The Netflix period drama officially returns this summer with a “tantalizing” friends-to-lover trope.
Esteemed readers, this author comes bearing positively splendid news. Take note of these familiar faces returning to the Ton — the diamond in the rough will, after all, be the diamond of Bridgerton season 3.
The Netflix original series, produced by Grey’s Anatomy‘s Shonda Rhimes, follows the Bridgerton family as they navigate London’s high society and embroil themselves in scandal under the watchful eye of the mysterious gossip columnist known as Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). To much fanfare, Shonda’s production company Shondaland confirmed both Bridgerton season 3 and 4.
Since the series is based on best-selling romance author Julia Quinn‘s eight-novel Bridgerton series, fans of the books already know the nitty-gritty details of the Bridgerton family chronicles. That said, next season’s on-screen love story will look much different than expected as showrunners skip ahead to another Bridgerton sibling’s love story with fan-favorite couples also reappearing.
Here’s everything we know about Bridgerton season 3, including the release date, cast and how to watch:
What is the release date for Bridgerton season 3?
Part One
- Episode 1: “Out of the Shadows” premieres May 16, 2024
- Episode 2: “How Bright the Moon” premieres May 16, 2024
- Episode 3: “Forces of Nature” premieres May 16, 2024
- Episode 4: “Old Friends” premieres May 16, 2024
Part Two
- Episode 5: “Tick Tock” premieres June 13, 2024
- Episode 6: “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” premieres June 13, 2024
- Episode 7: “Joining of Hands” premieres June 13, 2024
- Episode 8: “Into the Light” premieres June 13, 2024
Trailing some crumbs until then, new season 3 photos teased a slew of returning cast mates, including this season’s central pairing, Penelope and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). The Instagram caption reads: “This upcoming season all eyes are on a certain author … Although one set matters most, it seems.”
Which sibling will Bridgerton season 3 be about?
The table’s turning on Lady Whistledown … Next season skips ahead to the budding romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, which is explored in book four titled Romancing Mister Bridgerton. Hint, hint: It’s a friends-to-lovers arc.
“Like Lady Whistledown, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time, and I can confirm to you all that season 3 is Colin and Penelope’s love story,” Nicola revealed on May 15, 2023, at Netflix’s FYSEE Space. “I have kept that secret since two weeks into season 2. This is the first time I am saying it here.”
Though the show has traditionally followed the order of the books, Bridgerton showrunners gravitated toward shining the spotlight on Penelope and Colin next.
“I feel like, especially in the last season, there are these moments of tension between them,” showrunner Jess Brownell told Variety. “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.”
It’s a hop and skip away from what fans thought the original focus would be for the third season of Bridgerton as the next book in the series is An Offer From a Gentleman, which explores second eldest brother Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson)’s romance with Sophie Beckett. But don’t fret Benedict stans.
“Even though we’re reversing the order of the books, I think all the people you would expect to see — Benedict, who is book three, he will be a vital part of season 3,” Jess spilled to Variety.
Is there a Bridgerton season 3 trailer?
Alas, we wait with bated breath. However, an official season 3 sneak peek dropped on Valentine’s Day to tide fans over.
In the trailer, Penelope confronts Colin about a conversation she overheard. The scene in question refers to the Bridgerton season 2 finale moment when Colin stated he’d “never dream of courting” her (ouch).
“Of course you would never court me,” Penelope tells Colin in the new clip. “I am the laughing stock of the Ton, even when I change my entire wardrobe. It just never occurred to me that you, of all people, could be so cruel.”
What is season 3 of Bridgerton about?
Season 3 reportedly kicks off with Penelope yielding her unrequited love for Colin by finally deciding to take a husband (who’ll also allow her the independence to continue her work as Lady Whistledown). Colin returns from his summer travels with a serious glow up only to realize he’s losing his longtime friend.
In a bid to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a suitor. But when his lessons start working a little too well, it’s a reality check for Colin to face whether or not his feelings for Penelope are truly just platonic. Meanwhile, Penelope also struggles to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret amid her growing popularity in the Ton.
