summary
The Decameron combines elements of dark comedy with a period drama and stars the outstanding actor Saoirse-Monica Jackson. Both Bridgerton, starring Nicola Coughlan, and The Decameron feature former Derry Girls cast members in key roles. Both series have garnered buzz on Netflix and highlight the versatility and talent of the former Derry Girls stars.
Netflix recently released The Decameron, a dark comedy based on the novel by Giovanni Boccaccio, setting an exciting trend alongside Bridgerton. The Decameron is based on a book that centers on an aristocrat and his entourage who take refuge together as the Black Death sweeps through Europe. The series stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Misia, a servant to the aristocratic woman Pampineia, among the cast of The Decameron. Jackson has appeared in several roles in film and television since the series ended in 2022, but none have left as big an impression as her breakout role.
Jackson’s co-star Nicola Coughlan has also had a good year at Netflix, reprising her role as Colin Bridgerton’s main love interest Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton season 3. With Jackson now starring in a major Netflix series, this could be the start of a new trend for the streaming giant and bode well for the original Derry Girls cast as well.
Related: Netflix’s The Decameron compared to the original
The Decameron is named after Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th century book set during the time of the Black Death, but is there any other connection?
Bridgerton Season 3 and The Decameron give the Derry Girls cast two of Netflix’s biggest shows of 2024
And both of them attracted a lot of attention.
With the release of Jackson’s The Decameron, Netflix can now boast two popular shows featuring notable actors since Derry Girls. Bridgerton debuted at number 10 on Netflix’s all-time rankings, before settling at number six, with season one already occupying number four on the list. This isn’t surprising given the buzz surrounding the series leading up to the release of season three.
It’s so exciting to be able to see these incredible actors from such an acclaimed series in a new show on the streaming service.
While The Decameron failed to make the streaming service’s all-time list, it managed to create its own buzz by adopting a raunchier tone for a period piece. The comedic tone of The Decameron contrasts with the drama of Bridgerton, and Jackson is a great addition to the dark comedy, showcasing her comedic skills in a way that most period pieces don’t allow. While the two shows may not be next to each other, it’s exciting to see some of the great actors from such a critically acclaimed series starring in a new show on a streaming service.
RELATED Don’t Worry: Netflix’s New Bridgerton Series Could Actually Be More Different
Netflix has released a TV series that is supposed to be a replacement for Bridgerton, but the two shows are actually quite different.
Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton and the Decameron’ gets rave reviews from critics for ‘Derry Girls’
Fans and critics alike have loved both, to varying degrees.
Derry Girls is a comedy series with a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and audience ratings are no less. Neither Bridgerton nor Decameron have received as high ratings, with Bridgerton coming in closest with an 88% rating in season 3. Meanwhile, the new show is doing well with a 66% rating and while Decameron has received mixed reviews, it has been mostly positive for being a dark comedy. Both actors have garnered recognition of their own from their breakout roles, which is ultimately a win for both Netflix and audiences.
With the creators of Derry Girls also partnering with Netflix, it may only be a matter of time before we see other actors from the hit comedy series make an appearance on the streaming service. Whether it’s a drama or a comedy, it’s clear that the cast of Derry Girls has the potential to succeed if they’re given some serious acting chops and the right material to work with. What that material is remains to be seen, but Bridgerton and the Decameron have set off a fun trend that we hope will continue.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
The Decameron (2024) cast: Ammar Chadha-Patel, Lelia Farzad, Lou Gala, Karan Gill, Tony Hale, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Zosia Mamet, Dougie McMeekin
Release date: July 25, 2024
Creator Kathleen Jordan
