How Shonda Rhimes created the perfect ‘hunks’ in Bridgerton

Shonda Rhimes is no stranger to perfecting the art of the romantic hero.

And the Grey’s Anatomy showrunner, 53, took her expert skills to new heights in 2020 with the 2020 launch of Netflix’s Bridgerton – a period drama with a modern twist.

The first season won over viewers with the romance between Daphne Bridgerton and The Duke of Hastings, putting stars Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page in the spotlight.

Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, caused another stir in season two when he fell in love with Kate Sharma, despite their initial tension.

Viewers fell in love all over again with a young King George III (Corey Mylchreest) and his romance with Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) in the new spin-off, which debuted on Netflix on May 3 to rave reviews.

Using Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels as a launching pad, Shonda seems to have unlocked a flawless method for creating a swoon-worthy hunk who never fails to charm viewers.

With a combination of good looks and emotional sensitivity – not to mention a slew of shirtless scenes – MailOnline takes a look at her secret recipe for cooking a beloved romantic hero.

They must be tall, dark and handsome

All of Bridgerton’s heroines seem to have a type: the men they fall for are – without fail – tall, dark and handsome.

The swoon-worthy Duke of Hastings won over viewers in season one and a blushing Daphne Bridgerton with his smoldering good looks.

In particular, the man she ultimately did not choose – Prince Friedrich – is blond.

Her older brother Anthony also has dark locks – just like King George in the show’s spin-off.

Even rising heroes Colin and Benedict Bridgerton – who will both charm in their own series in the future – keep the same devilishly handsome look with their dashing dark features.

They offer VERY romantic declarations of love

A simple statement of “I love you” is not enough for a Bridgerton boy.

Instead, the long-awaited confession of feelings comes late in the season – and often involves shouting matches in the midst of passion.

Who can forget Daphne and Simon’s statement of “I burn for you” instead of a simple “I love you”?

A young Queen Charlotte and King George are overwhelmed by their passions when they confess their love for each other in highly dramatic language.

George tells her, “I’m crazy. I am a danger. Different worlds creep into my mind. Heaven and earth collide. I don’t know where I am.

Charlotte replies, ‘I will stand between heaven and earth with you. Do you love me?’

To which he finally admits, “I love you, Charlotte. From the moment I saw you try to go over the wall, I’ve loved you desperately.’

The conflicted king in his passion can hardly utter his words, for the statement is again a tearful one.

Viewers will see their naked buttocks

Known for its steamy scenes, the Netflix drama doesn’t shy away from nudity.

And the Bridgerton heroes always (handily) seem to step into the bath and show off their muscular buttocks.

This means little is left to the viewers imagination – as reflected in the age rating of 15 – adding to the intimate feel of the show.

They have smoldering dark eyes

Eye contact in Bridgerton is a powerful motif, as the characters experience deep feelings that are difficult for them to put into words.

A look between a potential couple has the power to convey a multitude of feelings in Shonda’s world – from glimpses of each other in the ballroom to intense eye contact while expressing feelings.

The connection between Kate and Anthony in season two – when the show introduced fewer sex scenes – is especially pronounced as it follows their “haters to lovers” storyline.

The season is filled with the two casting longing glances at each other, most notably during the disastrous wedding between Kate’s sister Edwina and Anthony, when Kate and Anthony can’t take their eyes off each other during the ceremony.

And while each hero bends over for a kiss, he can’t resist courting first with his smoldering eye contact.

He will be a passionate kisser

The Bridgerton men seem incapable of just kissing on the lips – instead launching passionate kisses at every opportunity.

In season one, Daphne and Simon finally give in to temptation when they are caught in a heated kissing session by her brother Anthony.

And even though George and Charlotte share a relatively modest cock at their wedding before their first kiss, they get more and more passionate later in private.

After months of denying their feelings, Kate and Anthony also pounce on each other when the time is finally right.

There are TONS of shirtless scenes

Simon, Anthony and George – the show’s main romantic heroes – seem to spend more time shirtless than not, despite the formal dress style of the Regency era.

The Duke of Hastings engages in boxing matches to blow off some steam – which seems to be just an excuse for Shonda to show off his ripped torso.

Meanwhile, in scenes reminiscent of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, Anthony Bridgerton falls into a lake in season two.

As he makes his way to shore, his white shirt clings to his muscles and Kate Sharma can’t take her eyes off him, despite her sister’s warning not to ‘stare’.

King George III, meanwhile, is fond of farming and many scenes show him throwing himself into his work – all without wearing a shirt, of course.