The Bridgerton series is one of the most successful Netflix productions of all time. After the second season was finally available to stream in March 2022, many are now asking the question: What about “Bridgerton” season 3? TECHBOOK has compiled all known facts and rumors about the plot, cast and start date.
Fine intrigues, bubbling rumours, scandals – and of course very big feelings! Hardly any series stands for all of this as much as “Bridgerton”. The 1st season started on Netflix in December 2020, the second recently in March 2022. If you look at the top 10 most successful English-language Netflix series, the two seasons occupy places 1 and 2 and are ahead of other major productions such as “Stranger Things” or “The Witcher”. In an international comparison, only “Squid Game” was more successful!
From the outset, it was almost certain that there would be a sequel. Especially since the book template would give a lot more and a whole series of the Bridgertons from the title are not under the hood. What do we know about the sequel so far?
When is Bridgerton season 3 coming?
In the meantime, not only has “Bridgerton” season 3 already been ordered, the 4th season has already been commissioned. Fans of the series, and Queen Charlotte in particular, can also look forward to a spin-off about the eccentric character’s backstory. However, a more precise time frame is not known for any of the three projects.
There was almost 15 months between the release of seasons 1 and 2, so just over a year. However, production was delayed due to the corona pandemic. That shouldn’t play too much of a role in Bridgerton Season 3. Insiders are therefore certain that we can count on the sequel at the beginning of 2023, in spring at the latest.
That’s what it’s been about so far
The action takes place in London in the early 19th century, with everything focused on the ball season. The ominous Lady Whistledown, publisher of her own tabloid, in which she uncovers the secrets of the upper class, brings unrest to this scenario, which is already stressful for everyone involved.
The Bridgerton family is part of this layer; in the two previous seasons, one of the children of the family was the focus. The series is clearly based on the novel by Julia Quinn. Season 1 followed eldest daughter Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and her love story with Simon, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). Season 2 focused on her older brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), who has become the head of the family after the death of his father and is caught between duty and his feelings for Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).
The question now is which child will play the primary lead role in Bridgerton Season 3?
The plot of “Bridgerton” season 3
Attention, massive ones follow from here spoilerboth to the series and to the novel!
So far, the series has followed the book template in order. After showrunner Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”) had already indicated several times that this order could be deviated from in the future, this has now been confirmed. Season 3 revolves around her role and Colin Bridgerton, according to Penelope actress Nicola Coughlan.
Which Bridgerton is at the center of the story?
Actually, it’s only in volume 4 of the template to Colin (Luke Newton), the third eldest son. With season 2 already heating up the storyline between him and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who more or less secretly has a crush on him, it’s only logical that the show would prioritize that storyline. Especially since Penelope’s secret that she is behind Lady Whistledown is now known to both viewers and her friend Eloise (Claudia Jessie).
I really feel like now is the time for Colin and Penelope (…). I feel like, especially in the final season, there are those moments of tension between them where it’s like Colin is pushing the limit and almost realizing that Penelope has feelings for him but doesn’t quite get there. Rather than treading water with this dynamic, we wanted to expand it in its season. It really felt like the perfect moment to do that.
Producer Jess Brownell to Variety
Volume 4, Penelope’s Spicy Secret, is all about Colin and Pen’s relationship. She has been in love with her best friend’s brother for a long time, and after he returns from his round-the-world trip, he too realizes that he has feelings for her . Through Colin’s travel diaries, the two become closer in the novel, both are enthusiastic about writing. For Penelope, her feelings for Colin and her secret identity of Lady Whistledown become a tightrope act, especially since the scheming Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) stirs up all sorts of discord and even tries to blackmail Pen.
To what extent “Bridgerton” season 3 will stick to the template remains to be seen. However, a fairly detailed depiction of the plot would be possible after season 2. Colin has already returned from his trip and Eloise has already revealed Penelope’s secret. But everything else could be just like in the book.
Preparatory side strands around the other Bridgertons
If you follow the books, it would actually be Benedict (Luke Thompson)’s turn. The artistically talented second-born of the family struggles with his role and society’s expectations. When he finds out in season 2 that he owes his place at the art school to family money, he falls into a mental crisis. The sequel will most likely continue with this theme. Of course, it is also important for Benedict to find a partner. In the book, he is particularly taken with an unknown woman at a masked ball, Sophie Beckett.