When asked by his on-screen little sister, Claudia Jessie, why Colin can’t see Penelope as his true match, Luke said, “Because they met when they were so young, in the cutest way possible. When I was reading the book, I’d say it’s such a lovely story.” What’s more, the actor added on a fact that has frustrated fans: “A lot’s going on. He can’t see what’s right in front of him.”
Whether that tension emits some steam? “It’s going to be tantalizing,” the actor Jonathan Bailey recently teased to E! News at the GQ Men of the Year event on November 16, 2023. “It’s going to be good. And also, my brother Luke Newton is bringing the heat with Nicola. So it’s going to be great.”
Of course, what’s Bridgerton without a ball? Production photos reveal a purple-themed extravaganza outside Osterley Park, a West London estate. E! News reported Regency-era carriages, white floral arrangements and people dressed to the nines — we can hear the violin pop covers now.
Perhaps, the Duchess of Hastings (Phoebe Dyvenor) aids in finding the diamond of the season by throwing a soiree dripping in her signature color.
Who will be in the Bridgerton season 3 cast?
Next chapter ushers in both the new and the old guard. Jonathan, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, and Simone Ashley, who plays Kate Sharma, officially return as the viscount and the new viscountess. Jess teased that Anthony will be “protecting his peace” in season 3.
“It’s just so nice to have Johnny and Simone back. They really worked for their happy ending last season,” she told Netflix Tudum. “[Now] they are lovey-dovey. They are playful.”
All the returning cast news begs the burning question: “Is the Duke returning to Bridgerton season 3?” Regé-Jean Page, who plays Simon, or the Duke of Hastings, continues to put the rumors to bed despite fans’ pleas. Though he’s shut the door completely, he told Variety he has no qualms if they recast his role.
“They’re free to do as they like,” Regé-Jean said at The Gray Man premiere. “Shonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of season 1. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one.” Sigh.
Expect a similar pattern to continue from season to season. “The books really focus on one romantic pair at a time and maybe the siblings have a little cameo here and there but they don’t have full stories,” Jess told Variety. “We feel like those moments when the whole family is together is what really makes the show and makes all of us, I think, want to be a Bridgerton.
She adds: “So yes, you will definitely be seeing Daphne, Anthony and Kate — how much, I don’t want to say quite yet, but you have to tune in.”
With that said, Netflix confirmed the following key players will grace our screens once again:
- Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton
- Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
- Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
- Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
- Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
- Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
- Harriet Cains as Philipa Featherington
- Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
- Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper
- Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
- Martins Imhange as Will Mondrich
- Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
- Polly Walker as Portia Featherington
- Hugh Sachs as Brimsley
- Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich
- Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix
Bringing in a fresh batch of suitors, the series welcomes three new characters who may vie for Penelope’s attention, including the charismatic Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), the eccentric Lord Debling (Sam Phillips) and the dashing, but dim-witted Harry Dankworth (James Phoon).
Another season 3 twist comes with the recasting of Francesca Bridgerton. Hannah Dodd has been tapped to replace original Bridgerton cast member Ruby Stokes, who made fleeting appearances in seasons 1 and 2. If all goes accordingly, the second youngest Bridgerton daughter is expected to take center stage in a potential sixth season of Bridgerton based on its matching book in Julia’s series, When He Was Wicked.
How can I watch and stream Bridgerton season 3 episodes?
Bridgerton season 1 and season 2 are available to stream exclusively on Netflix. You can grab your laptop and watch on the Netflix website. Or if you prefer to see shows on a mobile device, the Netflix app is available on smartphones, smart TVs and game consoles, among other platforms. In the event that you don’t have access to the streaming service yet, you can sign up for a Netflix subscription starting at $9.99 per month.
How can I read all the Julia Quinn novels while waiting for Bridgerton season 3?
Watched all of season 2 already? Good news: You don’t have to wait another year to find out what happens next. Dive right into all eight of the Bridgerton books now in the below order:
