Queen Charlotte (Netflix)

Subtitled A Bridgerton Story, this six-part series is not from the Julia Quinn books, which is to its benefit. Considerably darker and sadder than its progenitor, it tells the story of the madness of King George III, from the point of view of his wife. Creator Shonda Rhimes makes it clear from the start that this is not history, but fiction inspired by real people. Good casting beautifully matches the younger versions of Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Viscountess Violet Bridgerton with the originals, who also appear in flash forwards. It shares the sumptuous costumes and satirical edge of the first two Bridgerton series, as well as a core belief in true love as the basis of a good marriage. But it also portrays the difficult position of women faced with few choices in how they live their lives. It has more depth and substance than the Bridgerton series, but is just as entertaining. It would be good if there were more such spinoffs.