It’s almost time for Netflix’s hit series, Bridgerton to return! It will be 2 years since we returned to the main world of Bridgerton with season 2 premiering in March 2022. And just over a year since Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The highly anticipated season 3 of Bridgerton will for the first time be split into 2 releases of 4 episodes each. The first 4 episodes will drop on May 16, with 5-8 released a month later on June 13th. This seems like a desperate attempt by Netflix to force subscribers to stick around for 2 months, but that’s another conversation.

As a Christmas gift from Netflix, the streaming service has released images of the upcoming season dropping in 5 short months! Check out the exciting first look below!

Bridgerton SEASON 3 FIRST LOOK!

(L to R) Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Will Tilston as Gregory, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth in episode 301 Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
(L to R) Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony in episode 301 Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
(L to R) Luke Newton as Colin, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in episode 302 Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
Luke Newton as Colin in episode 302 Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
BRIDGERTON (L to R) Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet, Hannah Dodd as Francesca, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth in episode 304 Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023

Season 3 of Bridgerton is diverting from the book order bringing viewers Collin and Penelope’s love story. In an interview with EW, showrunner Jess Bromnell explains the decision to shake it up.

…we’ve spent two seasons really getting to know Pen and Colin. We’ve been watching Pen’s crush and seeing how oblivious Colin is to it. That’s a dynamic that you can only play out for so long before something has to change. This really felt like the right time to lean into what’s been set up with them. On the Benedict side, he’s such a fun character and such a fan favorite that we are really excited to play with him for a little bit more and let him have more fun before he settles down. 

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR COLIN AND PENELOPE?

So, what is coming our way next season? If you remember, during season 2’s Featherington Ball, Penelope is heartbroken when she hears Colin express to a group of bachelors that he has no intention of courting her. Additionally, Penelope’s strained relationship with her best friend Eloise in the finale adds to her emotional state.

As per the official synopsis for season 3, Penelope returns with a newfound determination to let go of her long-standing infatuation with Colin. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that she has given up on love entirely. Instead, Penelope has resolved to find a suitable husband who will grant her the liberty to maintain her secret identity as Lady Whistledown, away from the watchful gaze of her mother and sisters.

As a Bridgerton book reader and a huge fan of the series, I’m very excited to see my 3rd favorite storyline come to life. I’m hoping they do it better justice than Anthony and Kate and bring it back around to the magic of season 1.