Dearest gentle reader, the wait is almost over. That’s right — on Dec. 12, 2023, Netflix announced that Season 3 of Bridgerton will premiere in not just one, but two parts. The new season will focus on Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) romance with Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), just as Seasons 1 and 2 followed the love lives of Colin’s siblings Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), respectively.
Now, since it’s been well over a year since Season 2 premiered — March 25, 2022, to be exact — I think it’s fair to say we could all use a little refresher on the Bridgerton family drama. Spoiler alert: Spoilers for Bridgerton Season 2 follow.
For starters, one of the most important things you need to know is that Penelope is the Lady Whistledown, a secret uncovered by Eloise Bridgerton in a massive fight that ended their long-standing friendship. Another key point to remember: The same night of their fight, Penelope overheard Colin telling his friends he’d never court a woman like her… ouch.
As fans look ahead to Season 3, Penelope’s broken heart creates the perfect backdrop for her and Colin’s evolving relationship. Anyone else sensing some Anthony-and-Kate inspired, enemies-to-lovers tension? Or maybe more of a She’s All That vibe, where Colin finally sees Penelope’s potential? I can already hear the orchestra version of “You Belong With Me” playing at the next ball. I’m sure many of us could continue daydreaming about all the Bridgerton possibilities, but let’s return our attention to what we really know so far.
Bridgerton Season 3 Premiere Date
Season 3 will premiere in two parts, with Part 1 releasing on May 16, 2024 and Part 2 releasing on June 13, 2024.
Bridgerton Season 3 Sneak Peek Clip
On Feb. 14, following a virtual sneak peek event, Netflix released the very first look at the new season with an exclusive Polin clip and photos.
In the clip, we see Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) getting emotional while talking to Colin (Luke Newton) after he says he misses her after his long travels. Rightfully, she brings up the moment from the ball when Colin said he’d never court her. It’s clear she’s had a glow-up both inside and out, and it will take some work from Colin to get back in her good graces. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but this author already loves the drama.
Bridgerton Season 3 Trailer
On April 11, Netflix finally gave us an official trailer after months of waiting. The trailer unveils even more steamy romances, heartwarming friendships, and iconic glow-ups. In addition to spotlighting Colin and Penelope’s romance, the Season 3 trailer also shows Violet and Francesca Bridgerton possibly also finding love. Fan-faves Anthony Bridgerton (Johnathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley) also return to show off their sweet marriage, as well as Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) and Alice Mondirch (Emma Naomi).
In case you want a full breakdown of the season, Netflix did release an official synopsis! TLDR: To win back Penelope’s friendship, Colin offers to help her become more confident so she can find a husband. However, through their time together, Colin begins to develop feelings and must decipher if they’re truly platonic, or if there’s something romantic budding between them. Meanwhile, it’s becoming much harder for Penelope to keep her identity as Lady Whistledown a secret, especially since her friendship with Eloise has ended.
Bridgerton Season 3 Cast
Season 3 will see the return of many fan-favorite cast members. Obviously, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and Claudia Jessie will play Penelope, Colin, and Eloise, respectively. Fans will also be excited to know that Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley will be returning to the screen as Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma.
Variety also reports that Ruth Gemmell will return as Violet Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel will return as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh will return as Lady Danbury, and, of course, Julie Andrews will return as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
It’s unknown if Phoebe Dynevor will make an appearance as Season 1’s society diamond, Daphne Bridgerton, but Regé-Jean Page famously said Season 1 would be his only appearance on the hit show. I wouldn’t hold my breath to see either of these two in Season 3.
Luckily, there are sure to be some new faces joining the Bridgerton family, as Netflix’s synopsis revealed Eloise “has found a new friend in a very unlikely place.” I wonder if that friend will be Lady Tilley Arnold, “a firebrand widow,” played by Hannah New. It’s also been announced Hannah Dodd will replace Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton.
Bridgerton has already been renewed for a fourth season, so there’s no need to worry that the story is anywhere near its end! In the meantime, I think it’s time to rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 (and Queen Charlotte!) so I’m all caught up on the ton’s drama. Maybe I’ll finally be able to catch the Easter egg Nicola Coughlan teased back in 2021!