Hop aboard the carriage, my dear readers, because we’re gearing up for Bridgerton Season 3! You’ve previously indulged in the excitement of fake dating escapades and melted over the transformation from enemies to lovers. Now, it’s time for a tale of friends-turned-lovers to take center stage. Stepping into the grand ballroom are none other than Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan), the unassuming wallflower with a secret life as a scandal sheet writer, and her long-standing crush, the globetrotting adventurer Colin Bridgerton (portrayed by Luke Newton). It’s officially “Pollen” season, as affectionately dubbed by the devoted fans.
During a recent visit to Tudum: A Global Fan Event, Coughlan unveiled the initial images of this enchanting couple in Bridgerton Season 3. Get ready to witness Penelope and Colin in an entirely new light as they step into the limelight. Scroll down to catch a glimpse of these captivating photos, and don’t miss out on the tantalizing Season 3 details that even Lady Whistledown herself would find worth sharing.
The eagerly anticipated third season of Bridgerton, the Regency-era romance series that shattered viewership records and became an instant pandemic sensation following its Netflix debut in 2020, is set to grace our screens once more, bedecked in diamonds and adorned with feathers. This time, it promises to be even steamier, with Lady Whistledown (portrayed by Nicola Coughlan) not merely a commentator but an active participant in the unfolding drama. Bela Bajaria, an executive at Netflix, expressed excitement about the future plans of the creative team, led by Shonda Rhimes, stating, “We believe audiences will continue to be enchanted by this show.”
If the Bridgerton drought has left you yearning for even the slightest hint of what lies ahead in Season 3, fret not, dear readers. Join us on this carriage ride, for we have all the information available thus far about the upcoming season of this hit period drama produced by Shonda Rhimes. Be forewarned, though, as with all high society gossip, there may be a sprinkling of (mostly speculative) spoilers ahead.
What is Bridgerton Season 3 about?
Following the dramatic Featherington Ball in Season 2, Penelope finds herself utterly heartbroken after accidentally overhearing Colin confess to a group of eligible bachelors that he has no intention of courting her. To make matters worse, her falling out with her best friend Eloise in the Season 2 finale only adds to her melancholy. However, Nicola Coughlan, speaking at Tudum: A Global Fan Event, assured fans that Penelope is prepared for an exciting and scandalous new London season in Season 3.
Addressing the fervent “Polin” fans, Coughlan beamed from the Tudum stage, saying, “I see you all! In this season, Penelope returns to London with a newfound determination to reinvent herself and embrace her independence… We are eagerly looking forward to taking you along on this thrilling journey.”
During Tudum 2022, Coughlan delighted viewers by unveiling the first page of the Bridgerton Season 3 script, which kicks off with Lady Whistledown’s distinctive narration. We have been apart for far too long, my gentle reader. Finally, London’s fashionable elite has made its grand return,” Coughlan begins. “And so has this enigmatic author. As the season unfolds, the burning question on everyone’s lips is, naturally, which of the newly debuted young ladies will shine the brightest?”
While Lady Whistledown remains uncertain about who will captivate society, she tantalizingly adds, “Not every young lady can bask in the limelight.” To discover which debutante will capture Mayfair’s attention, we’ll all have to stay tuned when Bridgerton Season 3 kicks off.
Bridgerton Season Three Began Filming In London In Summer 2022
In a delightful behind-the-scenes video direct from the set, a group of our beloved cast members playfully flash three fingers at the camera.
The video culminates with Luke Newton, known for his role as Colin, graciously opening the carriage door for Nicola Coughlan, our enchanting Penelope. Nicola cheerily proclaims, “Ladies and gentlemen, the filming of Bridgerton Season Three is officially underway!” “Are you joining us?” As she turns to face Luke, she asks. He smiles and replies, “Sure, let’s start this voyage.
