A new year also brings new episodes of the Shondaland-produced Bridgerton, which promises to deliver yet another titillating romance. With Season 3 on the horizon, TVLine is here to make sure you’re all caught up before those episodes drop.
Season 1 focused on eldest daughter Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) as she fell for Simon (Regé-Jean Page), the Duke of Hastings and one of the town’s most eligible bachelors. Season 2, meanwhile, found eldest son Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) constantly at odds with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), with their passionate quarreling spurring a fiery romance and eventual marriage.
Writer Jess Brownell has been promoted to showrunner this season, taking over for series creator Chris Van Dusen (who remains an executive producer alongside Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Tom Verica).
Where Did Bridgerton Season 2 Leave Off?
The emotional stakes were high in the Season 2 finale as a frantic Anthony rescued Kate, who’d fallen off her horse and hit her head during a rainstorm. Anthony blamed himself for the accident and avoided seeing her in the week she’d been unconscious at Lady Danbury’s home. When Kate eventually woke, she was disappointed to learn that Anthony hadn’t visited her.
It wasn’t until the Featherington Ball that the pair finally broke past their equal stubbornness. Anthony invited Kate to dance to a classical rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” and other couples who were scandalized by the pairing began evacuating the floor. Queen Charlotte then commented that Anthony and Kate looked beautiful together and forced others to agree, influencing partygoers to return to the dance.
In private, Anthony mustered up the courage to tell Kate that he loved her, also noting that she didn’t have to accept, embrace or allow it. To his relief, though, she said it back to him. A flashforward to the couple in bed saw Anthony refer to Kate as “viscountess,” confirming that they did, indeed, wed.
The season ended with the Bridgerton family enjoying an afternoon game of pall-mall, and “Kanthony” looking the happiest they’ve ever been.
What Is the Storyline for Bridgerton Season 3?
After Penelope (Coughlan) overheard Colin (Luke Newton) insult her last season, the forthcoming episodes will see her move on from that longstanding crush, having decided “it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters,” per the official synopsis. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts to secure a marriage proposal “fail spectacularly.”
Meanwhile Colin, who returned from his summer travels with newfound swagger, will be “disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder.” Eager to win back her friendship, he offers to help her find a husband and must grapple with whether his feelings for her are “truly just friendly.”
Plus, Penelope’s estranged friend Eloise (Claudia Jessie) “has found a new friend in a very unlikely place,” while “Penelope’s growing presence in the Ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.”
Who Is Not Returning for Bridgerton Season 3?
Original cast member Phoebe Dynevor — who portrayed Daphne Bridgerton during Seasons 1 and 2 — will not be back for Season 3.
“Sadly [I’m] not in Season 3,” the actress confirmed in January 2023, adding that she could “potentially” return in future seasons. She also noted that she was “just excited to watch [Season 3] as a viewer.”
Additionally, Ruby Stokes will not be reprising her role as Francesca, Lady Violet’s sixth-oldest child. Hannah Dodd (Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, Anatomy of a Scandal) will take over the character in Season 3.
Dodd previously told TVLine, “I know how people feel about [Francesca] as well, so I’m going to do my best.”
Who Are the New Characters in Season 3?
New casting additions this season include Daniel Francis (Once Upon a Time) as Marcus Anderson, who, while charming, earns the ire of some members of the Ton; Sam Phillips (The Crown) as Lord Debling, a genial lord with unusual interests; and James Phoon as Harry Dankworth, who isn’t particularly smart but possesses seriously good looks.
What Is the Release Date for Bridgerton Season 3?
After a two-year wait — Season 2 was released in March 2022 — Season 3, Part 1 will premiere on Thursday, May 16; followed by Part 2 on Thursday, June 13.
How Many Episodes Is Bridgerton Season 3?
Season 3 will consist of eight episodes divided into two, four-episode installments to be released a month apart. This differs from Seasons 1 and 2, which also comprised of eight episodes but were dropped all at once.
Will Kate and Anthony Be Back?
Anthony and Kate will return for Season 3, and they’ll have settled into their own as a happily married couple.
“I just think it is going to be hotter than ever. I think you’re going to see a much more softer side coming this season,” Simone Ashley previously teased to Elle. “[Kate is] going to be quite content
with her husband.”
