“Bridgerton” is a hit again, but this time Netflix is furious… because it says musicians stole their TV series, turned it into a stage production and made huge profits.
The streaming giant is hunting down the duo Barlow & Bear for “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album Live in Concert” — a music production they presented to the all-sold Kennedy Center earlier this week.
In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Netflix says the production’s opening number, “Tis the Season,” is nearly identical to the number they used to introduce the show’s main characters and settings. Netflix says Barlow & Bear even pulled “literally substantial dialogue” from the TV show.
According to Netflix, not only did the musicians steal her intellectual property… but they also lied about getting permission. In the lawsuit, Netflix includes an advertisement posted for the theatrical production and includes the text, “BRIDGERTON is a trademark of Netflix used with permission.”
no. Not according to Netflix, which says it actually “strongly objected” to Barlow & Bear’s use of the show’s name, characters, and dialogue.
Netflix says the duo have plans to take the musical on the road with a performance at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall — and they’re also selling Bridgeton-themed merchandise.
Besides tearing up its TV show, Netflix says the Barlow & Bear piracy rivals the “Bridgerton Experience”… an event in 6 cities where fans pay to enjoy an “immersive” night at the dance floor with show-inspired actors and music.
Netflix wants the court to shut down a future Barlow & Bear production, and it wants any profits it has already made.
