Bridgerton Season 3: Intriguing New Characters, Steamy Couples & Exclusive Insider Details

Based on Julia Quinn's book series, Bridgerton has the potential to span eight seasons, mirroring the number of novels published. The immediate focus, however, lies on Bridgerton season 3. While season 1 followed the romance between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, season 2 shifted gears to adapt The Viscount Who Loved Me, centering on the enemies-to-lovers storyline of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. Surprisingly, the Netflix show has deviated from the original book order by not adapting Benedict Bridgerton's story, An Offer From A Gentleman, next. Currently, production is underway for Bridgerton season 3, and the anticipation for a release date announcement grows stronger each day, especially with the introduction of the Bridgerton spin-off, Queen Charlotte, which sets up the third mainline series in an unexpected manner.

The Latest Bridgerton Season 3 News

Netflix has revealed limited updates on Bridgerton season 3 so far, mainly consisting of casting announcements and hints about the story. One significant reveal came in February 2023, with the release of a synopsis teasing a romance between Penelope and Colin. In addition, there have been several cast announcements, including new members like Hannah New as Lady Tilley Arnold, as well as the departure of Regé-Jean Page, who has ruled out a potential return.

Confirmation of the Colin and Penelope storyline in Bridgerton season 3 came during the Netflix Tudum event, where new photos from the season were unveiled. These images primarily focused on the two characters, showcasing their various emotions and states of mind. This strongly suggests that the show will skip the events of "An Offer From a Gentleman" (which centered around Benedict Bridgerton) and instead adapt book 4, "Romancing Mister Bridgerton." Actress Nicola Coughlan had already revealed this information last year, stating, "Season 3 is Colin and Penelope's love story."

Luke Newton expressed his anticipation for a transformative journey for Colin in the upcoming season of Bridgerton. He hopes that Colin's character will reveal a more tender and vulnerable side, as the storyline explores the dynamics of a deep friendship that blossoms into something more profound. The released first-look photos hint at the possibility of Colin and Penelope finally finding their long-awaited happily ever after.

Bridgerton Season 3 Release Date

Netflix has officially confirmed the renewal of Bridgerton for season 3 and season 4. With author Julia Quinn's eight Bridgerton books, each focusing on a different child, the plan is to adapt each book into a separate season for television. While the release date for Bridgerton season 3 has not been announced yet, it is worth noting that season 1 premiered in December 2020 and season 2 in March 2022 after facing several delays due to Covid-19. However, season 3 had a smoother production schedule, leading to expectations of a 2023 release for Bridgerton.

Bridgerton Season 3 Cast

In Bridgerton season 2, while Regé-Jean Page's Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, was absent, the cast still brought back all the major characters from season 1 and introduced a few new ones. For Bridgerton season 2, it is expected that most of the cast will remain, with a shift in focus as different characters take center stage.

The cast of Bridgerton season 3 will mainly consist of the Bridgerton family, including Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Ruth Gemmell as Violet, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Luke Thompson as Benedict, Luke Newton as Colin, Will Tilston as Gregory, and Florence Hunt as Hyacinth. While season 3 will still feel the absence of Simon Basset, this time Phoebe Dynevor's Daphne Bridgerton will also not be returning. Dynevor has expressed the possibility of returning in future seasons, but she will not be part of Bridgerton season 3.

Nicola Coughlan will reprise her role as Penelope Featherington, the leading lady of the season. Alongside her, viewers can expect to see familiar faces such as Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown, Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. However, it is uncertain whether some of the new cast members from Bridgerton season 2, including Rupert Young as Jack Featherington and Calam Young as Theo Sharpe, will return as their storylines appear to have reached a conclusion.

In a significant casting change for Bridgerton season 3, Ruby Stokes will no longer portray younger sister Francesca Bridgerton. Stokes has secured a starring role in Netflix’s Lockwood & Company, which clashed with her recurring role in Bridgerton. Taking over the role of Francesca is Hannah Dodd, who recently appeared as Sarah Chapman in Netflix's Enola Holmes 2. Hannah New, known for her role in Black Sails, joins the series as Lady Tilley Arnold, a young widow. Season 3 of Bridgerton also introduces Daniel Francis, James Phoon, and Sam Phillips as new additions to the show.

Bridgerton Season 3 Story

In a surprising twist, the Bridgerton Netflix series deviates from the order of the novels by shifting the focus to Colin and Penelope for season 3 instead of Benedict. Their story, which is based on the fourth book in the series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, introduces some notable variations in the plot. After the events of Bridgerton season 2, Penelope, feeling the need to secure a husband who will enable her to escape her mother's house while maintaining her secret identity as Lady Whistledown, lacks the same level of self-assurance as other debutantes. Colin, who misses Penelope's company as she begins to distance herself from him at social gatherings, steps in and offers his assistance in finding her a suitable spouse. According to Netflix's official summary, Colin's plan to boost Penelope's confidence may have unexpected consequences, proving to be more successful than anticipated.

Eloise, in addition to witnessing the blossoming love story of Colin and Penelope, will also step into the spotlight herself. Upon discovering that Penelope is Lady Whistledown, Eloise decides to distance herself from her former best friend. As a result, she embarks on forming new relationships while still maintaining her presence at the season's social gatherings.

How Queen Charlotte Sets Up Bridgerton Season 3

In Bridgerton season 2, the focus shifts beyond the well-known stories of the Bridgerton siblings. The spin-off Queen Charlotte introduces a significant storyline for Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). As part of a triptych of "widows" alongside Charlotte herself, who awaits the death of King George, Violet represents a different kind of grief. She deeply loved her husband and continues to mourn his loss, but in Queen Charlotte, she begins to realize that she may be ready to find joy in life once again. The show beautifully portrays this as allowing her garden to bloom once more.

Violet's potential for courtship and the potential for scandalous romantic encounters in Bridgerton season 3 add an exciting new dynamic to the story.