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For decades, cable was the only way to watch television, and renting a movie from a video store or buying a videotape or DVD was the only way to enjoy it. However, that all changed in 2007, when a company named Netflix came along.
Netflix allowed subscribers to pay a monthly fee and get thousands of movies, new and old, mailed right to their door. When they were done watching, they would mail the movie back, and the next movie on their list would be sent to them.
Credit: Netflix
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Netflix completely changed the game and did so again in 2007 when it launched its streaming service. Now, Netflix is one of the most in-demand streamers, making its own television shows and movies that subscribers can’t get enough of. Their streaming service has become so popular that, in September 2023, the company officially discontinued its DVD-by-mail service.
In December 2020, Netflix released a new series that would take the streamer — and the world — by storm, Bridgerton.
Credit: Screenshot ‘Bridgerton’, Netflix
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Bridgerton is a historical romance series based on a book series written by Julia Quinn. It takes place in London in the early 1800s and focuses on the Bridgerton family. Violet Bridgerton is the mother to seven very headstrong children — Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth.
Sadly, Violet’s husband died when she was pregnant with their last child, but Violet is determined to see her children make a place for themselves in society, even if they might be resistant.
Credit: Screenshot ‘Bridgerton’, Netflix
Each season focuses on a different Bridgerton child, and they foray into society and even find the love Violet dreams of for them. The second season revolved around Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest son and head of the household. Despite Anthony’s insistence that he will marry only to continue his family line and not for love, he ends up falling for the inimitable Kate Sharma.
From the moment he appeared on-screen, the ladies fell in love with Anthony, played by Jonathan Bailey. And now, they are absolutely speechless after learning that Bailey actually got his start on The Disney Channel!
Credit: Screenshot ‘Bridgerton’, Netflix
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Bailey starred as Tom Mason, a young pop star on a world tour. His singing partner, Zoe Myer (Samantha Barks), is also on the tour. While on tour, they love to reminisce about their time back at Groove High, a performing arts high school.
Groove High only lasted one season, but it was enough to launch Bailey’s now wildly successful career.
Credit: Disney
Even though Groove High ended nearly 12 years ago, and Bailey has mentioned it before, many fans have just realized his Disney connection, and they are losing their minds.
How did I not know it was Johnathan Bailey all this time!!
How did I not know it was Johnathan Bailey all this time!!
— Emily Wilson (@ecewr) June 13, 2024
Women around the world love Jonathan Bailey in Bridgerton and would love to watch him in the series where he got his start.
omg never knew this existed, i would have had a huge crush on him back then (still have obvs)
omg never knew this existed, i would have had a huge crush on him back then (still have obvs)
— luigi iannelli (@ginovanta) June 14, 2024
Others pointed out that Jonathan Bailey was the second Bridgerton star to get an early start on a Disney show. Luke Newton, who portrays Colin Bridgerton, was in a Disney Channel UK show called The Lodge. In the series — which ran for two seasons — Newton plays Ben Evans, a repairman at the North Star Hotel.
Credit: Disney
And the two Bridgerton brothers aren’t the only members of the Disney family. Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca Bridgerton, appeared in the Hulu show, Find Me in Paris.
The second half of Bridgerton season three recently premiered on Netflix. Unfortunately, season four is not expected to air until sometime in 2026. Bailey, however, not be taking a break. He is set to star as Fiyero in Wicked, alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Part one of the film will hit theaters nationwide on November 22, 2024.
Did you know Jonathan Bailey got his start on a Disney Channel show? Let us know in the comments!
