June 3, 2024, 1:55 pm | Read time: 12 minutes
The series “Bridgerton” is one of the most successful Netflix productions of all time. With the second season available for streaming since March 2022, many are wondering: What about “Bridgerton” Season 3? Now, the first part of the series has premiered. TECHBOOK has all the important facts about the series.
Intricate intrigues, simmering rumors, scandals–and of course, grand emotions! Few series embody all this as much as “Bridgerton.” The first season premiered on Netflix in December 2020, the second in March 2022–and the third on May 16, 2024. Looking at the top 10 most successful English-language Netflix series, the first two seasons rank 4th and 9th, ahead of other major productions like “The Witcher.” Where Season 3 of “Bridgerton” will rank remains to be seen. However, the season has a good chance of a high placement, as it is released in two parts, which always boosts the numbers.
Overview
What to Know About the Start of “Bridgerton” Season 3
Netflix has now announced that the 3rd season of “Bridgerton” will premiere in mid-May. It is also clear that the streaming service will release the season of one of its biggest hit series in two parts.
These are the release dates for “Bridgerton” Season 3:
- Part 1 (with four episodes): May 16, 2024
- Part 2 (with four episodes): June 13, 2024
The reason fans had to wait so long for new episodes is due to some delays in filming. These are no longer related to COVID-19 and only slightly to the Hollywood strike. According to insider reports, last-minute changes to the scripts were to blame. Apparently, mastermind Shonda Rhimes insisted on these changes. According to some Netflix sources cited by the Daily Mail, Rhimes found the scripts too dark. There were also discussions about a specific “sex plotline”–though details are unknown. However, Rhimes was keen to maintain the lighthearted tone of the series, which is a key component of its success.
For those already wondering what will happen in Season 4, all the information can be found in our overview article.
Here is the trailer for “Bridgerton” Season 3:
And the separate trailer for “Bridgerton” Season 3 Part 2:
What the Series Has Been About So Far
The plot is set in early 19th-century London, focusing on the ball season. The mysterious Lady Whistledown, publisher of her own gossip sheet, stirs up trouble in this already stressful scenario by revealing the secrets of the upper class.
The Bridgerton family is part of this class; in the first two seasons, one of the family’s children was the focus. The series clearly follows the novel by Julia Quinn. Season 1 followed the eldest daughter Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and her love story with Simon, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). Season 2 primarily focused on her older brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), who, after their father’s death, takes on the role of family head and is torn between duty and his feelings for Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).
Read also: Netflix reveals how to use your account in other locations
The Plot of “Bridgerton” Season 3, Part 2
Warning, major spoilers ahead, both for the series so far and the novel!
So far, the series has followed the order of the books. However, showrunner Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”) has hinted multiple times that this order might change, and this has now been confirmed. Season 3 primarily revolves around Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.
Penelope and Colin Are at the Center of the Plot
In the original books, Colin (Luke Newton), the third eldest son, is the focus in Book 4. Since the storyline between him and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) already intensifies in Season 2, with her secretly harboring feelings for him, it makes sense for the series to bring this storyline forward. Especially since Penelope’s secret, that she is Lady Whistledown, is now known to both the audience and her friend Eloise (Claudia Jessie).
I really feel that now is the time for Colin and Penelope (…). I feel like, especially in the last season, there are these moments of tension between them, where it’s like Colin is on the verge of realizing that Penelope has feelings for him, but he doesn’t quite get there. Instead of treading water with this dynamic, we wanted to expand it in their season. It really felt like the perfect moment to do that.
Producer Jess Brownell to Variety
Book 4, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” focuses solely on the relationship between Colin and Pen. She has long been in love with her best friend’s brother, and he realizes, after returning from his world travels, that he has feelings for her too. Now that he has confessed his feelings, Penelope’s emotions for Colin and her secret identity as Lady Whistledown become a tightrope act. How will the two manage to overcome all obstacles in the end?
Also interesting: What illness does King George III from “Bridgerton” suffer from?
Preparatory Subplots Around the Other Bridgertons
If the books were followed, Benedict (Luke Thompson) would be next. The artistically gifted second son struggles with his role and societal expectations. When he discovers in Season 2 that his place at the art academy is due to family money, he falls into an identity crisis. Contrary to expectations, Season 3 does not delve further into this theme. Instead, Benedict now has an affair with the widowed Lady Tilly.
In the book, however, Benedict eventually marries someone else. He is particularly taken with a stranger at a masquerade ball: Sophie Beckett. In the novel, two years pass between Benedict’s and Sophie’s meeting at the ball and the end of their story. Perhaps Benedict will meet his mysterious stranger in “Bridgerton” Season 3, Part 2, but the storyline may not be resolved until a later season. This assumption is supported by the creators’ statement that Benedict will still be an important part of Season 3.
Also interesting: All new movies and series on Netflix
Eloise’s story could also be further developed in “Bridgerton” Season 3, Part 2. The rebellious second eldest daughter is actually due in Book 5. However, her character’s development has already received much attention in Seasons 1 and 2, and she has been quite present in Season 3 so far. Her future husband, Sir Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton), has already been introduced as Marina Thompson’s husband. Perhaps this storyline will find a preparatory place in Season 3. More likely, however, is that Eloise’s personal development will play a role after she and the print shop employee Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch) parted ways in a dispute.
After the character of Francesca Bridgerton was recast, the third eldest Bridgerton daughter now plays a larger role. Her love story was supposed to be addressed in Season 6 according to the book. However, “Bridgerton” Season 3, Part 1 has already laid the groundwork for it. How things will continue with her and Michael Sterling will surely be part of the rest of the third season.
The Cast of “Bridgerton” Season 3
As an ensemble series, the cast is quite extensive. According to current information, almost all known actors will return for “Bridgerton” Season 3.
