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Dearest readers, another Bridgerton love story is on the horizon, and it’s not the one you were expecting to be next. The hit Netflix series was renewed for a third season before season 2 even premiered. While Benedict Bridgerton’s love story would be next if the show was following the book series order, it’s officially Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s time to shine.
While we will have to endure a wait for season 3, at least there are 16 episodes to hold us over until the next installment. From the cast to the book order switch to an exciting spinoff, HollywoodLife has rounded up all the latest news about Bridgerton season 3 and more.
Will There Be A Season 3 Of ‘Bridgerton’?
Yes, Bridgerton has been renewed for season 3 already. The Netflix series got the green light for seasons 3 and 4 back in April 2021, just months after the first season premiered. Lady Whistledown issued a statement in her Society Papers: “Esteemed members of the Ton… It seems we have a rather special announcement. Bridgerton shall return for seasons 3 and 4. This author shall have to purchase more ink…”
After the massive success of the first season, Netflix didn’t waste any time revealing its plans for Bridgerton. “Bridgerton swept us off our feet,” Netflix VP of Global TV Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “The creative team, led by Shonda, knew the material and delivered a beautiful, emotional, romantic drama for our members. They have some exciting plans for the future, and we think audiences will continue to swoon for this show. We’re planning to be in the Bridgerton business for a long time to come.”
Shonda Rhimes, who serves as an executive producer, released her own statement: “This two-season pickup is a strong vote of confidence in our work, and I feel incredibly grateful to have partners as collaborative and creative as Netflix. Betsy [Beers] and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue bringing the world of Bridgerton to a worldwide audience.”
What Will Season 3 Be About?
The third book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, An Offer From A Gentleman, focuses on Benedict, the second oldest Bridgerton sibling. However, the show is switching things up in season 3. Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope, confirmed on May 15 that the third season will be all about Polin.
“Like Lady Whistledown I’ve been keeping quite a big secret for quite a long time… but I can finally tell you that @bridgertonnetflix… Season Three is Colin and Penelope’s Story,” she wrote on Instagram. Her co-star Luke Newton, who plays Colin, commented, “Here we go.”
Colin and Penelope’s love story is the fourth book in the Bridgerton series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. The same day as Nicola’s Instagram announcement, the Irish actress sat down with Yvette Nicole Brown at Netflix’s FYSEE Space’s opening night ATAS panel to talk all about Bridgerton, according to Deadline. She brought up that season 3 would be about Colin and Penelope as their friendship grows into something more. In the midst of all that’s going on with Polin, Penelope will be trying to keep up her secret life as Lady Whistledown.
The first two seasons of Bridgerton were based on The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me. Seasons 1 and 2 revolved around Daphne and Anthony’s love stories. The show has already been renewed for season 4, which could circle back to Benedict’s story.
Benedict’s book introduces Sophie Beckett, who is the daughter of an earl but has been forced to be a servant by her cruel stepmother. The story puts its own twist on the Cinderella tale. Sophie and Benedict first cross paths at a masquerade ball, and Benedict quickly becomes entranced by this mystery woman. We won’t spoil the entire story, but let’s just say these two get their fairy tale ending!
‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 Release Date
Netflix has not announced a release date for Bridgerton season 3 yet. The second season launched on March 25, 2022, and the first season premiered on Christmas Day 2020. Season 2 faced delays in production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming didn’t begin until March 2021 and wrapped 8 months later in November 2021.
Bridgerton season 3 should begin filming in 2022. The series could follow a similar trajectory as the first season and premiere in the latter half of 2023.
‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 Cast & Crew
Since season 3 is all about Colin and Penelope, Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan are confirmed to return. They are expected to be joined by fellow cast members Phoebe Dynevor, Luke Thompson, Claudia Jessie, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Will Tilston, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, and more. Hannah Dodd will be replacing Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton in season 3 and beyond.
Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey, who were at the center of season 2, will return as Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton. “We’re going to be back! Kate and Anthony are just getting started,” Simone told Deadline. “We have the amazing Jess Brownell who is taking the lead as showrunner in season 3. In season 2, 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 3 and kind of swim in that circle of love together. I think they both deserve it.”
Regé-Jean Page is not expected to return as the Duke of Hastings in the seasons to come. Between seasons 1 and 2, it was announced that Regé-Jean would not reprise the fan-favorite role, even though he’s married to Daphne. The Duke stayed at home while Daphne helped out her family in season 2.
Bridgerton’s third and fourth seasons will also be getting a new showrunner. The show’s creator and executive producer, Chris Van Dusen, is passing the baton to Jess Brownell. Jess will be the showrunner for seasons 3 and 4, with Chris still serving as an executive producer.
“Bridgerton will always have a special place in my heart and I think I did what I set out to do,” Chris told RadioTimes.com. He also added, “But at the end of the day, you know, it was time for me to move on, and hopefully create that magic again in the near future.”
How Many Seasons Of ‘Bridgerton’ Will There Be?
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series follows all 8 Bridgerton siblings. With that information, we could be looking at a whopping 8 seasons of the Netflix series, and we’re not mad about it. Netflix has not announced plans for seasons 5 and beyond — yet.
Bridgerton’s reign is expanding even more. Shonda Rhimes is also writing a limited prequel series based on the early years of Queen Charlotte, according to Deadline. The character was created for the Bridgerton TV series, so the possibilities are endless for her origins. The spinoff will also explore young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.
“Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton,” Bela Bajaria, Netflix head of global TV, said in a statement. “Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled.”
