix series but I have say the only thing that matched the book was the name of the characters...totally different plot. Was rather shocked about that.

[@andyroo9381]

I have not seen any of "Bridgerton". I'm too poor to afford cable, much less movie channels. I can't even afford Netflix. I will watch this series, one day. Then I will know what all this fuss is about.

[@meekyw.4010]

Thankfully for her Shonda found her after having read her book. But, it's questionable why her Agent didn't seem to really know Shonda.

[@alh8292]

h Her agent knew who Shonda was, the question was whether Julia knew who Shonda was.

[@mzekenamanjearistokasi6832]

Please can Shonda make "The Alchemist" by Paulho Coelho

[@pamelaswan2774]

I think the subject of a unreliable method of birth control ( pull out ) being nearly fully on shown has a shock and great to come up (🤣) on the show was enlightening too !!

[@inmaculadaconcepcion1600]

✨💓✨May BEN & JERRY'S hear ya! 🙌🏽😋🤗