After Bridgerton and The Buccaneers ended, I found myself missing not just the plots, but the whole vibe : the candlelit dances, the stolen glances, the slow-burn romance wrapped in silk and scandal.
That's when I discovered The Lady's Companion, and it filled that gap perfectly.
Introducing The Lady’s Companion
The Lady’s Companion is a Spanish comedy-drama series that premiered on Netflix on March 28, 2025. Created by Gema R. Neira and María José Rustarazo, and produced by Bambú Producciones
Set in the late 19th century, specifically around 1871, according to the trailer, the series follows Elena Bianda, the city’s most sought-after chaperone. Her job? To guide young ladies through courtship, ensure they make respectable matches, and keep them out of trouble. But when Elena is hired by Don Pedro Mencía to oversee his three unmarried daughters—Cristina, Sara, and Carlota—things get much more complicated.
The Story
The show follows Elena Bianda, played by Nadia de Santiago, is a professional chaperone who’s already helped over 20 women find love and marriage. She’s known for her strict moral code and her ability to connect with the girls she chaperones. However, her moral code is slowly unraveling as she’s placed in charge of three fiercely different sisters : Cristina (Isa Montalbán) is eager to break the rules, Sara (Zoe Bonafonte) is determined to study medicine, and Carlota (Iratxe Emparán) is a goth before her time, obsessed with seances and wearing only black.
As Elena navigates the challenges of managing these headstrong sisters, she gets drawn into their world of love, scandal, and comic intrigue. The series is packed with witty dialogue, playful asides to the camera, and a refreshingly modern attitude, even as it stays true to its period roots.
Trailer
Inspired by the European elegance of shows like The Grand Budapest Hotel and the flirtatious freedom of Emma, The Lady’s Companion offers a rich, cinematic escape. Think: bustled gowns with sharp tailoring, Andalusian mansions bathed in golden light, but also rule-breaking heroines, and just enough chaos to keep things fresh.
What makes it different? The details.
The Lady’s Companion bursts with color. The costumes feature a spectrum of pastels and vibrant hues, reflecting the characters' personalities and the lively atmosphere of the era. This choice creates a visual experience that is both historically inspired and refreshingly contemporary.
Costume Design
Every character in The Lady's Companion is dressed to tell a story. The show's costume designers have outdone themselves, creating looks that are not only historically inspired but also deeply expressive of each character's personality.
Elena Bianda: As the lead chaperone, Elena's wardrobe is elegant, structured, and full of rich fabrics. Her outfits reflect her professionalism and her playful spirit.
The Mencía Sisters: Each sister has her own signature palette and style.
- Cristina: Bold and ambitious, Cristina wears deep reds and pinks, symbolizing her fiery determination.
- Sara: Free-spirited and rebellious, Sara is often seen in soft blues and pastels, mirroring her dreamy, unconventional nature.
- Carlota: The goth of the family, Carlota is dressed head-to-toe in black, with dramatic silhouettes that set her apart from her sisters.
Set Design: Bringing 19th-Century Madrid to Life
The series' production design contributes significantly to its aesthetic appeal. Filmed in locations such as the Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso and the Jardín del Príncipe in Aranjuez, the settings offer a rich backdrop of Spanish architecture and lush gardens. The interiors are adorned with antique furnishings and intricate details, creating an immersive environment that enhances the narrative.
The production team has recreated the splendor of late 19th-century Madrid with meticulous attention to detail. From grand ballrooms to intimate parlors, every set is a work of art. The interiors are filled with ornate furniture, lush fabrics, and delicate lighting, creating a sense of opulence and warmth.
- Color Palette: The show uses a vibrant, painterly palette inspired by French Impressionism. Each scene is like a living painting, with soft light and rich colors that make the world feel both real and dreamlike.
- Props and Details: From vintage tea sets to handwritten letters, every prop is carefully chosen to enhance the period atmosphere.
But beyond the visuals, what The Lady's Companion does so well is balance tone. It never takes itself too seriously. Elena's composed exterior is constantly tested, and we get to watch her unravel—not in a dramatic, damsel-y way, but with real humor and heart. She's not just guiding these girls—she's learning from them, and perhaps, breaking a few rules herself.
If you're someone who watches period dramas just as much for the feel as the plot, this one's for you. It's for the people who paused Bridgerton to screenshot Daphne's blush gowns. Who rewatched The Buccaneers for the headpieces alone. Who treat watching TV like window shopping for another century.