Alongside this exciting video, Netflix generously shared a comprehensive synopsis of the upcoming season, offering insight into Penelope’s determination to secure a husband after seemingly giving up on her affections for Colin. Meanwhile, Colin himself grapples with the intriguing question of whether Penelope is simply a friend or something more.
Towards the end of July, Ashley delighted fans by sharing snapshots confirming her return to the set. One charming selfie featured her posing with an adorable stuffed corgi, while another showcased her hand-in-hand with Jonathan Bailey. In a playful twist, she captioned the hand-holding photo as “with Kanthony,” playfully tagging Bailey in the picture.
As August rolled around, Bridgerton’s social media treated us to a captivating snapshot of Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan on set, with the delightful Phoebe Dynevor making a photobomb appearance.
Nicola Coughlan, during her appearance at London Fashion Week in mid-September, shared insights into the filming schedule, revealing that they anticipate shooting well into the new year. She also disclosed that, at that point, they had completed filming only two episodes of the upcoming season.
Looking back to March 2023, Nicola Coughlan posted a celebratory photo featuring herself and Luke Newton, sparking speculation among fans in the comments that it might have been taken during a wrap party for the season. The excitement is truly building for what promises to be another captivating season of Bridgerton!
When Will Bridgerton Season 3 Come Out?
While Netflix has not yet officially announced the precise release date for Season 3 of Bridgerton, many fans are assuming that it will appear on our screens either in the early 2024 or in the spring of 2024. Based on the fact that Season 1 and Season 2 both had launch dates in December and March, respectively, an informed assumption was made. The filming journey for Season 3 embarked in July 2022, as evidenced by a delightful behind-the-scenes cast video announcing the commencement of production. Fast forward eight months to March 2023, when Nicola Coughlan shared a celebratory photo of herself and Luke Newton, sparking fan speculation in the comments that it might have been taken at a wrap party for the season.
A month later, Shonda Rhimes, the creative genius behind Bridgerton, revealed to Virgin Radio UK that they had completed the filming and editing phases, and she was thoroughly enjoying the process of fine-tuning the show. Initially, a fall 2023 release seemed probable, but there’s a chance that the recent writers’ strike may have caused a delay in the post-production timeline.
To keep our excitement alive, the cast treated us to a tantalizing behind-the-scenes sneak peek on July 20, 2022, confirming that production was indeed underway in the charming streets of London. In the montage, Coughlan joyfully exclaims, “Bridgerton Season 3 filming has officially begun,” while Newton gallantly joins her in a carriage on set. Two months later, Coughlan and Newton continued to bless us with more behind-the-scenes glimpses through their Instagram posts. The anticipation is building, and fans can’t wait to return to the enchanting world of Bridgerton.
Who Is In The Bridgerton Season 3 Cast?
Get ready to welcome back some familiar and beloved faces in Season 3 of Bridgerton. While Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton take the lead, the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie, the talented newcomer Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, and the ever-elegant Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton.
In the video announcing the commencement of production for Bridgerton Season 3, you can also expect to see Adjoa Andoh reprising her role as Lady Agatha Danbury, Harriet Cains as Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington, Hugh Sachs as Brimsley, Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper, Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich, and Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington, and, of course, the regal presence of Queen Charlotte herself, Golda Rosheuvel.
Season 3 will also introduce three new talented actors to weave this romantic tale. Daniel Francis, known from “Stay Close,” steps into the role of Marcus Anderson, a charismatic newcomer to the town. Sam Phillips, recognized from “The Crown,” portrays Lord Debling, a lord with eccentric interests and substantial wealth that can make anyone overlook his quirks. Lastly, James Phoon takes on the character of Harry Dankworth, a gentleman whose wit might be lacking but is more than compensated by his striking good looks. Get ready for an exciting and diverse cast to bring the world of Bridgerton to life once again.
Which Couple Will Season Three Focus On?
