The Decameron vs Bridgerton: All the similarities as new drama drops on Netflix

Netflix's latest new medieval drama promises laughs and 'wine soaked romps' - but just how similar is it to smash hit Bridgerton?Starring Sex Education's Tanya Reynolds, The Decameron is loosely inspired by the short story collection of the same name by Giovanni Boccaccio.

Set in 1348, it follows a group of noblemen and their servants as they shack up in the Italian countryside. But this is by no means a holiday - it's a futile attempt to avoid the plague.

And while Bridgerton recently confirmed Benedict Bridgerton would be at the centre of season four, it's likely fans will have a while to wait until to see his love story play out. Could The Decameron fill that Ton-shaped gap in our lives?

With The Decameron dropping on Thursday (July 25), we take a look at the differences and similarities between the Netflix series.

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The series are set 400 years apart

While both Bridgerton and The Decameron are period dramas, they're actually set some 400 years apart. Bridgerton is set in London's Regency era, with the events unfolding between 1813 and 1827. Meanwhile The Decameron is set in the 1300s, swapping England's capital for the Italian countryside.

Social commentary

Bridgerton explores the themes of class, gender roles and societal expectations, especially aristocratic life and the marriage market. The rigid social structures of the Regency period are often criticised.

Similarly, The Decameron is a satirical take on the morals and behaviours of difference social classes, also poking fun at vices and societal issues.

Strong female