Unveiling the Unseen Delights of ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3

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Fans of the hit series Bridgerton have been eagerly awaiting the next romantic storyline, and it seems they won't be disappointed. After witnessing the captivating slow burn romance between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, viewers have been curious about Benedict Bridgerton's quest for love.

The season 2 finale, released in March 2022, concluded with Anthony and Kate embracing their deep emotions for each other. Following the older Sharma sister's acceptance of his proposal, the couple joyfully embarked on the next phase of their lives, which included another memorable game of Pall Mall.

As per the Julia Quinn books that served as inspiration for the popular Netflix series, the spotlight would now shift to the second eldest Bridgerton brother in the upcoming season 2. Thompson, prior to the season's premiere, discussed the advantages that come with changing the central storyline each season.

"I believe that the concept of rotating lead characters every season is truly ingenious as it injects a sense of freshness and novelty into the series. It introduces an entirely new family dynamic, and the show takes a unique direction, which makes it incredibly enjoyable to share," he expressed to The Wrap in March 2022.

The British actor also mentioned that he purposely refrained from delving too deeply into his character's storyline prior to filming his scenes.

"As an actor, it's actually better to not have a clear idea of where you're going. If you have too much knowledge about your character's journey, you might end up over-explaining and signposting instead of truly experiencing it," he expressed. "In a way, it's similar to life, where we never know what's going to happen next. It's sometimes better to embrace the unknown." In season 2, Benedict was seen supporting his older brother during Anthony's romantic difficulties.

"When you're siblings, there's a certain shared essence that defines you. You possess significant similarities, which makes you an ideal confidant, but at the same time, it can also make you the most challenging person to confide in due to the overwhelming likeness," The Club alum remarked regarding the siblings. "However, what's truly beautiful about their relationship is that during those scenes, you can sense that their playful banter and teasing are actually their way of comprehending each other and themselves."

On the other hand, Benedict found himself grappling with his artistic identity after being accepted into the Royal Academy. The second season concluded with Benedict discovering that Anthony had financed his enrollment, raising doubts about their future dynamic.

"It's incredibly enjoyable to play due to its intricate nature," Thompson commented on the dynamic between the two characters. "The relationship is far from simple, making it a captivating watch. They constantly challenge each other and refuse to let one another off the hook."

During the same period, executive producer Shonda Rhimes alluded to a potential shakeup in the storyline. "With eight Bridgerton siblings and eight books, we have plans to explore each of their romantic journeys," she revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "Although we won't be following a strict chronological order, we will delve into the lives of all the siblings and their unique stories."

In May 2022, Nicola Coughlan confirmed that season 3 of the show will focus on the romance between Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington. The decision was explained by new showrunner Jess Brownell, who took over from Chris Van Dusen.

According to Brownell, it's Colin and Penelope's time to shine. Since Season 1, viewers have seen both actors on their screens and have already become invested in their characters. Brownell believes that there have been moments of tension between Colin and Penelope in the last season, where Colin almost realizes that Penelope has feelings for him, but doesn't quite grasp it fully. Rather than prolonging this dynamic, the decision was made to explore it further in their season. Brownell believes that it's the perfect moment to delve into their story.

Scroll down for everything to know about season 3 of Bridgerton:

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Everything to Know So Far About ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3

After the much-anticipated love story between Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (played by Simone Ashley), fans are now curious about Benedict Bridgerton's (played by Luke Thompson) quest for love.

In the season 2 finale, which premiered in March 2022, Anthony and Kate finally acknowledged their deep affection for each other. Following the acceptance of his proposal by the elder Sharma sister, the couple joyfully embarked on the next phase of their lives, complete with yet another memorable game of Pall Mall.

Thompson expressed his appreciation for the concept of switching the lead characters every season, as inspired by the Julia Quinn books and depicted in the popular Netflix series. He believes that this approach brings a fresh and exciting element to the show, allowing for new storylines and the introduction of a new family dynamic. The actor shared his enthusiasm for the unique feel and direction that each season takes, making it an enjoyable experience for both the cast and the audience.

The actor from the U.K. mentioned that he intentionally avoided learning too much about his character's story line prior to filming.

"As an actor, it's actually beneficial to not have a clear understanding of where your character is headed," he shared. "When you know every detail, there's a risk of over-explaining and signposting your journey, rather than simply living it. Just like in real life, not knowing what lies ahead from one day to the next can be more intriguing."

