We are head over heels in love with all things Bridgerton. The relationships, the characters, the Gossip Girl-meets-Jane Austen storylines. After waiting far too long for a sneak peek of season 3, Netflix *finally* released exclusive images that continue to have us shipping Polin (Penelope and Colin, of course.). Not only that, but Netflix shared more images from the upcoming season and it looks like things will be heating up in the new season!
Here's the latest season 3 Bridgerton news, as well as some fan theories that might just carry us into season 4.
Why is Lady Danbury so important in Bridgerton?
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
We loved getting to know more about Lady Danbury in Queen Charlotte, and turns out, we weren't the only ones! At a Bridgerton x International Delights event in NYC, we talked to Lady Danbury herself, Adjoa Andoh! "In seasons one and two, I had a pretty strong sense of who Lady Danbury was," Andoh says. "Doing Queen Charlotte filled in a lot of the early life for me in concert with Shonda [Rhimes'] enormous storytelling brain. And so I could take all of that into season three."
Andoh also says that since the Bridgerton's grandfather was the love of Lady Danbury's life, it explains why she cares so much about their family: "You understand the investment she has in the Bridgerton family more because they are his grandchildren, and so I am invested in them because I loved him."
But for Bridgerton season 3, we'll also see a stronger connection between Lady Danbury and Penelope Featherington. "I think Lady Danbury sees a lot of her young self in Penelope," she continues. "I think she's sort of an overlooked item who is shoved in one direction just as Penelope is an overlooked item who no one thinks is ever gonna get married. So both of these women in their young lives have had to understand that if they are gonna survive, they have to live on their own natural brilliance, strategy, intelligence, and gifts."
"[Season 3 of Bridgerton] made me sad and it made me happy and all those things in between because it just reminded me of being the wallflower teenager that I was," Andoh says. "I think there's heaps of us out there, not just women, I think there's heaps of us out there who have felt that we are regarded as less than by our peers. And so, this is the season for us."
Andoh's advice for the wallflowers out there? "I have a friend who says, 'What's for you won't pass you by,'" she says. "Don't wait and pine, hang out with your friends have a fabulous life. The world is amazing and interesting and just dive into your curiosity. Think about what's fabulous about you and lean hard in on that and don't wait for someone else to give you the confirmation that you are as fabulous as you should know you are."
Watch This Official Clip From Bridgerton Season 3
Image via Netflix
After Colin told literally everyone at the Featherington ball that he would "never" court Penelope (I'm still fuming, TBH), he finally realizes something is wrong in their friendship. When he says he misses her, soft-spoken and sweet Penelope finally confronts him about the hurtful things he said at the party, which is exactly what he needs to hear if you ask me. If this man doesn't beg for her forgiveness I don't want it!! Watch the clip here.
The First Season 3 Bridgerton Sneak Peek
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There are two things I love aboutthis new season 3 Bridgerton clip: first, the tension and chemistry between Nicola Coughlan's Penelope and Luke Newton's Colin is SO REAL and I am HERE FOR IT. The second is how awkward this interaction is because when you realize you're falling in love with your best friend, it really is awkward sometimes. I cannot get enough of this duo and I can't wait to see them finally admit their feelings for each other (hopefully after some more will-they-won't-they pining) later this spring. Watch the sneak peek here.
What is the new season of Bridgerton about?
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
After giving up on whether Colin could ever return her feelings, Penelope decides to find a husband who will give her the independence she needs as Lady Whistledown. But when Colin offers to help her along the way, and his help begins to pay off, he realizes that his feelings for her might be more than platonic.
When is Bridgerton season 3 is coming out?
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Netflix announced on December 12 that season 3 of Bridgerton will release in two parts in 2024: Part I on May 16 and Part II on June 13th. Until then, catch up on the first two seasons, as well as the prequel series Queen Charlotte, on Netflix!
Who's in the season 3 Bridgerton cast?
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Season 3 of Bridgerton will be led by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, and we'll see lots of our favorites return, like Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Luke Thompson, Claudia Jessie, Hannah Dodd, Will Tilston, Florence Hunt, Ruth Gemmell.
Will Penelope and Eloise happily reunite in season 3 of Bridgerton?
