After the second season of the hit Netflix romance series Bridgerton premiered in 2022, audiences awaited any news about a third installment with bated breath. The two previous seasons followed the order of Julia Quinn’s popular book series of the same name, focusing first on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) before moving on to the eldest of the eight Bridgerton children, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey). Many naturally assumed that the third season would progress on to the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson), yet his future as a focal point remains up in the air. Actress Nicola Coughlan soon revealed that Bridgerton Season 3 would be focusing on the romance between her character, Penelope Featherington, and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), the third eldest son. Choosing to adapt Quinn’s fourth novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, next was more than a delightful surprise to fans as both the characters and book are notable favorites.
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1, which consists of four episodes, kicks off with the titular Bridgerton family in a similar position as when viewers last saw them. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) return from their honeymoon only to decide to go on a second one. Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his globetrotting travels for good and is settling back into his London lifestyle with a faintly enlarged ego. He reunites with the rest of his family and inner circle, discovering that his sister Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) and their shared friend Penelope have fallen out and are no longer attached at the hip as they used to be. The fallout of their friendship, of course, goes back to the final episode of Bridgerton Season 2 when Eloise discovered that Penelope has actually been living a double life as the infamous gossip monger Lady Whistledown.
Abandoned by her only friend and feeling discouraged by the last several failed social seasons, Penelope decides to get to the bottom of her courting insecurities. Colin then kindly offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence as she slowly forms a bond with the much sought-after Lord Debling (Sam Phillips), a new love interest who isn’t from Julia Quinn’s novels. In reality, Penelope is seeking out Lord Debling in an attempt to move on from the longtime crush she has had on Colin. In true romantic “friends-to-lovers” fashion, what nearly tears Penelope and Colin apart turns out to bring the duo closer than ever.
Everything people have come to expect from Netflix’s Regency Era romance series can be found in this third season; fiery romantic tension, extravagant costumes, and string quartet covers of modern pop hits, including the work of Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, and Pitbull (yes, really). There is a comforting sense of familiarity throughout Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1, but at what point does familiarity turn into repetitiveness? The first two episodes of this season air on the side of feeling sluggish and overfamiliar, as if these exact events have already played out in previous seasons. Furthermore, far too much time is spent at the ball. As lavish as these scenes may be, the more intimate character moments have been stripped back to a bare minimum.
As a show, Bridgerton has never solely focused on a single subplot or relationship but has always maintained a calculated balance. This time around, it may be juggling too much for its own good. To add insult to injury, actress Hannah Dodd takes over the role of Francesca Bridgerton this season, replacing Ruby Stokes. The direction she takes the character in feels like a carbon copy of Phoebe Deynvor’s performance as Daphne from the last two seasons and is truthfully tedious. This is not aided by the fact that Francesca making her debut in high society this season also feels like a complete misfire. During her screen time the viewer finds themselves longing for more time with Penelope and Colin instead.
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 introduces Lady Danbury’s brother Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), who shares a subtle flirtatiousness with the matriarch of the Bridgerton Family, Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) fails to select a diamond of the season, which is brought up but fails to alter or enhance the narrative. The most interesting subplot of these first four episodes is the Mondrich family’s adjustment to high society. Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) and Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) inherit a significant estate as their son is named the new Duke of Kent.
Anybody who has seen clips of the press tour for Bridgerton Season 3 already knows that Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton share a palpable romantic chemistry. This is why it’s so frustrating when the season shifts the focus away from their love story for prolonged periods of time. As the plot heats up, this unbalanced focus only makes Colin’s eventual change of heart for Penelope feel relatively sudden. Still, as the season’s main saving grace, Coughlan understands how to lead a show of this caliber without breaking a sweat. Together with Newton, the pair is the glue that prevents Brigerton Season 3 Part 1 from falling apart. Though, at times, it feels like its signature charm is being overshadowed by stifling repetition and a degree of predictability, this Netflix original’s entertainment factor and undeniable craft remain intact.
With this being the first season under new showrunner Jess Brownell, who’s replaced series creator Van Dusen, this Netflix original series may have to prove that it’s got more tricks up its sleeves. This is especially true when one considers that Brownell is confirmed to be leading the writer’s room for Brigerton Season 4.
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 premieres on Netflix on May 16. Part 2 will hit Netflix later on June 13!
Relase Date: May 16, 2024 .
Created by Chris Van Dusen.
Based on Bridgerton by Julia Quinn.
Showrunner: Jess Brownell.
Executive Produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Chris Van Dusen, Julie Anne Robinson, & Jess Brownell.
Main Cast: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Harriet Cains, Jessica Madsen, Florence Hunt, Bessie Carter, Lorraine Ashbourne, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Will Tilston, Kathryn Drysdale, Martins Imhangbe, Emma Naomi, Hannah Dodd, Daniel Francis, Harry Dankworth, Sam Phillips, Polly Walker, James Phoon, Hannah New, and Julie Andrews.
Composer: Kris Bowers.
Production Companies: Shondaland & CVD Productions.
Episode Count: 4 (Part 1).