During the second season, Benedict was seen assisting his older brother in dealing with the challenges he faced in his love life. According to The Club alum, being siblings meant they shared many similarities, which made them both great confidants and also difficult to deal with. Their relationship was portrayed as a combination of playful teasing and understanding, allowing them to comprehend each other and themselves better in those scenes.

Benedict, on the other hand, faced a sense of bewilderment regarding his artistic identity after gaining acceptance into the esteemed Royal Academy. The conclusion of the second season brought about a revelation for Benedict, as he discovered that Anthony had financially supported his enrollment in the school. This revelation cast doubt on their future dynamic and raised questions about their relationship.

Thompson expressed her enjoyment in portraying the complexities and fluctuations within the duo's dynamic, stating, "It's truly enjoyable to portray because it's incredibly intricate. The relationship is far from straightforward, and grasping its essence proves to be quite challenging. However, this complexity only enhances its appeal as it keeps both characters on their toes and prevents them from letting each other off the hook."

In May 2022, Nicola Coughlan revealed that the upcoming season 3 of Bridgerton will center around the romance between Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington, as depicted in the fourth novel. The decision to focus on this storyline was explained by new showrunner Jess Brownell, who is taking over from Chris Van Dusen.

"I believe that Colin and Penelope's time has finally come. We have seen these actors grace our screens since Season 1, and we have already formed a connection with them. We understand their characters and who they are as individuals," she expressed to Variety during the same month. "In the last season, there were subtle moments of tension between them, where Colin almost acknowledges Penelope's feelings for him but falls short. Rather than stagnating on this dynamic, we wanted to explore it further in their storyline for this season. It truly felt like the perfect opportunity to elevate their relationship."

Continue reading for everything you need to know about season 3 of Bridgerton:

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Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Colin and Penelope's New Looks

"This season, Penelope's transformation in London is set to captivate audiences as she embraces a newfound sense of independence and determination," Coughlan excitedly revealed at TUDUM in June 2023. "Prepare for a scandalous season that will take you on a thrilling carriage ride."

She continued, "Our season kicks off with the return of the ton from the countryside, marking a fresh start for Penelope. Meanwhile, Colin Bridgerton's return from his European adventures in France, Spain, and Italy brings about a striking new appearance for him as well. Both Penelope and Colin have matured, and their evolving friendship holds endless possibilities. For fans of the books, you may have some inkling, but rest assured, this season promises enchantment and romance beyond imagination."

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Returning Members of the Ton

The Bridgerton family will continue to appear in season 3.

Violet Bridgerton, Colin, Eloise Bridgerton, Hyacinth Bridgerton, and Gregory Bridgerton have been consistently present in all the previous seasons. Additionally, Penelope, Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and the other members of the Featherington family are anticipated to make a comeback.

Bailey has confirmed that Anthony will come back following his marriage to Kate. Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) will also continue to make appearances throughout season 3.

Credit: O'Connor/AFF-USA.com/MEGA; Courtesy of Sam Philips/Instagram; Courtesy of James Phoon/Instagram

New Faces Are Joining the Ton

In July 2022, Netflix made an announcement regarding the cast of season 3 as they began filming. Daniel Francis, Sam Philips, and James Phoon have secured recurring roles for this season. According to the description, Francis will be portraying Marcus Anderson, a captivating individual who can instantly brighten up any room. Philips, on the other hand, will be playing the character of Lord Dealing, who possesses unique and intriguing interests. Additionally, Phoon will be portraying Harry Dankworth, an attractive individual who may lack wit and intelligence.

In October 2022, Black Sails alum Hannah New joined the cast as a widow named Lady Tilley Arnold who enjoys the "privileges and power" of running her former husband’s estate.

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Back in Action

After its release on Netflix in December 2020, Bridgerton gained considerable popularity and was renewed for three more seasons. While the exact episode count for the third season has not been officially announced by Netflix, it is anticipated to follow the pattern of its predecessors and consist of eight episodes.

