Your First Look At Netflix's 'Bridgerton' Season 3

On July 20, 2022, Bridgerton's official Instagram page revealed that filming has officially begun for Season 3. In a video, many cast members were seen in their period costumes and wigs, reminding us all why this show is considered one of the best-dressed series in recent memory. Filming officially wrapped up in March 2023, and since then, the cast has taken to social media, periodically providing fans with subtle hints and teasers regarding the highly anticipated third season. 

Each season of the iconic series focuses on a different member of the Bridgerton family. In Season 1, our Diamond of the First Water Daphne was the show's focus. Watchers followed her as she navigated her first season, and found true love. In Season 2, the eldest Bridgerton child got all the attention. As Anthony explored his romance with Kate Sharma and dealt with the hardships of trying to do right by his family, audiences fell in love with his determination and watched as he battled his inner demons. 

For Season 3, show creator Shonda Rhimes is parting from the order of the book series. Instead of sharing Benedict's story and his romance with Sophie Beckett, the third season will follow the love story between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton.

Per the synopsis, "Penelope Featherington has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton after hearing his disparaging words about her last season. She has, however, decided it's time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope's attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly. Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he's disheartened to realize that Penelope. the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly."

As for the cast, most of the original group is set to return. In an interview with Deadline, Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey confirmed their return to the series. Ashley said in her interview, "Kate and Anthony are just getting started." As for the rest of the Bridgerton family, Luke Thompson, Phoebe Dynevor, Claudia Jessie, and Luke Newton are guaranteed to return, although nothing has been officially announced. Other favourites, such as Nicola Coughlan, Adjoa Andoh, and Golda Rosheuvel are rumoured to be returning as well. 

There has been a casting change concerning the sixth Bridgerton sibling, Francesca. In Seasons 1 and 2, the character was played by Ruby Stokes, however, due to her role in another Netflix series, Stokes will be replaced with actress Hannah Dodd. There will also be some new characters added to the Ton. Actress Hannah New will be playing Lady Tilley Arnold, a young widow with a fiery personality and a love for her independence. Characters Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), Lord Debling (Sam Phillips), and Harry Dankworth (James Phoon) will also be making their Bridgerton debut.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Phoebe Dynevor stated that she would not be making a return for the third season, which has been confirmed alongside the release date announcement. However, Dynevor did insinuate there's a chance of reprising her role in future seasons.

Netflix announced that Bridgerton Season 3 will air in two separate parts. The first installment, containing the first four episodes, will be released on May 16, while the second part, also four episodes, will be aired almost a month later, on June 13. 

Just hours before the first Bridgerton event for Season 3—abundant in tons of peak Newton and Coughlin moments, by the way—Netflix dropped a surprise teaser clip full of all the drama, romance, and suspension that always leaves us coming back to the Ton. Fans went wild on social media in reaction to the clip, already eager for more Penelope and Colin content. ^