*Warning: This article contains Bridgerton season two spoilers*
Bridgerton has captured the world’s imagination and had use dreaming of house dresses, bejewelled tiaras, ribbon chokers and feather-trimmed heels for the best part of two years.
In December 2020, the Shonda Rhimes-produced show arrived on Netflix with a bang, and made us fall in love with actors Nicola Coughlan, Rege-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor, and regency-style drama. A month later, the streaming platform announced the show had become its biggest ever launched series – outranking The Witcher, Stranger Things and The Queen's Gambit – and reaching 41% of all Netflix subscribers.
After a long, and what seemed like an agonising wait for fans, season two of the show dropped on Netflix in March 2022, welcoming old faces (Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton) and new (Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma).
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Unsurprisingly, the second season went down a storm with fans, despite arguably fewer steamy sex scenes and the absence of Page (aka Simon Basset, The Duke Of Hastings).
Bridgerton fans have since been left in mourning after bingewatching season two in one sitting (who came blame them?), and we're now looking ahead to a third season of the hit TV show, which is currently filming.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bridgerton season three...
Is Bridgerton season three confirmed?
Yes, indeed it is.
On April 13, 2021, Netflix confirmed not only a third season for the award-winning show, but a fourth too. Announced in typical Bridgerton style - via Lady Whistledown, of course - the statement read:
Esteemed members of the Ton,
It seems we have a rather special announcement. Bridgerton shall return for seasons three and four. This author shall have to purchase more ink...
Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown
Rhimes, the brains behind the Bridgerton TV adaptation (plus Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and more) also gave a statement following the news:
'From the first time I read Julia Quinn’s delicious Bridgerton series, I knew these were stories that would captivate a viewing audience,' Rhimes said. 'But the evolution of this adaptation would not be a success without the many significant contributions of the entire Shondaland team. This two-season pickup is a strong vote of confidence in our work... Betsy [Beers[ and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue bringing the world of Bridgerton to a worldwide audience.'
In a March interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rhimes revealed season three is being written, but wouldn’t shed light on its plot.
Ashley later revealed to E! News that the next installment will 'get super steamy'. While speaking to the news outlet at Time100's Next Gala, she said it's 'condensation central'. In reference to the season three plot, she enthused: 'I'm very happy when I'm reading the scripts. When I receive them, I've got a beaming smile on my face.'
While refraining from giving away any specific details, Ashley referenced the burgeoning romance between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Coughlan) - the focus of the third season. 'It's Polin, love and new beginnings,' she said of what to expect.
Ashley previously opened up about season three exclusively with Deadline following the release of season two. ‘We’re going to be back! Kate and Anthony are just getting started,’ she revealed.
'We have the amazing Jess Brownell who is taking the lead as showrunner in Season three. In Season two, there was a lot of push and pull between Kate and Anthony, there were complications with the family, and then they find each other towards the end. I think everything is just starting. I’d like to see Kate just let go a bit more and play more in season three and kind of swim in that circle of love together. I think they both deserve it.’
On October 2, 2022, former ELLE UK cover star Coughlan took to Instagram to defend the upcoming third season, per The Independent. This came after it was announced earlier in 2022 that instead of focussing on Julia Quinn's third book, which highlights Benedict Bridgerton's search for the 'one', the third season of the show will explore Coughlan's character Penelope Featherington and her romance with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Fans later took to Instagram to share their frustration, suggesting that the season should instead focus on Claudia Jessie's Eloise Bridgerton instead.
'I’m late about this news. But I heard next instalment is about Penelope and Colin. That is ridiculous. She ruined everyone’s life, get the money and just walk away with happy ending, [sic]' one person wrote.
'The next season should about Eloise, but instead the made it for minor fan. Good luck [sic],' added another.
In response, Coughlan took to her Instagram Stories to write: 'Loads of people get mad at me for things Penelope did, but I really didn’t do them because it’s a script and I see the words and do acting. Please be nice to me. [sic]
'I will never have any say over storylines, what order stories are going in, what’s on posters, who’s on posters, who’s doing what press. That’s, like, way beyond my skill set.