The Sunday Times reported in March 2022 that Ashley would be reprising her role in season 3 and returning to film that summer. In July 2022, the cast was spotted filming scenes for the new season in West London. First-look photos revealed carriages parked in front of a beautifully adorned building, hinting at a grand ball scene.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

In March 2022, Bailey expressed that there remains a possibility for fans of the Bridgerton books to witness significant Anthony and Kate moments in the days ahead. "To all the wonderful fans, we want you to know that we are aware of your desires, we have read those passages, and we adore them as well. They will undoubtedly be interwoven into our performances and the television series," he shared with E! News. He further elaborated, "We are aware that there will be a future Kanthony. Towards the end of the book, there are numerous remarkable conversations that delve into mortality and their mutual understanding, which I personally cherished. I am confident that there will be room for these scenes now that they are together. Perhaps, we will be able to reference and bring them forward into the future."

Ashley revealed in an interview with Hypebae in May 2023 that the storyline of Kate and Anthony has evolved significantly in the third season. There are numerous aspects of their relationship and love story that the fans will be thrilled to explore.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Not Benedict's Turn

Season 3 of the show was initially assumed by fans to focus on Benedict Bridgerton, as indicated by the novel An Offer from a Gentleman. In the book, Benedict embarks on a whimsical love affair after encountering a mysterious woman at a ball. As he endeavors to uncover her true identity, the audience discovers that she is Sophie Beckett, a newly hired staff member of the Bridgerton family.

However, after Rhimes mentioned that the show might deviate from the exact storyline of the books, many viewers began to speculate whether Colin and Penelope Featherington's story would be next. This speculation was confirmed by Netflix in May 2022.

Brownell explained the reason behind the temporary delay of Benedict's storyline to Variety, stating, "Our show deviates slightly from the books as we are more of an ensemble. While the books primarily focus on individual romantic relationships, with the siblings making occasional appearances, we have given the siblings more substantial storylines."

Additionally, Brownell assured that Benedict will play a significant role in season 3.

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Calling All Polin Shippers

In May 2022, Netflix announced that season 3 of the hit series would center around Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. This season will delve into the captivating love story between the two characters, which was originally depicted in Quinn's fourth novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton.

After confirming in May 2022 that Penelope and Colin would be the central couple in season 3, the Irish actress revealed to Access Hollywood that she has been mentally preparing for their love story for quite some time. Coughlan admitted feeling intimidated by the idea of filming NSFW scenes but expressed her gratitude for having Newton by her side throughout the process. She couldn't help but praise him, stating, "He's absolutely amazing. I'm thrilled that we are embarking on this journey together...from friends to lovers."

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Redefining the Sex Scenes

In season 2, the steamy scenes in the show were toned down. However, Brownell has indicated that Colin's storyline will have less darkness, allowing for more comedic moments and love scenes. According to the former Scandal writer, Colin and Pen are characters who bring a lot of comedy to the show, and this season will showcase more of that. Additionally, there will be a balance between comedy and sensuality, as romance and sexiness are deemed important to the show. Viewers can expect to see deeper and more serious sides of Colin and Pen, exploring new levels of their characters.

During an interview with Variety in June 2022, Coughlan discussed the potential intensity of Penelope and Colin's romance, suggesting that due to the two seasons of buildup, it is likely to be more passionate. She mentioned that she has not yet read the scripts but has been provided with an overview.

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Penelope's Inner Struggles

Penelope's physical appearance was a significant aspect in the fourth book, but according to Brownell, that won't be the central theme in season 3. In May 2022, she stated, "We believe Penelope is stunning, and I don't think it truly defines her narrative. In our show, her introverted nature is more about her self-assurance than her external looks. That's the angle we're exploring this season."

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A Bookish Easter Egg

In a recent Instagram video, Coughlan excitedly announced that the filming for Bridgerton season 3 has commenced. She can be seen sitting in a carriage, with Newton by the door, inviting fans to join in on the excitement.

The appearance of the season 3 leads in a lavishly adorned carriage is a direct reference to Quinn's Romancing Mister Bridgerton novel, wherein Colin and Penelope engage in a passionate encounter inside a similar carriage.

"Prepare yourselves for the most exhilarating (carriage) ride," the Irish actress playfully hinted in her Instagram post.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Breaking Down the Story

In July 2022, Netflix released a glimpse at the overarching story lines for the show's return.

In Season 3, Penelope Featherington has moved on from her crush on Colin Bridgerton after hearing him speak poorly of her to his friends. Instead, she is determined to find a husband who respects her independence, allowing her to maintain her secret identity as Lady Whistledown away from her family. However, her lack of confidence hinders her search for the ideal partner.

