Bridgerton Season 3 being Colin and Penelope’s story has divided fans of the Netflix series on social media. But why is the news so controversial?

Dearest readers, it’s of no surprise that Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton is skipping over Benedict’s love story in favor of Colin and Penelope. It narratively makes more sense that Colin will be the featured Bridgerton sibling in Season 3, based on how Season 2 ended. However, the news has still created a divide among fans.

During the recent Netflix FYSEE panel for Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan (who portrays Penelope Featherington) revealed that the series will be straying away from the books by focusing on Colin and Penelope’s love story in Season 3. The official Bridgerton Twitter account confirmed the change through the words of notorious gossiper Lady Whistledown, explaining that the third season should focus on the third Bridgerton son and the third Featherington daughter. That explanation isn’t enough to please the Benedict and Sophie stans, but are they right to feel duped out of the Cinderella-esque love story?

Benedict Fans Aren’t Feeling the Change

Benedict isn’t popular with his older brother and a few of his younger siblings, but he’s grown a wide fan base among the Bridgerton audience. The majority of Benedict’s screen time has portrayed him as a misunderstood art student of the family, who has desires beyond finding the right match of the season. That story is fine, but it’s not what fans want from him. Fans of the novels by Julia Quinn are more interested in his romantic storyline than his crusade to become a great artist.

The third book, An Offer from a Gentleman, follows a classic Cinderella storyline that fans can’t get enough of: Sophie Beckett is a servant to her scornful stepmother whom Benedict falls in love with. It’s a love story for the ages — and boy did Benedict fans announce their rage on Twitter. One fan called it “regrettable,” saying that it fits neither Colin nor Benedict’s storyline to have Colin find love first. Another Twitter user proclaimed they weren’t sure how Bridgerton would give Penelope a redemption arc in just eight episodes. Benedict and Sophie fans are vehemently disappointed they’ll have to wait another season for their favorites to have the spotlight.

Colin and Penelope Fans Are Over the Moon

On the other side of the argument, “Polin” fans are ecstatic over the change in story. Colin and Penelope have had a budding relationship that has teased fans relentlessly since Bridgerton‘s first seaspm. From Penelope revealing Marina’s pregnancy in the society papers (when Marina was going to lie and say it was Colin’s baby) to Colin insulting Penelope to his friends, their relationship has been a rocky mess. But fans have waited long enough for the friends to become lovers.

Another season of Colin and Penelope being pushed to the background would be drawing their story out a little too much. If the show hadn’t introduced the prospect of Penelope having a crush on Colin in Season 1, then it would be perfectly reasonable for Benedict to get his story in Season 3. But the way things are going for both characters, Benedict being the star of the third season would make Bridgerton an even longer waiting game for Colin and Penelope.

Some fans are embracing the new narrative. One Twitter user says they’ve convinced themselves the Netflix series is an entirely different story than the novels, and it’s much easier to be happy about the new season that way. Season 2 already varied significantly from the book it was based on. Other positive responses include Bridgerton memes and excitement over the friends-to-lovers trope coming to the screen.

The Big Change Is Ultimately for the Better

Regardless of how fans feel about the shift in direction, such a major change will likely pay off for the Netflix series. Considering how many reactions the announcement inspired, Bridgerton Season 3 might be the most popular season yet because fans will tune in to see how the season turns out — whether because they love it or because they want to see how wrong it goes. And there may be a happy medium that can still please both sides.

Sophie can be introduced a little early in Season 3 as a side character, giving her and Benedict plenty of time to develop a bond before jumping into their own season. Waiting for that extra character development will enhance Benedict and Sophie’s romance come Season 4. That solution can please both sides of the fandom that’s becoming as fierce as Game of Thrones or Doctor Who fans, and settle this spirited debate in the best way possible. With Season 2 as dramatic as it was romantic, one thing both sides can agree on is that Season 3 needs another great love story.