'I’m there to do the acting and, you know, I don’t have a choice in most things. I wouldn’t be like, "This my best hair look",' she added, sharing a promotional shot of her character. I mean, I was meant to look like that and Lou [Bannell] who did this hair and makeup, I love you. But, I was meant to look like a sad poodle, so I looked like a sad poodle.'
Speaking in January 2024, Coughlan shared her excitement at the upcoming season. 'I’m so excited, I honestly can’t wait, the fans of Bridgerton are amazing and they are impatient for the series, and I’m like, "You think you’re impatient, you’ve no idea how impatient I feel about it", but it’ll be finally coming out in 2024.
Luke Newton plays Colin who is my love interest in the show is so wonderful. They’ve upgraded my wig as you can see and that was a real delight.'
In March 2024, the star got fans even more excited, telling hosts of The One Show that even though Penelope is 'always having a terrible time, a big 'change' is coming for her character in season three.
'It is eight months filming for a season, it changes so much, it is a very action packed season,' said Coughlan, speaking to hosts Lauren Laverne and Jermaine Jenas. She didn't give too much more away, but it's safe to speculate that her comments likely refer to her complicated ongoing friendship-romance with Colin.
As of April 2024, there are rumours that this season of Bridgerton will be the raciest yet, with some exciting scenes in the works. Reportedly (per The Sun), the series will feature a lesbian sex scene and a threesome.
Commenting on the sex scenes she filmed for the show, Coughlan told Entertainment Weekly: 'We did break a piece of furniture while doing one scene. It's a little bit like a stunt in which they're like, "Okay, we're gonna do this, this, and this".'
The series' showrunner, Jess Brownell, who has taken the reins this season from creator Chris Van Dusen, confirmed to Pride that there will be some sort of queer romantic frisson in the third outing too.
'This is a show about love in its many forms and I think that it's only right for us to foreground queer love and to tell queer stories. I want to see more queer joy on my screens and that was definitely a priority for me when I stepped into the showrunner role,' she told the outlet. 'How exactly that plays out over this season and the next couple seasons, I can't say specifically, but I will say I'm excited for fans to see that.'
What happened in Bridgerton season two?
To recap, the second season’s plot focusses on the eldest Bridgerton sibling, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, and his love for Kate Sharma, the eldest sister of his wife-to-be, Edwina Sharma. Viscount Bridgerton thinks he’ll never find a ‘love match’ and views marriage as nothing more than a necessity in order to continue his family’s legacy, but a meeting with Kate Sharma soon changes his mind.
In the end, he proposes to Kate and, despite her reluctance at the beginning given her concern over how her sister Edwina would react, she agrees to follow her heart and say ‘yes’. The pair finally get married at the end of the season, and the Queen tells Edwina that she has a nephew – who is a prince – that she would love to introduce her to.
Speaking about her character’s connection with Viscount Bridgerton in season two, Sharma told Deadline: ‘[Kate is] in charge of the household now and she’s got big boots to put on. I think she can do it.
‘I want to keep that softness and vulnerability to Kate, for sure, and she can share that with Anthony. I’m just excited for her to have a home and to have a family. I’m excited to see her grow. I think I’d like to see Kate being much braver and less headstrong and more heart strong.’
What is the Bridgerton season three plot?
In May 2022, we learned that Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington, aka Lady Whistledown), is set to be the focus of season three, and the former ELLE UK cover star later opened up about whether she's prepared to film intimate sex scenes.
Appearing on E! News' Daily Pop, she said: 'I'm gonna have to be!'
She admitted, however, that it's 'terrifying' taking the forefront position in the next season, but added she's 'known for a really long time' and so has had a chance to get her head around the idea.
She said: 'I've known for, like, two weeks into filming season two, so I had a lot of time to adjust to it.
