Bridgerton, season 3, Netflix: everything we know

The main downside to the on-demand revolution is the need for more. When you have the luxury of every episode being readily available, the concluding hour is like a break-up. Such is the case with the Shondaland period drama Bridgerton, with season two concluding happily as former enemies Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma finally tie the knot.

The ending only refuels that need for more. But thankfully, Netflix has provided a small taste of what's to come in season three. Here’s everything we know.

Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton as Penelope and Colin in Bridgerton, season 2. Photo: Netflix

What’s the Bridgerton, season 3 plot?

Whereas seasons one and two adapted the first two volumes in Julia Quinn’s novel series – The Duke & I and The Viscount Who Loved Me – season three bypasses the third book (An Offer from a Gentleman) and moves straight to the fourth (Romancing Mr Bridgerton).

But it’s for a good reason: Romancing Mr Bridgerton focuses on Penelope Featherington, aka the elusive Lady Whistledown, and her unrequited love Colin Bridgerton. They've been a will-they-won't-they since season one.

In season three, Penelope abandons her crush on Colin after overhearing his hurtful comments at the end of season two. She decides, instead, to focus her energy on bagging a husband. The man in question must provide Pen with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, writing secretly about the ton. But when she tries to court potential lovers, her lack of self-confidence squanders her chances.

Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his travels with – according to the Netflix press release – a 'new look’ and a ‘serious sense of swagger’ (Colin? Really?). However, that swagger is frosted by Penelope’s cold shoulder. Eager to mend their friendship, Colin mentors Pen to find her confidence as well as a decent husband. But when his advice works, he wonders if his feelings for her reach beyond friendship.

Jess Brownell (Inventing Anna) replaces Chris Van Dusen as showrunner.

Left to right: Charithra Chandran, Simone Ashley, Luke Newton, Luke Thompson, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton and Phoebe Dynevor in Bridgerton season 2. Photo: Netflix

Who’s in the Bridgerton, season 3 cast?

All the regular cast are scheduled to return. This includes Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Agatha Danbury and, of course, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. Phoebe Dynevor has not yet been confirmed to return as Daphne, who was the main focus of season one.

There are also some newbies arriving in season three. Daniel Francis (Small Axe) plays Marcus Anderson, a man full of attractive charisma. Sam Phillips (The Crown) plays Lord Debling, ‘a genial lord with unusual interests’. And James Phoon (Wrecked) plays Harry Dankworth, an unintelligent man with ‘serious good looks'.

Hannah Dodd (Anatomy of a Scandal) is also joining the cast, replacing Ruby Stokes in the role of Francesca Bridgerton – a character described as ‘a bit of a mystery within her chatty, extroverted family’.

Hannah Dodd is playing Francesca Bridgerton for season 3. Photo: Michael Shelford/Netflix

What’s the Bridgerton, season 3 release date?

No confirmations yet, but it’s probably releasing in spring 2023. Is there a cure for this temporary ton-lessness? Well, you can always watch seasons one and two again…