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What the popularity of period dramas says about modern dating

We talk 鈥淲uthering Heights鈥�, Bridgerton and the perils of dating in 2026

鈥淲uthering Heights鈥� 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鈥� Heathcliff and Cathy we鈥檙e looking at you. Happy Galentine鈥檚 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

Available now

12 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 Feb 2026 03:50GMT
91福利社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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  • Fri 13 Feb 2026 18:50GMT
    91福利社 World Service News Internet
  • Sat 14 Feb 2026 03:50GMT
    91福利社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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