The first series of Bridgerton arrived on Christmas Day in 2020 and immediately bumped gold, frankincense and myrrh (whatever that is) down the list of great Christmas gifts.
The perfect antidote to a global lockdown, it mixed escapism with loose history in a way that was never short of drama or romance. Familiar, yet fiction. Shocking, yet soothing. It’s easy to see how it’s been catapulted into the realm of pop culture breakouts.
Here’s all we know about the third season of Bridgerton, coming soon to Netflix.
Any news on the Bridgerton season 3 release date?
Nothing’s confirmed yet, but the expectation is for season 3 to land sometime before the end of 2023. Unlike, say, The Crown, which consistently lands in November, Bridgerton has hit our screens in December (season 1) and March (season 2). Maybe stick a few sovereigns on October?
What will it be about?
Story specifics are still under wraps but it’s practically guaranteed that fans will once again witness all the scandalous drama, NSFW sex scenes, opulent fashion and first-world problems that Regency-era London has to offer.
We do know that he third season will revolve around Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and her friendship-turned-romance with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Season 3 will begin with Penelope ostracised after being outed as ‘Queen of Gossip’, Lady Whistledown.
Stranded from her social circle, Penelope decides to take her life into her own hands.
When asked to describe the upcoming series, the Derry Girls actress says ‘romantic’. ‘I keep saying: season 1 was about passion, season 2 was about longing,’ she tells ET Canada. ‘Season 3 is romance. It’s so romantic.’
But the romance caused awkward moments for Nicola and co-star Luke Newton as their longtime friendship made the intense kissing scenes ‘terrifying.’
She explained: ‘And you can’t pretend to kiss someone, you have to really kiss them. It’s a spicy one. A lot of the stuff from the books that the fans expect has made it into the show.’
In addition, a synopsis for Bridgerton season 3 was previously revealed via a Bridgerton gift box shared by Meghan O'Keefe on Twitter, which revealed a few significant plot developments in the upcoming series.
After overhearing Colin say that he has no interest in courting her during the season 2 finale, Penelope will turn her attention elsewhere to find a suitable husband in the new season. Cue a clutch of new suitors.
As expected, Penelope’s attempts to find a husband fail and when Colin returns home from his summer travels, he’s disappointed to discover Penelope has turned against him and sets out on a mission to win her friendship back.
Colin offers to coach Penelope and help her find a suitor, forcing him to question whether his feelings for Penelope are really platonic after all and setting the stage for romance.
Is there a trailer for Bridgerton series 3?
Sadly not yet! However, Netflix have offered fans a first-look at Bridgerton’s third outing with a set of official images released at their June 2023 showcase.
The images show that the series will revolve around Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton’s story.
Your first look at Penelope and Colin in Bridgerton Season 3 has arrived. #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/uGP25bKwFu
— Netflix (@netflix) June 17, 2023
While we await a proper trailer, take a peek behind the scenes of the first days of shooting on set of Bridgerton series 3.
Who is joining the cast of Bridgerton in season 3?
Netflix has confirmed that Hannah Dodd will be stepping into the role of Francesca, the enigmatic Bridgerton sister who has dipped in and out of the series and was previously played by Ruby Stokes.
Daniel Francis, Sam Phillips and James Phoon have all joined the cast to play three eligible ’Ton bachelors: the charismatic Marcus Anderson, genial Lord Debling, and the dim but dishy Harry Dankworth respectively.
Will Phoebe Dynevor be in Bridgerton season 3?
Phoebe Dynevor is the latest OG Bridgerton actor to depart the show, following Regé-Jean Page’s exit. However, she’s not ruled out a return in future seasons.
‘Well, I did my two seasons, I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future, who knows?’ Dynevor told Variety earlier this year.
Page and Dynevor played on-screen newlyweds, so perhaps a reunion for them both will happen in the future – although Page could be busy if he lands the role of the next 007.
When was Bridgerton season three filmed?
Filming for the third series kicked off in July 2022 and has continued into this summer.
Netflix has confirmed that Bridgerton will resume filming in the coming months, although it’s likely this will be for the confirmed fourth season.
Where was Bridgerton season three filmed?
We won’t know all of the filming locations until the new series hits Netflix, but it’s almost guaranteed to feature some familiar locations from previous outings.
Several London properties have been used, with Ranger’s House in Blackheath standing in as the Bridgerton family mansion that’s set in the opulent neighbourhood of Grosvenor Square.
Further outside of the capital, Stowe House in Buckinghamshire was used to replicate Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and Hampton Court Palace – the real home of King Henry VIII and his unlucky wives – has stood in for several grand residencies in Bridgerton.
What is Bridgerton about?
A newcomer to the Ton? Unthinkable! For those still yet to make their debut at the grand ballrooms of royalty, here’s what you need to know.
The Netflix series is based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling series of novels, set in the lavish but cut-throat world of Regency London’s high society.
Are there more Bridgerton series to come?
Verily! With Bridgerton proving an instant phenomenon upon its debut, Netflix wasted no time in renewing the show and giving the green light to spin-offs.
Viewers recently got a standalone series for Queen Charlotte, and there’s a fourth season of Bridgerton officially confirmed with more likely to follow given the show’s growing popularity and the fact there’s eight books in Quinn’s series.
Did you know you can visit the Bridgerton mansion IRL?
5 magnificent Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story locations you can visit.