Here’s everything we know about the third season of 'Bridgerton'

Much before the premiere of Bridgerton's second season in March 2022, Netflix treated viewers with the news that the period drama would be renewed for a third and fourth season. The wait is finally over as the latest season of the popular Shonda Rhimes-produced drama is a little less than a month away from its release.

Based on an eight-part novel series written by Julia Quinn, the show revolves around the Bridgerton family—the matriarch Violet (Ruth Gemmell) and her eight children as they seek marriage alliances in England’s high society. 

The new season will be unveiled in two parts with the first four episodes set to drop on May 16 and the next four on June 13. The makers have given us a glimpse of the first four episodes in a recently-released trailer. Of course, we've watched it more than once and with all the previous announcements on the plot and returning characters, here’s everything we know so far about the new season of Bridgerton.

The plot, trailer, and episode names

The upcoming season will focus on the romance between Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), or as fans call them, Polin. The second season saw a heartbroken Featherington realise that Bridgerton would never court her. And as per the synopsis and trailer of the new season, she’s all set to give up on her infatuation for good. She’s all set to find a husband, but her plans fall apart as Colin Bridgerton returns from his summer travels sporting a fresh new look. Having always seen her be there for him, Bridgerton is surprised and sad to see her not give him any attention. In an attempt to rekindle the friendship, Bridgerton decides to help Featherington find a husband while dealing with the fact that he could develop feelings for her, hinting that their bond may go beyond friendship.

Moreover, her increasing prominence in high society makes things difficult for Featherington, complicating her efforts to maintain her secret identity as Lady Whistledown.

In the last two seasons, the audience saw how much Featherington loved Bridgerton but chose to keep her feelings on the down low. But things have changed for the better as Bridgerton begins to realise how she’s always been there for him. After being on the sidelines over the last two seasons, watching these two characters stand out should feel like a breath of fresh air. 

There will be eight episodes in season 3 titled—'Out of the Shadows', 'How Bright the Moon', 'Forces of Nature', 'Old Friends', 'Tick Tock', 'Romancing Mister Bridgerton', 'Joining of Hands,' and 'Into the Light.'

Who’s in the third season and who isn’t?

Most of the original cast, including Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs Varley), Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton), Simone Ashley (Kate Sharma), and Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), will be returning to the show.

There will also be new additions including Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson, James Phoon as Harry Dankworth, and Sam Phillips as Lord Debling. Unfortunately, Phoebe Dynevor who played Daphne Bridgerton, won't be making an appearance this season.

Moreover, fans anticipating the return of Regé-Jean Page as the Duke of Hastings (who was also missing from season 2), are going to be disappointed. The actor's contract included only the first season and he confirmed the same, too, with an Instagram post: “No, I’m not going back to the show... the papers made that one up.”

Lead image credits: Netflix

Also read: Bridgerton prequel—everything we know so far

Also read: Exciting Netflix releases: Top upcoming movies and web series to watch out for