Image via Netflix
It seems like former best friends Penelope and Eloise are having a conversation. Judging from the expression on Penelope's face and Eloise's folded arms, it appears that things are still tense between them. Jess Brownwell, Bridgerton's show runner told the outlet, "I'm rooting for them," while admitting their friendship breakup is, "...a chance for the two of them to grow and learn about themselves..."
It's interesting to see if Eloise will remain icy towards Penelope after the abrupt end of their friendship in Season 2.
Why is Penelope wearing more blues and greens than her staple yellows?
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
It's clear throughout the first season that each family has their own color representing the journey ahead of them — the beloved Bridgertons wear sophisticated blues and lavenders while the Featheringtons wear loud yellows as they try to climb the social ladder.
This is very intentional, and throughout season 3 we'll see Penelope transition from her staple yellow dresses into more greens and blues, a symbol of her union with Colin Bridgerton. Costume designer Sophie Canale confirmed this color theory to People, sharing that the green dress Penelope wears in episode four was a nod to her future relationship with Colin. After all, green *is* a mix of yellow and blue.
In the beginning of the season, Penelope and her mother are both wearing green instead of their usual lemon yellow. But instead of a pastel green like her previous dress, this one is very vibrant and tinged with a lot of warm tones. Even if Penelope is growing, the ties to her family are still strong.
Considering season two ended with Penelope getting into a fight with Eloise — and overhearing Colin say he would never court her — it makes sense that Penelope would turn more into her family than ever before.However, in an on-set interview with This Morning, Coughlan wore a dress that appears to be a muted seafoam, meaning it features more blue than yellow.
If Penelope wears lime at the beginning of the season and seafoam at the end, it's a perfect representation of her emotional arc. She moves from feeling overshadowed by her family to being embraced by Colin (hopefully sooner rather than later!!), and it creates a whole new color just for her.
Penelope is, and always will be, a mix of both Featherington and her love for Colin. Good thing for us, Canale takes us on that journey with her.
Will Benedict still play a role in season 3 of Bridgerton?
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The third book in the Bridgerton series, An Offer From A Gentleman, focuses on Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett. Even though the third season of the show will revolve around Colin and Penelope, fans are anticipating an important plot point could still happen this year.
"I'm reading Benedict's book, and between the ball the Bridgertons threw where he met Sophie and when they meet again there's a gap of two years, enough for the unfolding of Penelope and Colin's [arc]," lovin_da_dix says on Reddit. "My theory is that the Bridgertons will throw the ball this season, we would briefly see Sophie and the writers would carry the storyline through season 4."
Not only would a ball give us an excuse to see Colin and Penelope dance again, but it would also set up the next season of the show! That is some serious script planning. But considering the characters in Bridgerton love throwing a party, and a ball would fit right in with the book's timeline, this is one theory we could totally see coming true.
Does Daphne appear in season 3 of Bridgerton?
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No, Daphne will not be in season 3 of Bridgerton. Actress Phoebe Dynevor revealed she wouldn't return to the series at the Sundance Film Festival inJanuary of 2023.
Which couple will season 3 of Bridgerton be about?
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Bridgerton season 3 will focus on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. This is the first time fans will get to see a couple they've been rooting for since the beginning, and I can't wait!
Here's Your First Look At Season 3 Of Bridgerton
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) — who moonlights as town gossip Lady Whistledown — touted pale blue dresses that complemented her red hair, styled in soft waves.
"Do contain your excitement," the show tweeted, adding on Instagram, "The author is about to become the main character."
And according to Nicola, fans are in for a wild ride. The actress described her season as "magical," "romantic" and "quite scandalous" while speaking at Tudum's Brazil event, per Shondaland.
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Colin doesn't look too shabby either.
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
(Hopefully) a happy couple in the works!
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
...Or not as happy as we thought.
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
It looks like the loving couple are still enjoying marital bliss in season 3 of Bridgerton.
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Colin's expression makes us want to ask him, "Why so serious?"
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Colin may be showing Penelope potential suitors she can engage with.
Image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Something is really concerning Lady Violet, but Francesca (played by Hannah Dodd who replaces Ruby Stokes) and Hyacinth seem to be taking it in stride.
Keep up to date with our season 3 Bridgerton news and let us know in the comments what you're looking forward to seeing in the new season!
Lead image via Liam Daniel/Netflix.
This post has been updated.