Springtime often means a host of new shows as well as new seasons dropping on streaming and major networks, and 2024 is proving to be no exception. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely seen the trailer for the upcoming season of Netflix and Shondalands’ smash romance hit Bridgerton, whose third season drops in two parts beginning on May 16th.
With the book adaptation TV show achieving popularity from both fans of the series of novels by Julia Quinn and the binging population alike, many are speculating as to what to expect from this latest installment in the series. From returning fan favorites to brand new characters, there are so many possibilities open to the Bridgerton family and their circle as the show hits its third season.
~Spoiler alert for previous seasons of Bridgerton~
Glow Ups and New Characters
Season 3 of Bridgerton will follow the fourth book in the Bridgerton timeline, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, and focus on well-established characters of Lady Whistledown herself Penelope Featherington, and third son Colin Bridgerton. This decision made by showrunners deviates from the order of the novels.
With siblings Daphne and Anthony having each found their happy ending in the first two seasons respectively, folks initially expected that the third season would continue to follow the order of the novels and focus on Benedict Bridgerton, the second eldest son and lead of his own novel An Offer From A Gentleman. Showrunners chose to skip his installment at least for the time being instead bringing Penelope and Colin to the forefront of the story (here’s hoping that Benedict, played charmingly by Luke Thompson, will have his moment to shine sometime in the future).
As we’ve seen the seasons progress thus far, the Bridgerton siblings have had an opportunity to experience a bit of a glow-up with regards to wardrobe and makeup tweaks made between seasons. Season three is proving to be following the same pattern, with both Colin and Penelope in particular experiencing a dramatic shift to their previous looks.
Perhaps Penelope’s transformation is part of the reason that season three introduces us to a prominent new character named Lord Debling (played by Sam Philips). Described as a wealthy and somewhat eccentric noble, his character will serve as a potential romantic rival for Colin, and open his eyes to the possibility of finding love with a dear friend.
RelatedBridgerton Season 1 Recap: A Historical Fiction Rewatch
Possible Romantic Storylines For Multiple Characters
While audiences are excited to explore the dynamic of Polin, season three may offer more in the way of potential love interests and romantic storylines for some other characters as well.
With the success of the prequel series Queen Charlotte, Bridgerton lovers were treated to a rich backstory focused largely on the early marriage and struggles of the fan-favorite character Queen Charlotte and her love story with King George. While the couple in their youth was the main focus of the series, Queen Charlotte does offer a more intimate look at the characters of Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, providing us with different facets of each woman and solidifying their sweet friendship with one another.
Heading into a new era in both of their lives – and based on Violet’s confession of loneliness in Queen Charlotte – it will be interesting to see if either or both women are given the opportunity to explore their own potential romantic connections. The introduction of a character by the name of Marcus Anderson could present the opportunity for Violet to take up a little gardening, as it were.
RelatedSilver Screen: Top 10 Book-To-TV Show Adaptations You Need To Binge
Center Stage For Other Bridgerton Siblings
One thing that season 3 may allow the audience is the opportunity to explore the storylines of the lesser-featured members of the Bridgerton family. As this is the first season that doesn’t introduce a brand new Bridgerton or their love interest, season three presents the opportunity to see certain siblings flourish.
Per the trailer, season 3 will mark Bridgerton sister Francesca’s first season out in society and officially on the marriage market. This may give us the opportunity to see Francesca as a more formed character and present some potential to kick off her own storyline that was presented in her novel titled When He Was Wicked.
As well, this new season may offer a deeper look at Benedict, offering the opportunity to expand upon his own storyline and potentially set up his own individual season (one can hope).
RelatedThe Duke And I – A Romance Novel (Bridgerton: Book One)
Final Thoughts for Season Three
No matter what a new season brings, audiences can certainly count on another swoon-worthy storyline for the members of the ton. The chemistry between Penelope and Colin has certainly been brewing for the past two seasons, and one thing we can all agree on is that we’re ready to see that tension come to a head.
Bridgerton season 3: part 1 drops on Netflix this Thursday, May 16th, with part 2 coming June 13th.