If the upcoming installment of Bridgerton were to stay faithful to Julia Quinn’s romance novels, upon which the series is based, it would have been Benedict’s turn in the spotlight. Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, explained to Entertainment Tonight that they do intend to explore the romantic stories of each of the Bridgerton siblings, but they won’t necessarily follow the birth order. In Season 3, they’ve chosen to delve into the love story of Penelope and Colin, affectionately dubbed “Polin” by fans.
Showrunner Jess Brownell elaborated on this decision, stating, “I really feel like it’s Colin and Penelope’s time.Since we have been following both of these performers on our televisions since season 1, we have developed some interest in them. We know who they are as people.We wanted to introduce that dynamic into their season rather than continuing it in the same way. To tee things up, it truly seemed like the right time.
Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope, also concurred, emphasizing, “I feel like if you see Penelope fawning over this boy for another season, you’ll be like, ‘Get it together! Come on, move on and get over it.'” Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, speculating on how the childhood friends-turned-lovers trope will unfold.
According to Coughlan, the season kicks off with the town returning to the countryside. Penelope comes back to London with a newfound determination and independence, complete with a fresh look. Unfortunately, her initial attempts in the marriage market prove to be disastrous. Meanwhile, Colin, freshly returned from his European travels in France, Spain, and Italy, is brimming with confidence. Coughlan playfully teases, “His new look is not too bad either.” Colin takes on the role of a mentor to help Penelope build her confidence and find a suitable husband, setting the stage for some intriguing developments.
Describing Season 3 as the most scandalous yet, Coughlan highlighted the central role of Lady Whistledown, who grapples with the challenge of keeping her secrets hidden as scandalous love affairs emerge. As for how steamy things will get, Coughlan hinted at some rather intense scenes, sharing an amusing anecdote about breaking a piece of furniture during filming.
Aside from the Polin romance, viewers can look forward to juicy subplots. The fallout of Eloise discovering Penelope’s secret identity as Lady Whistledown promises to be a slow-burning storyline. Claudia Jessie, who portrays Eloise, suggests that her character won’t immediately reveal Penelope’s secret to others, as there’s little for Eloise to gain from doing so. However, their reconciliation won’t happen quickly either.
In terms of Eloise’s character development in Season 3, Jessie expressed her desire to see Eloise explore her passion and possibly become politically involved. She also hopes Eloise can have a boyfriend without the immediate expectation of marriage, just a loving partner. It’s a wish shared by many fans, and it aligns with the storyline from the books where Eloise’s love interest is revealed to be Sir Phillip Crane, who was married to Marina Thompson in Season 2.
What Kate and Anthony Will Return for Season 3?
Fans of Bridgerton will be delighted to know that the stars of Season 2, Kate Sharma (played by Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (portrayed by Jonathan Bailey), are making a return for the third and fourth seasons of the beloved series. Simone Ashley herself excitedly confirmed this, saying, “We’re going to be back! Anthony and Kate have only just begun. A lot of pushing and pulling occurred between Kate and Anthony in season 2, there were issues with the family, and eventually they found one another. I think everything is just starting.”
Ashley went on to reveal that Season 3 will explore Kate and Anthony’s honeymoon phase, where Kate, now adjusting to her role as a viscountess, will let herself relax a bit more. She expressed her hopes for Kate to embrace this phase and bask in the joy of their love, saying, “In season 3, I’d want to see Kate just fool around a little bit more and sort of float in that circle of love with her friends. They both deserve it.”
The actress also teased that Season 3 will delve deeper into Kate’s character, shedding light on the reasons behind her tough exterior. She explained that even though Kate may come across as fierce, such individuals often have the softest hearts deep down, and their tough exterior is a defense mechanism born from vulnerability. In her words, “Even though she comes across as fierce, people like that are sometimes the softest on the inside. They develop that skin because they’re vulnerable. You see her insecurities and fears. I believe there is strength in acknowledging that she is anxious.
