Netflix fans only just realising the 'new Bridgerton' released this year

Despite being released earlier this year, an underrated period drama seems to have slipped under the radar for many fans.

The Lady's Companion made its debut on Netflix in March, yet it appears to have been overlooked by many despite the genre's popularity.

This Spanish production, set in 1880s Madrid, follows the story of Elena Bianda, the city's most sought-after lady's companion.

Despite her young age, she has successfully guided over 20 young women through courtships and engagements.

Her success is attributed to her strict moral guidance for families, coupled with a keen understanding of the concerns of the young women she mentors.

She has perfected this delicate balance, and seeing her protegees marry successfully is her life's mission. However, everything changes when she arrives at the Mencia household and finds herself responsible for three sisters, reports Surrey Live.

Upon its initial release, the series didn't receive much critical acclaim. Nonetheless, it has managed to secure an impressive fan score on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting an 89% rating.

Us Weekly highlighted it as a must-watch show that may have been missed by Netflix fans. They added: "The Lady's Companion feels a bit like Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets Bridgerton with the lead character's direct addresses to the camera. It works well and provides a fun, personable touch to this international show."

Fans have been drawing parallels between the new hit series The Lady's Companion and Bridgerton, yet they insist that it stands tall on its own merits. One viewer took to social media to share their initial scepticism, stating: "I thought maybe this would feel like a knock-off Bridgerton. It definitely is not, it is it's own story. When I started the first episode and saw them break the fourth wall I thought I'd end up turning it off. Oh how wrong I was!".

Their enthusiasm didn't wane as they elaborated: "I ended up getting so caught up in the story and the characters that I couldn't stop watching. There is real emotion portrayed that draws you in. The reveal of things is spaced perfectly to never let your attention wander."

Another chimed in with praise for the show's multifaceted appeal: "A bit of drama, comedy and mystery intertwined. Acting and writing was good. Beautiful scenery, costuming and sets. Didn't love the ending but it left the series wide open for a second season which I will watch if one is created. Watched it over a 10 day period. It was dubbed into English which worked well. Prefer that over subtitles."

Meanwhile, another fan encouraged rapid consumption of the series: "What a beautiful series. Thought it'd be Bridgerton meets Sound of Music but it isn't. It's a charming, witty, playful, satirical story with beautiful cast and a fresh approach on romance. And did I say Beautiful Cast? You can watch it just for that. Definitely worth binge watching like I did in a day."

The Lady's Companion is streaming on Netflix.