Netflix's latest medieval drama, The Decameron, promises laughs and 'wine soaked romps', but how similar is it to the smash hit Bridgerton? Starring Sex Education's Tanya Reynolds, the series is loosely inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century short story collection. Set in 1348, it follows a group of noblemen and their servants as they flee to the Italian countryside to avoid the Black Death.
While both shows are period dramas, they are set some 400 years apart. Bridgerton takes place in London's Regency era (1813–1827), whereas The Decameron is set in the 1300s. Bridgerton explores themes of class, gender roles and societal expectations, criticising rigid social structures. Similarly, The Decameron offers a satirical take on the morals and behaviours of different social classes, poking fun at vices and societal issues.
Both series feature strong female leads. Reynolds plays the witty and unpredictable servant Licisca, while Zosia Mamet portrays Pampinea, a soon-to-be lady of the villa described as 'full of hope and absolutely lacking in self-awareness'. The Decameron's source material includes intelligent women who often outsmart men.
Bridgerton combines drama, romance and comedy with modern music covers for escapist entertainment. In contrast, The Decameron is a dark comedy, blending tragedy, moral lessons and laughs, offering a humorous reflection on human nature and 1300s societal norms. It also includes saucy moments, with Reynolds noting the sex scenes were 'very different' from her work on Sex Education.
The Decameron is available on Netflix from Thursday, July 25.
