The trailer for NBC’s newest reality show, The Courtship is here, and it’s a mix between Bridgerton, The Bachelor, and Austenland. Which means it will probably be half train wreck and half amazing. Actually, there was a decent amount of train wreck in Austenland. So let’s say it’ll be three-quarters train wreck and one quarter amazing. (Though the level of amazing will go up if JJ Feild makes an appearance.)
With that said, will we be watching? Abso-freaking-lutely.
The Premise
A heroine looking for her duke will sign up for the ultimate social experiment in romance. Transported to a Regency-style England, a group of eligible hopeful suitors will have to win the heart of our heroine, and her court. Housed in a castle on the countryside, set on a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills, the heroine and suitors will experience that with which dreams are made. From carriage rides and boat rides on the lake to archery and handwritten letters to communicate, they will be immersed in a time-traveling quest for love. In the end, our heroine and her suitors will discover if the ultimate romantic experience will find them true love.
The Trailer
Who hasn’t wanted to live in a Pride and Prejudice-esque fairy tale? I mean, there was plenty about the reality that make me very glad to live in the here-and-now. But it’s nice to cherry pick the best of the era and imagine what life would be like if filled with grand dresses, balls, and gallantry.
So the only question about The Courtship is why it took this long (and very probably the inspiration of the immensely popular Bridgerton) to have a period piece reality dating show.
For sticklers of historical pieces, it should come as no surprise that The Courtship looks about as accurate as Bridgerton. I seriously doubt men were throwing themselves into lakes to arise shirtless and glistening. (Though if they did, my impression of that era would raise even higher in my esteem.) But, honestly, what would you really expect? It is a reality dating show, after all.
And it does feature the best of the period piece and reality dating tv genres. Beautiful dresses? Check. Attractive bachelors and bachelorettes? Check. Dancing and horseback riding and quiet afternoons on the lawn? Check. The bachelorette’s parents overseeing the whole shebang?
Well, that’s an unexpected addition that will either be amazing or take “cringe tv” to a whole new level. Call me shameless, but I cannot wait.
Check out the trailer:
The Courtship premieres March 6 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Will you be checking out The Courtship? Let us know in the comments below!