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'The Courtship' Features Regency-Era Dating — Is It Inspired By A Specific Book Or Show?
"The Courtship," a reality dating TV show, has drawn comparisons to "Bridgerton" and Jane Austen.
With USA’s Regency-era dating series "The Courtship" getting ever closer to the final heart-match decision of Ms. Nicole Rémy, the unique backdrop of the show has some asking: Is this an adaptation of something else? Like a book or a movie or another series?
Well, the answer is yes and no. The series itself belongs in the category of reality TV — more specifically competition dating shows which have been around since the 2000s. "The Courtship" is the spiritual cousin to shows like "The Bachelor" or (throwing it back a bit) "Flavor of Love." However, "The Courtship" is the first series to reach back in history to retrofit old-school courting standards into a contemporary dating scenario.
It’s certainly made for more refined and gentlemanly behavior (with the occasional exceptions) from the suitors. Plus, the era-appropriate clothing which Ms. Rémy and her circle get to wear every week is far more appealing to look at than the standard frocks of today.
But while "The Courtship" isn’t adapting a specific book or movie, the series is certainly borrowing from all things Regency. That period of time encompasses the years from 1795 to 1837, where there was an explosion of memorable creations within the British arts and architecture. Ostentatious wealth was most definitely a thing, as evidenced in the clothing, jewelry, and living spaces which accentuated the social class disparities.
Plus, things we take for granted today can trace their origin back to this era, like mass-produced novels which saw the rise of authors such as Jane Austen. Her famous book "Pride and Prejudice" documents the courting rituals between the middle class and the wealthy class, as well as the agency of women in their own martial destinies. All of that certainly ties into Nicole Rémy’s own modern search for romance, so you can certainly see the inspiration Austen has had on "The Courtship."
"The Courtship" airs Wednesdays at 11 p.m. ET on USA Network. Catch up now on USA Network.
