What the popularity of period dramas says about modern dating
We talk “Wuthering Heights”, Bridgerton and the perils of dating in 2026
“Wuthering Heights” is back and so is Bridgerton. Period dramas are having a moment. Why are we loving them so much right now? We hear from fans around the world; Tasha in Canada, Gracie in the US and Radhika in India. Chelsea from the What in the World team explains some of the reasons, like wanting more slow burn romance and courtship in our modern dating, and more accountability when it comes to ghosting. Faye Woods from the University of Reading in the UK tells us how female representation plays a role too.
We also discuss whether some of the relationships in these period dramas should be something we aspire to… Heathcliff and Cathy we’re looking at you. Happy Galentine’s Day to all our listeners!
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Chelsea Coates, Julia Ross Roy, and Ash Mohamed
Editor: Verity Wilde
Last on
Broadcasts
- Fri 13 Feb 202618:50GMTBBC World Service News Internet
- Sat 14 Feb 202603:50GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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What in the World
Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world.