In the meantime, Colin discovers that Penelope, the one person who truly appreciated him for who he is, is now treating him coldly. Determined to mend their friendship, he sets out to boost her self-assurance in hopes of attracting a suitable husband. Yet, as he delves deeper into his feelings for Penelope, Colin is faced with the challenge of understanding his true emotions for his friend.

Meanwhile, Penelope's falling out with Eloise will lead her to form an unexpected friendship. As she navigates this new relationship, Penelope will also face challenges in maintaining the secrecy of her alter ego, Lady Whistledown.

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A Surprise Recasting

Hannah Dodd was chosen in May 2022 to replace Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton in the Netflix series. Stokes had previously portrayed the character in seasons 1 and 2.

Expressing her excitement, Dodd shared with TVLine in July 2022 her enthusiasm for the new role. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the cast and crew and expressed her desire to deliver a stellar performance. Dodd acknowledged the beauty of Francesca's story and character and expressed her disbelief at the opportunity to play her. Understanding the audience's appreciation for the character, she expressed her commitment to giving her best.

Francesca's upcoming book encompasses both passion and turmoil, as revealed by Dodd in an interview with Page Six in June 2022. Expressing her admiration for Bridgerton, Dodd eagerly anticipates the inclusion of sensuality in the storyline, yet admits to feeling apprehensive about personally portraying such intimate scenes. With filming for season 3 just a few weeks away, the newcomer is preparing herself for the challenges ahead.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Jack Could Be Back

Jack Featherington skipped town at the end of season 2, but Young exclusively told Us in April 2022 that he wasn't sure that he was done with the regency drama.

“[Jack] is still very much alive — a glimmer of hope in comparison to the unfortunate fate of the previous Featherington. I maintain the belief that he may venture back to his homeland and uncover his long-lost birth certificate. With newfound wealth, perhaps through a fortuitous marriage to an affluent American, he can repay his debts and reclaim his status as the beloved figure of London society. Admittedly, this might be nothing more than a hopeful fantasy on my part.”

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Whistledown’s Opening Remarks

"Beloved reader, our separation has endured for an extended period," Coughlan recited Andrews' introductory words from season 3 at a TUDUM panel in September 2022. "Finally, the refined society of London has made its comeback, and so has this writer."

Coughlan, embodying Andrews, added, "As the season commences, the prevailing query in everyone's thoughts is, naturally, which recently emerged debutante will radiate the most brilliantly. The selection of young ladies this year seems to be exceptionally dazzling. However, regrettably, not every young lady can capture the spotlight."

Credit: Zabulon Laurent/ABACA/Shutterstock

"Despite her fierce demeanor, individuals like her often possess the most tender hearts," Ashley shared with British Vogue in November 2022, discussing the challenges her character encounters in season 3. "They build up that outer shell as a defense mechanism because they are susceptible. You witness her insecurities and anxieties. She's utterly nervous, and I believe there is strength in acknowledging that."

The actress suggested that audiences will have the opportunity to witness tender moments between Kate and Anthony after their wedding. "We're currently shooting a dance scene this week, and in terms of tone, it's completely contrasting," she remarked. "It's sweet, charming, and lighthearted, in contrast to the weightiness of their storyline in the previous season."

Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 Brings Plenty of Steamy Scenes

The cast of Bridgerton has been tight-lipped about the specifics of season 3, but Ashley hinted to E! News in October 2022 that there will be some incredibly passionate moments. She expressed her joy when reading the scripts, stating that they always bring a radiant smile to her face upon receiving them.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Phoebe Dynevor Hints at Daphne's Potential Exit

Unfortunately, my character won't be appearing in season 3. However, there is a possibility for some exciting developments in the future. When asked about what's in store for my character in the upcoming episodes, I expressed my enthusiasm for watching season 3 as a viewer.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

No Sharma Sisters

"I will not be returning to the set for season 3," Chandran revealed to the Indian Express in August 2022, stating that she will not be reprising her role as Edwina alongside Ashley's character Kate. Instead, she shared that she will be working on another film."

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

No Cameos From the Duke of Hastings

Page shared a photo on Instagram in June 2022, expressing his excitement about reuniting with Bailey. He clarified that he won't be returning to the show as rumored. The two friends enjoyed a delightful catch-up session over delicious Italian coffee and basked in the warm sunshine. It was a memorable and stylish reunion for Page.