*Dearest Reader, I do warn you, for there are SPOILERS ahead for Part 1 of a most remarkable Third Season of Bridgerton*
The long-awaited return of Bridgerton has finally arrived and the Ton (aka viewers of Netflix) is abuzz indeed. Oh how we have missed this vaguely historically accurate piece of entertainment.
The hit Netflix fan-favorite, produced by the incomparable Shonda Rhimes, is based on the book series by Julia Quinn from the mid 2000s. The stories have translated beautifully from print-to-screen, earning the show an average rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.
In a deviation from traditional series, we are not entering season three of Bridgerton fresh from season two. Between the seasons, Bridgerton fans were given Queen Charlotte, a spin-off series that followed the love story of a young King George (Corey Mylchreest) and the soon to be master matchmaker of the Ton, Charlotte, Queen of England (India Amarteifio). Between eight books, two completed seasons and a spin-off, keeping track of all the important characters can be quite the task. But do not despair, we are here with all that you need to know about the latest season! To watch Netflix with DISH (separate subscription required), make sure your receiver is connected to the internet and go to channel 302. Not a DISH subscriber? Follow this link to find the best offer and subscribe to DISH today!
What is Bridgerton About? Who Are the Stars of Season 3?
Bridgerton follows the eight alphabetically named children (Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth) of the titular noble family on their path to love and marriage. In the midst of fake relationships and enemies becoming lovers, the Ton is kept abreast of new scandals via society papers written by the anonymous Lady Whistledown. At the end of the first season, it is revealed to viewers that Lady Whistledown is actually Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), the resident wallflower and best friend of Eloise (Claudia Jessie).
Showrunners shocked (and delighted) fans when they announced that season three would jump to the fourth book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, a friends-to-lovers tale between Penelope and Colin (Luke Newton).
What Do I Need to Know From the Previous Seasons?
Season two, which was released in 2022, ended with conflict on all sides for this season’s leading lady, Penelope Featherington. In the final episode, Eloise discovers that Penelope is Lady Whistledown and the revelation is unforgivable, especially since she’s the target of the newest, scathing issue. If that weren’t enough, Penelope also overhears Colin Bridgerton, who she’s loved and been close friends with for years, proudly proclaiming that he “would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington.” Ouch.
How Many Episodes Are in the New Season and What Do They Cover?
To the despair of fans everywhere, this season is split into two parts, with part one having been released on May 16 and part two scheduled to drop on June 13. The first of the four new episodes opens with Penelope returning to town with a newfound determination to find a husband. Colin, eager to atone for his comments, offers his aid in the form of charm lessons. Colin and Penelope begin to grow closer, which is concerning considering that Colin HATES Lady Whistledown for what she has written about him and those closest to him.
For the next three episodes, we watch an adorably awkward Penelope attempt to put Colin’s lessons into practice. As expected, Penelope’s form of charm does not seem to be effective on anyone, at least not until Lord Debling (Sam Phillips), a man considered to be eccentric by the majority of society, enters the picture. In true friends-to-lovers fashion, just as Penelope is on the verge of getting engaged, Colin realizes his own feelings for his childhood friend and rushes to propose himself.
How is This Season Different From the Book?
It is very important to note that this season has deviated from the books in a few places, such as making Lord Debling a suitor for Pen or the fact that Eloise is originally the last person to find out Penelope is Whistledown. In the books, Colin is actually the first to discover her secret but he finds out BEFORE he proposes, not after.
So needless to say, even the readers are in uncharted territory. The pressure is building around Penelope, as Eloise threatens to tell Colin the truth and the Queen offers a reward for the unveiling of Whistledown’s identity. Penelope is finally getting everything she’s ever wanted…but can she actually hold on to it?
How to Watch Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton is streaming exclusively on Netflix, which is available on DISH channel 302 (Netflix requires an additional subscription). – Amani Chatterton
