If you’re longing for more steamy period romance, you’re in luck: Netflix has granted Shonda Rhimes’ massively successful Bridgerton adaptation a third and fourth series.
Based on the Bridgerton book series by author Julia Quinn, Netflix’s Bridgerton chronicles the lives and love lives of the younger members of the esteemed Bridgerton family, featuring delicious and modernized Regency-era drama, gorgeous costumes, and intense looks of yearning that will take your breath away.
We know for a fact that there’s plenty more of that to come in Bridgerton season 3—read on to find out everything there is to know about London’s glamorous upcoming season.
Is there a trailer? When will Bridgerton season 3 be released?
The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived: the Bridgerton season 3 trailer is finally here! There are plenty of outrageous costumes, heated looks, a steamy “Kanthony” kiss, and sibling banter to be found, but of course, the focus is on Colin and Penelope, as it should be. Colin’s giving dating advice, Eloise is worried, and Penelope looks beautiful in an entirely new wardrobe, catching the eye of a very dashing suitor, indeed. Bring on the new season! You can watch the trailer below.
The new season will be split into two parts. The first part, which will consist of four episodes, is due to release on May 16, 2024, while the second part, which will also consist of four episodes, will drop almost a month later on June 13. Though Bridgerton‘s two previous seasons were both released in one go, Netflix has been trialing this new two-part release strategy for some time. Shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, and The Witcher have all been released this way, too.
Netflix also released a first-look sneak peek featuring none other than our newest destined couple, Penelope and Colin. You can watch it (and swoon) here:
And there’s more! This year, on Valentine’s Day, Netflix hosted a panel all about Bridgerton season 3, where, along with a whole heap of new information about the upcoming season, another clip of the show was released—though this one is decidedly less swoon-worthy than the last. Given the confrontation between Penelope and Colin in this short scene, we’d expect this clip to be from the first episode. You can watch it here and then spend endless hours analyzing every single look between them. (This new season really can’t come fast enough).
Along with this latest tease, Bridgerton‘s showrunner Jess Brownell revealed all eight episode titles for the third season, which are, in order: “Out of the Shadows,” “How Bright the Moon,” “Forces of Nature,” “Old Friends,” “Tick Tock,” “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” “Joining of Hands” and “Into the Light.” I’d say these titles perfectly encapsulate a friends-to-lovers romance arc, wouldn’t you?
Which couple will be featured in Bridgerton season 3?
In a deviation from the books, Bridgerton season 3 will focus on Colin Bridgerton’s romance with Penelope Featherington, as told in the fourth novel in the series—Romancing Mr. Bridgerton—rather than older brother Benedict’s story from An Offer From a Gentleman. Brownell, who has taken over Bridgerton showrunning duties for seasons 3 and 4, explained in an exclusive interview with Variety the reasoning behind this change:
“I really feel like it’s Colin and Penelope’s time. Because we’ve been watching both of these actors on our screens since Season 1, we’ve already invested in them a little bit. We know who they are as people,” she says. “I feel like, especially in the last season, there are these moments of tension between them where it’s like, Colin walks up to the line of almost realizing that Penelope has feelings for him but doesn’t quite get there. Instead of treading water on that dynamic, we wanted to push it into their season. It really felt like the perfect moment to tee it up.”
Bridgerton season 2 left the soon-to-be-destined couple in a precarious position; Penelope overheard Colin boasting to his friends that he would “never dream of courting Penelope Featherington,” leaving her devastated and more invested in her Lady Whistledown side hustle than ever. There’s plenty of drama (and steamy scenes) to look forward to, as well as seeing if Penelope’s friendship with Eloise can ever recover from their heartbreaking falling out. An official synopsis, as reported by Variety, reads:
Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly. Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.
For those who had been hoping for more Benedict (myself included), fret not; in that same interview, Russell said that the Bridgerton family’s second son will be a “vital part of season 3,” likely setting the stage for him to get his turn in the spotlight in Bridgerton season 4.
Which cast members will return in Bridgerton season 3?
Most of Bridgerton‘s beloved cast members will return for season 3, including Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. Given this is Penelope’s season, expect the Featheringtons to play a significant role as well, with Polly Walker returning as Lady Featherington. The legend that is Julie Andrews is also reprising her narrating role as Lady Whistledown.
For those dying to know: yes, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley) are also returning for Bridgerton season 3, as they settle into their new lives as viscount and viscountess. Season 1 breakout star Phoebe Dynevor, who plays eldest daughter Daphne Bridgerton, has sadly stated that she will not be returning for season 3, though she’s left the door open for future appearances.
Netflix has also revealed three new characters that will be gracing the ton with their presence, including Daniel Francis, who will be playing a character called Marcus Anderson; Sam Phillips, who will be portraying Lord Debling; and James Phoon, who will be playing Harry Dankworth. Reportedly, all three are potential new suitors for Penelope—and Colin—to contend with.
Bring on the gossip.
(featured image: Netflix)