In the novel, two years pass between Benedict and Sophie meeting at the masked ball and the end of their story. So maybe Benedict will meet his mysterious stranger in season 3, but the storyline won’t be resolved until a later season. This assumption is supported by the statement from the creators that Benedict will be an important part of Season 3.
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Eloise’s story could also be further advanced in Bridgerton season 3. The rebellious second eldest daughter is actually only in Volume 5. However, a lot of attention was paid to the development of her character already in seasons 1 and 2. And her future husband, Sir Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton), has already been introduced as Marina Thompson’s husband. This storyline may have a tentative place in Season 3, but more likely Eloise’s personal development plays a role after she and print shop clerk Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch) broke up after a falling out.
More storylines for Bridgerton Season 3
Aside from this speculation about the main plot, it has already been revealed that the story of Kate and Anthony is not yet fully told. Kate’s sister Edwina was also apparently set to be set up with Prince Frederick of Prussia, who was rejected by Daphne in Season 1. Season 2 ended with a bang for the Featherington family too, when family head Portia sent the new Lord Featherington, Jack, back to America with a scheme to protect her daughters.
All of these storylines are likely to be encountered in one way or another in Bridgerton Season 3, as well as the relationship between Queen Charlotte and her husband King George III. This is exciting in that the backstory of these two, which made possible the alternative 19th-century England where blacks are an integral part of the nobility, will most likely be part of the spin-off.
The actors and their characters
Since this is an ensemble series, the cast is quite extensive. After the prominent departure of Regé-Jean Page, who played Daphne’s husband Simon Basset in Season 1, almost all of the cast appear to be returning for Season 3 of Bridgerton.
Let’s start with the Bridgertons; By the way, if you get confused with the names of the eight Bridgerton children, here’s a mnemonic: The eight children are arranged alphabetically according to their age:
- Anthony Bridgertonplayed by Jonathan Bailey – eldest son and Viscount
- Benedict Bridgertonplayed by Luke Thompson
- Colin Bridgertonplayed by Luke Newton
- Daphne Bridgertonplayed by Phoebe Dynevor – eldest daughter and Duchess of Hastings by marriage to Simon Basset
- Eloise Bridgertonplayed by Claudia Jessie
- Francesca Bridgertonplayed by Hannah Dodd, formerly of Ruby Stokes
- Gregory Bridgertonplayed by Will Tilston
- Hyacinth Bridgertonplayed by Florence Hunt
- Lady Violet Bridgertonplayed by Ruth Gemmel – mother of the Bridgerton children and wife of the late Viscount Edmund Bridgerton
Other key characters and their cast likely to return in Season 3:
- Lady Danburyplayed by Adjoa Andoh – a family friend, influential widow
- Queen Charlotteplayed by Golda Rosheuve
- Kate Bridgerton (née Sharma), played by Simone Ashley – Anthony’s wife
- Penelope Featheringtonplayed by Nicola Coughlan – Eloise’s best friend, goes by the alias Lady Whistledown
- Lady Portia Featheringtonplayed by Polly Walker – Penelope’s mother
- Sir Philip Craneplayed by Chris Fulton
So far, only one newcomer is known, but in an important role in the future. Until now, the Bridgerton family’s sixth child, Francesca, has been often absent, unlike her many siblings. It has now been revealed that actress Ruby Stokes will not be returning to her role in Season 3. Hannah Dodd will play the part instead. The British actress has been seen in smaller roles, most recently in the Marvel film “Eternals” and in the series “Anatomy of a Scandal”. “Bridgerton” season 3 could now be her breakthrough if Francesca – as planned in the book template – gets her own season. The reason for the replacement is an overlap in Stokes’ schedule.
Learn more about Bridgerton Season 3
Behind the Netflix hit “Bridgerton” is the mastermind Shonda Rhimes, who is certainly familiar to most series fans. She was and is responsible for “Grey’s Anatomy” as well as the two offshoots “Private Practice” and “Station 19”, “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Inventing Anna”. In 2017 there was an extensive deal with Netflix, which also included the creation of “Bridgerton”.
Showrunner Chris van Dusen, who was responsible for the first two seasons, will now be replaced for “Bridgerton” season 3 by Jess Brownell, who has already worked with Shonda Rhimes on several occasions.
Most of the filming has been in England so far, mainly in Bath and London. This will also be the case in the sequel, as Netflix has already recreated a historic London in a huge set. The makers can also use an existing set for various interior shots.