Furthermore, Ashley expressed her excitement about the prospect of Kate and Anthony becoming parents in the third season, envisioning them as a formidable partnership. I’m thrilled to watch Kate become a viscountess and the head of the household, she said. I believe she can learn a lot from Anthony. They’ll be two little partners. Simply expressed, I’d want to see them have a child. Perhaps it will occur, perhaps it won’t.
Fans of Bridgerton have a lot to look forward to in the next seasons thanks to the return of these adored characters and the possibility of fascinating new twists in their relationship.
Daphne and Simon Will Not Be in Season 3
It’s true, one prominent member of the Bridgerton family will be absent in the upcoming season: Daphne. When asked about her return, Phoebe Dynevor shared with Screen Rant, “Sadly not in season 3. Potentially in the future.” She also expressed her excitement about watching the show as a viewer.
As for the Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett, portrayed by Regé-Jean Page, he did not return for Season 2 and will not be reprising his role in Season 3 either. In an Instagram post, he made this apparent by writing, “No, I’m not going back to the show btw, the papers made that one up.” During a red carpet interview for his next Netflix feature, The Grey Man, Page also said that he’s open to the showrunners recasting his part for future seasons, adding, “They’re free to do as they like.”
So, even though we’ll miss Daphne and the Duke, the world of Bridgerton will no doubt keep engrossing viewers with its constantly developing plot and cast of people.
The Role of Francesca Bridgerton Was Recast
A new face will be gracing the world of Bridgerton as the sixth Bridgerton sibling, Francesca Bridgerton, makes her debut. Actress Hannah Dodd is stepping into the role, taking over from Ruby Stokes for Season 3. Stokes, who has ventured into a leading role in Netflix’s Lockwood & Co., found herself unable to commit to future Bridgerton seasons due to scheduling conflicts. This marks the first significant character recasting in the Bridgerton series.
Showrunner Chris Van Dusen explained the situation, saying, “I love Francesca, but we lost her midway through season 2. After exhausting all other options, she unfortunately had to step down due to reasons beyond our control.” Stokes herself spoke about her departure in January 2023, describing it as a “difficult choice” and expressing her fondness for her time in Bridgerton, calling it a wonderful experience.
While Francesca has been a relatively minor character thus far, it’s likely that we’ll see more of her in Season 3 as her storyline builds towards her own lead season, which will follow the events of book six, “When He Was Wicked.” Dodd gave some insights into what viewers can expect from Francesca’s storyline, mentioning that her book offers a blend of steaminess and emotional depth. She exclaimed, “I’m a huge fan of Bridgerton, so I’m like, ‘Bring on the steaminess,’ but then I’m like, ‘I don’t want to do that,'” as she revealed her delight. I want it for the viewers, but doing it would be pretty terrifying.
When Dodd was cast for the role, she dived into reading “When He Was Wicked,” Francesca’s story. She described it as a beautiful book and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to portray such a beloved character. She acknowledged the passion fans have for Francesca and pledged to give it her best in bringing the character to life on screen.
The Queen Charlotte Prequel Will Be Part of the Storyline
The Queen Charlotte prequel series is set to have a significant impact on the Bridgerton universe in Season 3. Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, mentioned, “There are some story points and story secrets that will definitely be played out in the next season of Bridgerton,” during the Queen Charlotte premiere.
For those keen-eyed viewers, there were subtle hints in the prequel that offer insights into the timeline of the upcoming season. In one instance, the prequel briefly flashes forward to the present day, featuring a conversation between Violet and Lady Danbury. Violet mentions that Anthony and Kate are currently on their honeymoon, indicating that these present scenes occur between the events of Bridgerton Season 2 and Season 3. Additionally, Violet reveals to Lady Danbury that Eloise and Penelope have had a falling out, with Eloise described as “stomping around the house looking like a cloud of thunder.” This suggests that their reconciliation may not happen quickly in Season 3. Perhaps the most significant tidbit from the prequel is the revelation that Violet’s father could not have been Lady Danbury’s baby’s father, which is likely to become a pivotal plot point as the drama unfolds.
