Netflix's lavish period drama Bridgerton has found itself at the centre of a fresh historical accuracy debate after eagle-eyed viewers spotted a glaring anachronism in the newly released fourth season. Fans have called out the show's editing team for failing to notice a modern, flesh-coloured Band-Aid visibly adorning the ear of actress Katie Leung, who portrays the character Lady Araminta, during several key scenes.
The Anachronistic Detail
The small adhesive bandage, presumably applied to cover a cartilage piercing on the actress, appears clearly in certain shots, creating a jarring contrast with the early 19th-century Regency-era setting. This oversight has ignited considerable discussion on social media platforms, with many pointing out that the Band-Aid was not invented until 1920, over a century after the show's depicted timeline.
Social Media Reaction
On platforms like TikTok and X, viewers expressed a mix of amusement and criticism. "It's a cover-up for an ear piercing," one user speculated, while another suggested, "Yeah, I wish they had covered it better—like put a fancy ear cuff up there or something." The original poster of the discovery noted, "Very true. She isn't wearing it in other scenes so maybe they just forgot while doing takes. I am obsessed with the outfits so of course I'm analysing every detail."
However, not all feedback was negative. Some commenters defended the production, highlighting Bridgerton's established creative liberties. "Guys it's Bridgerton. It's not supposed to be historically accurate," one person pointed out, referencing the show's previous use of contemporary elements like fake eyelashes and modern nails.
Broader Criticism and Defence
Other viewers questioned the scrutiny itself. "I don't get why anyone cares about this stuff tbh. It's very subtle and Bridgerton clearly doesn't care about historical accuracy," wrote one social media user. Another added, "Y'all need to learn to just watch and move on. It's not that serious. I didn't even notice something so small." This division underscores the ongoing tension between the show's fantastical, modernised approach and audience expectations for period authenticity.
Netflix's Historical Accuracy Record
This incident is not an isolated one for Netflix. The streaming giant has faced similar criticism in the past for anachronistic details slipping into final edits. Notably, when the fifth and final season of Stranger Things was released in December, viewers complained about spotting an Under Armour logo on a character's shirt in a scene set in 1987—nine years before the sportswear brand was founded. Netflix subsequently removed the logo quietly a week after the episode's debut.
As of now, Netflix has not responded to requests for comment regarding the Bridgerton Band-Aid blunder. The oversight highlights the challenges of maintaining consistency in large-scale productions, even as it fuels fan engagement and online discourse about the boundaries of creative licence in historical fiction.
