I started off with a little Bridgerton (Netflix) in my life. This was so odd for me, because this was Episode 45 of the series, and I chose to make this my listen while walking show. I was not ready for that sex scene. I think, this might be the best described sex scene… ever? Like, I’m trying to get my walk in, and I was slightly aroused. It was like listening to erotica, which is exactly what it should be, because people who watch this visually can be turned on, so why wouldn’t the blind audience have access to that as well? Why does it always have to be so boring and “thrusting”. I love that I don’t think he ever thrusted. There was so much nuance in everything they did in that scene, and every word used. It certainly was a very odd walk for me, but this is the best audio description I’ve heard this year. In film or television. I really need you to know that. The Bridgerton team is doing it right.

Recently, I made a comment on a forum regarding things that narrators or writers in the actual audio description community hate working on, and I said from my outsider/critic interpretation, it seemed like sex scenes were the answer, as we almost always default into “thrusting”. I need everyone to know, your word choices matter. the Bridgerton team truly did something special, something they are getting good at, and have to do regularly. I think maybe the only other show that really ‘went for it” this year in terms of sex scenes was Sexy Beast on Paramount Plus. Mostly, things feel safer and more tame than they likely are on screen.

So, today I’m dedicating my Diary to Bridgerton, and the entire audio description team.

I will mention that I did watch other shows that had audio description, including the season finale of Invincible (Amazon), the season finale of Elsabeth (Paramount Plus), the penultimate season episode of Loot (Apple Plus), and in preparation for House Of The Dragon, I watched a season 5 episode of Game Of Thrones (MAX). But I’ve never dedicated my diary to a show like this,and I want some kind of resonance and understanding that this should be the industry goal. If you CAN do this, if you have the time, you should. And please, stop thrusting all the damn time.