As for whether Queen Charlotte’s own storyline from the prequel will directly influence Season 3, Rhimes clarified that it might not be a direct connection. I don’t know whether we’re going to see her kids or anything like that, she retorted. For her, Queen Charlotte’s persona on Bridgerton serves as a representation of her public persona, while the prequel focuses on her more intimate experiences, such as her motherhood. However, Golda Rosheuvel, who plays Queen Charlotte, did mention that her character’s children would make appearances in future seasons, although she couldn’t reveal how far in advance this would happen.
Bridgerton Season 3 Episodes: How many? Episode Titles, Directors and Writer
The third season of Bridgerton is slated to consist of eight episodes in total.
During the TUDUM 2022 event, Nicola Coughlan, known for her role as Penelope Featherington, treated fans by reading a snippet from the script of the season’s first episode, charmingly titled “Out of the Shadows.”
For episodes 1, 2, 5, and 6 of Season 3 Alicia Robbins fills the position of director of photography, adding her experience to the programme.
The current episode list, along with directors and writers, is shown below:
- Episode 301: “Out of the Shadows”
- Directed by Tricia Brock
- Episode 302
- Episode 303
- Directed by Andrew Ahn
- Episode 304
- Directed by Andrew Ahn
- Episode 305
- Episode 306
- Episode 307
- Directed by Tom Verica
- Episode 308
- Directed by Tom Verica
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Bille Woodruff, who has previously directed episodes for shows like Yellow Jackets and Fear the Walking Dead, will be making their directorial debut in the Bridgerton universe during Season 3.
A Fourth Season of Bridgerton Will Also Be Released
Back in April 2021, Shonda Rhimes’s production company, Shondaland, made an exciting announcement through X, the social platform previously known as Twitter, in the charming voice of Lady Whistledown, the show’s all-knowing narrator and gossip columnist. The announcement read, “Esteemed members of the Ton, it seems we have a rather special announcement. For seasons three and four, Bridgerton will return.
As for what the future holds in Season 4, Netflix has remained tight-lipped about whose story will take the spotlight. With the series planned for a total of eight seasons, each focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling, they began with Daphne’s story, staying true to the books, and continued this pattern with Season 2 centered around Anthony’s love story. Season 3, however, deviates from the corresponding book by skipping over Benedict’s tale. If Season 4 follows the narrative of the third novel, “An Offer from a Gentleman,” then the focus will shift to the artistic Benedict, who falls for the earl’s daughter, Sophie Beckett. As of now, Netflix has yet to reveal who will be at the center of Season 4.
Final Words
Bridgerton Season 3 is highly anticipated by fans, and it promises to bring a fresh and exciting storyline to the beloved Regency-era drama series. This season will focus on the budding romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, affectionately known as “Polin” to fans. Viewers can anticipate an engaging and varied ensemble to bring the world of Bridgerton back to life with the appearance of new faces as well as the return of well-known characters like Anthony and Kate.
The show’s dynamics have changed as a result of Daphne and Simon’s departure in Season 3 and Francesca Bridgerton’s replacement. However, the Queen Charlotte prequel series is set to influence the upcoming season, providing hints and insights into the storyline.
While the release date for Season 3 is yet to be officially announced, fans can expect it to arrive in early 2024, following the production timeline and previous release patterns. With a talented team of directors and writers, including Tricia Brock, Andrew Ahn, Tom Verica, and the debut of Bille Woodruff, the eight-episode season is sure to deliver both drama and romance.
Furthermore, the excitement doesn’t end with Season 3, as Bridgerton has been confirmed for a fourth season, and the anticipation is building for which Bridgerton sibling’s love story will take center stage next. As the show continues to evolve and surprise its audience, it’s clear that the enchanting world of Bridgerton is here to stay. So, dear readers, get ready to once again be transported to the grand ballrooms and scandalous secrets of high society when Bridgerton Season 3 finally graces our screens.