Let’s start with the Bridgertons; for those who get confused with the names of the eight Bridgerton children, here’s a mnemonic: They are alphabetically ordered by age.
- Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey–eldest son and Viscount
- Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson–second eldest son and passionate artist
- Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton–third eldest son
- Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor–eldest daughter and Duchess of Hastings through marriage to Simon Basset (will not appear in Season 3)
- Eloise Bridgerton, played by Claudia Jessie–second eldest daughter, uncomfortable with British society and its constraints
- Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd–third eldest daughter
- Gregory Bridgerton, played by Will Tilston
- Hyacinth Bridgerton, played by Florence Hunt–youngest Bridgerton child, never met the late Viscount
- Lady Violet Bridgerton, played by Ruth Gemmel–mother of the Bridgerton children and wife of the late Viscount Edmund Bridgerton, does everything for her family’s well-being
Other important characters and their actors returning in Season 3:
- Lady Danbury, played by Adjoa Andoh–a friend of the family, influential widow
- Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuve–Queen of England
- Kate Bridgerton (née Sharma), played by Simone Ashley–Anthony’s wife
- Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan–Eloise’s best friend, writes under the pseudonym Lady Whistledown
- Lady Portia Featherington, played by Polly Walker–Penelope’s mother
- Sir Phillip Crane, played by Chris Fulton
There are, of course, some new additions in “Bridgerton” Season 3:
- Marcus Anderson, played by Daniel Francis–young and charismatic man of London society, marriage candidate
- Lord Debling, played by Sam Phillips–eccentric lord and marriage candidate
- Harry Dankworth, played by James Phoon–attractive young marriage candidate
- Tilley Arnold, played by Hannah New–hot-tempered young widow
New Actress Cast for Francesca Bridgerton
The most significant new addition to the season likely concerns the Bridgerton family itself. Previously, the sixth Bridgerton child, Francesca, was often absent, unlike her many siblings. It is now known that actress Ruby Stokes will not return to her role in Season 3. Instead, the part will be played by Hannah Dodd. The British actress has mostly appeared in smaller roles, most recently in the Marvel film “Eternals” and the series “Anatomy of a Scandal.” “Bridgerton” Season 3 could be her breakthrough if Francesca–as laid out in the book–gets her own season. The reason for the recasting is a scheduling conflict for Stokes.
Also interesting for Netflix fans: All info on “The Witcher” Season 4–how will the Netflix series continue without Henry Cavill?
Rumors About Regé-Jean Page’s Return to “Bridgerton” Season 3
After Regé-Jean Page’s prominent departure following the first season, the Duke only appeared by name; Daphne always visited her family alone. A solution born out of necessity–many fans wish for the actor’s return, and rumors frequently surface that Page might return for “Bridgerton” Season 3. According to an anonymous source, there were even talks between the actor and Netflix. “Nothing has been officially agreed yet, but we’ll see what happens. Things are still very uncertain at the moment, but it will undoubtedly be an exciting year for Regé,” the source is quoted in the British Sun.
Page has since denied the current rumors via Instagram. On his account, he posted a photo with Anthony actor Jonathan Bailey, writing: “No, I’m not returning to the show–the newspapers made that up.” In an interview with Variety, Page went even further, stating that he wouldn’t mind if the role were recast.
Popular Character Missing in the New Season
The main cast of “Bridgerton” is quite extensive, partly due to the size of the titular family. After Season 1, Regé-Jean Page, a prominent face, left the series. The Brit played the male protagonist Simon Basset, whose love story with the eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne was central. However, his co-star Phoebe Dynevor has now announced that she will not be part of “Bridgerton” Season 3. Her appearances as Daphne were already limited in Season 2, likely due to Page’s departure. His absence and her rare presence were explained in the series by the fact that the two no longer live in London and are primarily occupied with their young family.
In a Screenrant interview, the actress said she would watch “Bridgerton” Season 3 only as a viewer. However, there is good news for Daphne fans. The actress left open the possibility of her and her role rejoining the series in future “Bridgerton” seasons.
First Images from the New “Bridgerton” Season Reveal Exciting Details
Netflix Surprises With Trailer: What’s Next for the Beloved Series
More Info on “Bridgerton” Season 3
The Netflix hit “Bridgerton” is primarily the brainchild of Shonda Rhimes, a name familiar to most TV fans. She was and is responsible for “Grey’s Anatomy,” its spin-offs “Private Practice” and “Station 19,” as well as other successful series like “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Inventing Anna.” In 2017, a comprehensive deal with Netflix led to the creation of “Bridgerton.”
Showrunner Chris van Dusen, who was responsible for the first two seasons, is now replaced by Jess Brownell for “Bridgerton” Season 3, who has worked with Shonda Rhimes multiple times.
Filming has primarily taken place in England, especially in Bath and London. This will continue in the sequel, as Netflix has already built a massive set replicating historic London. The creators can also use an existing set for various interior shots.
Sources
- Deadline
- Variety
- The Sun
- Dailymail (“Hannah Dodd dons chic period attire as she films scenes in London as Francesca for the first time – while Jonathan Bailey reprises his role as Anthony during filming for Bridgerton series three,” accessed August 10, 2022)
- Dailymail (“Third season of Netflix hit Bridgerton is plunged into chaos as show bosses ‘axe “very dark” storyline after concerns were raised over a sex plotline’,” accessed January 9, 2023)
- Variety (“Regé-Jean Page Says ‘Bridgerton’ Can Recast His Role: ‘They’re Free to Do as They Like’,” accessed January 30, 2023)
- Screenrant (“One Of Bridgerton’s Biggest Stars May Be Absent In Season 3,” accessed March 3, 2023)
- IMDb