'But then, last night when they were like, "The news is coming out. You can talk about it," I was like, "I don't want to. I'm too scared." When I say it out [loud], it makes it real.'
When appearing on the ATAS panel for the opening night of Netflix's FYSEE Space on Sunday May 15, she confirmed that season three will put her character Penelope's love story with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) at the centre.
She explained, per People: 'Like Lady Whistledown, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time and I can confirm to you all that season three is Colin and Penelope's love story.'
'I have kept that secret since two weeks into season two. This is the first time I am saying it here.'
Speaking at a Valentine's Day fan panel hosted by Netflix, Coughlan also teased fans with the news of a 'love triangle.'
Of Colin's offer to help Penelope find a husband, Coughlan quipped, 'She's like, "Fine, I don't love you at all. This will work out great with no problems." So she finds some suitors, some more successful than others. But one is very, very fond of her.'
According to a synopsis shared by the streaming platform, when the new season opens, Penelope has given up on her 'long-held crush' on Colin, after being left hurt by his cruel-spirited comments about her. She has instead decided that the time is right for her to find a husband, however, Penelope lacks confidence, and her attempts to meet a potential partner fail 'spectacularly'.
Colin, meanwhile, has 'returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger', but he is disheartened when he sees that Penelope is 'giving him the cold shoulder'. Colin offers to mentor Penelope but, in true Bridgerton fashion, his lessons start taking effect, and Colin must work out whether his feelings for Penelope are 'truly just friendly'.
There has been chemistry between Penelope and Colin since season one, though subtly.
But while sparks continued to fly between them in the last season, Colin was heard telling a group of friends that he'd 'never dream of courting' her.
Season three is based on the fourth instalment in Julia Quinn’s book series, Romancing Mr Bridgerton, rather than the third novel, An Offer From A Gentleman, which focuses on the second Bridgerton brother, Benedict.
Speaking to Bustle about the fan theory that, if Penelope gives up the title of Lady Whistledown Lady Danbury might assume the title, Andoh said: 'I think she can applaud Lady Whistledown, but that is not her way. I think Lady Danbury absolutely applauds and celebrates the wit of Lady Whistledown — the chutzpah, if you like — and the good writing. But I think she has her own structures that she has operated successfully since she had it out with Princess Augusta in Queen Charlotte.'
Would the Bridgerton season three cast be the same as season one and two?
Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Basset (née Bridgerton), sent fans into a panic by suggesting that her character might not be returning for Bridgerton's upcoming season three.
The actor hinted at the news during a recent interview with Screen Rant at the Sundance Film Festival, in response to the question of whether there will be 'any exciting dynamics coming up for Daphne in Bridgerton season three?'
Dynevor responded: 'Sadly not in season three. Potentially in the future. But season three, I'm just excited to watch as a viewer.' Netflix is yet to confirm the news.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Ruby Stokes, who starred as Francesca Bridgerton for the last two seasons of Bridgerton, is leaving for a role in another Netflix series - Lockwood & Co.
Taking up the reins instead is Hannah Dodd, who starred in domestic crime drama Anatomy Of A Scandal, alongside the likes of Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend and Michelle Dockery.
Stokes had a fleeting appearance in season one and starred in just three episodes of season two. Somewhat of a mystery, her character is reserved but joins in with family affairs. She treads carefully and has a cunning sense of humour that leaves us intrigued.
Other new cast members include Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson, Sam Phillips as Lord Debling, and James Phoon as Harry Dankworth. Francis' character is set to be a charming man, who draws the attention of the show's matriarchs while Lord Debling is a man of wealth, and may stir trouble between Penelope and Colin's relationship as he will be one of Penelope's potential suitors. It's expected that Dankworth's good looks will catch the eye of the ladies.
Besides Lord Debling, no further information has been revealed about both Marcus Anderson and Harry Dankworth, and where they will sit in the plot.
As for the rest of the cast, Ashley has already spoken about her excitement over the script, and we imagine the others will reprise their roles, unless some of the stars back out of the production.
