Mattel Faces Criticism Over Bridgerton Polly Pocket Playset Mattel has been criticised for its Polly Pocket Collector Bridgerton Playset, priced at £60, which some say is inappropriate for children aged four and above due to the show's mature content. Mattel has come under fire for its new Polly Pocket Collector Bridgerton Playset, inspired by the risqué Netflix drama Bridgerton. The set, available for pre-order at £60, includes miniature dolls of Queen Charlotte, Benedict, and Penelope, along with a large house featuring a spinning dancefloor and horse-drawn carriage. Marketed for children aged four and above, it is described as a swoon-worthy collaboration with five dolls and themed accessories. Controversy Over Age AppropriatenessThe playset, manufactured by Mattel and set to be sold by UK retailers Smyths Toys and The Entertainer from October 24, promises fans the chance to reenact scenes from the show in Polly Pocket compact form. However, disgruntled shoppers have voiced concerns that the toy is inappropriate for young children, given the raunchy nature of Bridgerton. The series, based on Julia Quinn's novels, follows the romantic lives and scandals of the aristocratic Bridgerton family in the Regency era and features explicit sex scenes, partial nudity, and passionate storylines.On social media, one Instagram user questioned, Surely this isn't a kids toy? while another asked, What if they want to watch it on TV? Others suggested that responsible parents would not allow children interested in Polly Pockets to watch the program and that Mattel had perhaps not thought through the launch. One commenter on Instagram asked for an explanation, pointing out that a show not appropriate for teenagers is being marketed to four-year-olds. Another Reddit user stated, I don't know why this was made as this show is NOT a children's show.Defending the Toy and Price ConcernsDespite the criticism, some social media users suggested that the toy may be aimed at adults rather than young children, even though it is sold as a playset by traditional children's toy sellers. One Instagram user quipped, This isn't for children surely it is for us, while another expressed a strong desire for the product. Additionally, some raised concerns about the £60 price tag, with comments like Amazing... but £60!! and £60 for a Polly Pocket are you having a laugh.The Daily Mail has contacted Mattel, Smyths, and The Entertainer for comment. This controversy follows previous criticism of Mattel's first-ever autistic Barbie, which some critics claimed was offensive to people with neurodiversity and reinforced stereotypes. In January, the American toymaker said the doll, featuring a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a shifted eye gaze, was designed with guidance from the community to change the narrative on neurodivergence. Developed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll aims to represent how autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world.