Bridgerton is making it a December to remember.
On the anniversary of the acclaimed period drama’s 2020 debut, Netflix has unveiled alluring new photos from Season 3. Part 1 (Episodes 1-4) will premiere on Thursday, May 16, followed by Part 2 (Episodes 5-8) on Thursday, June 13.
The images — which you can check out below — tease the upcoming love story between Penelope (played by Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton). Judging by this sneak peek, it’s going to be another riveting affair.
The photos also offer a first full glimpse of Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) in the coming episodes; the married pair radiating enough heat in their embrace to spark a three-alarm fire.
Additionally, we have our first look at Hannah Dodd (Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, Anatomy of a Scandal) as Francesca. She replaces Ruby Stokes, who portrayed the character in the first two seasons.
Grab a piping-hot cup of Early Gray, scroll on, and try not to be scandalized by the below photos. Don’t forget to share your reactions and Season 3 wishes in the comments!
A budding love story…
After Penelope overheard Colin insult her last season, the upcoming episodes will see her move on from that longstanding crush, having decided “it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters,” per the official synopsis. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts to secure a marriage proposal “fail spectacularly.”
Penelope’s estranged friend Eloise (Claudia Jessie) “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.”
Look who found his swagger!
In Season 3, Colin has returned from his summer travels with newfound swagger and will b “disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder.” Eager to win back her friendship, he offers to help her find a husband and must grapple with whether his feelings for her are “truly just friendly.”
Did someone turn the heat up?
Anthony and Kate will be back, albeit not as combative as they were in Season 2.
“I just think it is going to be hotter than ever. I think you’re going to see a much more softer side coming this season,” Simone Ashley previously teased to Elle. “[Kate is] going to be quite content with her husband.”
The Bridgerton Brigade
Bridgerton will have an even fuller house this season.
New casting additions include Daniel Francis (Once Upon a Time) as Marcus Anderson, who, while charming, earns the ire of some members of the Ton; Sam Phillips (The Crown) as Lord Debling, a genial lord with unusual interests; and James Phoon as Harry Dankworth, who isn’t particularly smart but possesses seriously good looks.
Welcome aboard!
Hannah Dodd will step in as Francesca in Season 3, replacing original cast member Ruby Stokes. (Stokes starred in Seasons 1 and 2 as Lady Violet’s six-oldest child before leaving the show to star in fellow Netflix production Lockwood & Co.)
Dodd began her Bridgerton book series read with Francesca’s story “because I didn’t know what I’d got myself in for, but I needed to read that as soon as possible,” the actress previously revealed to TVLine. “It’s such a beautiful book and she’s such a beautiful character. I can’t really believe that I get to play her.”
“I know how people feel about her as well, so I’m going to do my best,” she added.