Considering the books chronicle the Bridgerton family in particular, we are hoping that the eight siblings will feature in each episode.
On Reddit, viewers discovered in September 2023 that The Girl Before star David Mumeni has joined the cast of the third season in a regular role, according to his official portfolio, leading many fans to wonder where his character Lord Samadani will fit into the new series.
'I think he’s got something to do with Penelope and Colin,' one Redditor suggested. 'The only ones who follow him on Instagram are Luke [Thompson] and Nicola [Coughlan] (and vice versa), and they have shared things from his account.'
Other eagle-eyed fans noted that Mumeni’s regular role indicates he will be featured heavily in the new season. 'A regular role is defined as one of the main characters, appearing in nearly every episode,' one fan commented, while another weighed in: 'I cannot think of anyone else from the books who would be a regular unless he’s a Benedict plotline made for this season?'
On April 2, 2021 Netflix announced - via a letter from Lady Whistledown - that Regé-Jean Page’s character wouldn’t feature in season two of the hit show, stating: ‘We will miss Simon's presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.'
Page later took to social media to describe his role as ‘an absolute pleasure and privilege’, thanking ‘the incredibly creative and generous cast and crew’ and his ‘outstanding fans’.
And in the lead-up to the release of season three, Page has finally revealed the 'real' reason that he decided to leave Bridgerton – and take much-loved character Duke Simon Basset with him. Speaking with Vanity Fair, Page said 'I signed up to do a job and I did the job and then I did some other jobs. That's it. That's the story. I wish it was more glamorous than that.'
'We finished the story,' he continued. 'The temptation would be to roll with the distractions and go, "Oh, well, the story went really well so we can kind of change this up and make some other stuff up, I guess." That was never what we'd signed up to do.'
Is there a Bridgerton season three trailer?
Yes! The official Bridgerton season three trailer dropped on 11 April 2024. It focuses on Penelope and Colin, giving major hints at a friends-to-lovers situation with a lot of shots of Colin staring longingly at the Featherington sister.
At one point he asks, 'Mother, do you believe the best foundation for love is friendship?' before a cut to a scene that shows him laughing with Penelope. She replies: 'It is rare, but you must follow your heart.'
Meanwhile, Penelope is shown to be on her search for a husband (with some help from Colin), while Eloise appears to have forged an unlikely friendship with Cressida Cowper. The former enemy of Penelope and Eloise, who's been portrayed as unpleasant in previous series, may become even more of a villain in season three.
Rumour has it that the reason season three was delayed was due to Rhimes not being happy with its storyline, a source told the The Daily Mail.
'We have been told that it needs the fun back so there are changes, which of course means delays,' the source told the publication. 'One thing is for sure though, the production team want to get it right for Bridgerton fans so they enjoy it as much as they have in the past. There are some elements that Shonda is just not happy with so wants to change them.'
In the meantime, you can watch Bridgerton season one and two (again) on Netflix.
Does Bridgerton season three have a release date?
The eight-episode third season will follow in the footsteps of The Crown's final season and will be split into two parts. The first four episodes will be released on May 16, followed by the release of the final four on June 13.
In July 2022 Coughlan shared a video on her Instagram account of herself and her castmates on the set of Bridgerton season three. In the clip the cast can be seen holding up two fingers before flicking up a third figure to presumably represent the third season.
'Get ready for the (carriage) ride of your lives, filming for #Bridgerton Season Three has officially begun, [sic]' Coughlan captioned the clip.
Speaking to Virgin Media Television's The Six O'Clock Show in November, Coughlan said season three is 'closer than it's ever been,' but admitted not having exact dates.
Season one premiered in December 2020, and season two dropped on Netflix in spring 2022, but was likely delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to eagle-eyed fans, Netflix reportedly released a promo for the new season on its social media channels teasing a release date of 14 December, 2023, before quickly deleting it.
We will continue to update this article as more information comes out.
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Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
