Images providing a sneak peak into Bridgerton season three have been released, offering a Christmas gift for millions of fans of the popular Netflix series.
The latest season, to be released in two, four-episode installments on May 16 and then June 13, centres around the budding romance between Penelope Featherington, played by Derry Girls' Nicola Coughlan, and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.
New images released by Netflix feature Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, among others, in anticipation of the upcoming third season.
Netflix and Shondaland have also unveiled a video - featuring a voiceover by Lady Whistledown herself - that captures and highlights the passionate anticipation from fans for any information on the new season.
The video weaves together fan tweets, comments from various social media platforms, and TikTok videos, revealing the series’ return dates.
In season three Penelope Featherington has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton after hearing his disparaging words about her last season.
She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters.
Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But his friendship with Penelope isn't as he left it.
Every mirror tells a story...and Miss Penelope Featherington's story is one that cannot be missed. pic.twitter.com/nMi9jbexYu
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) December 25, 2023
Complicating matters further for Penelope is her rift with Eloise, played by Claudia Jessie, who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place.
Bridgerton has become a phenomenon ever since it launched in 2020, shortly after many countries were placed in Covid lockdowns.
The first season was streamed by 82 million households in its first month and became the number one show in more than seventy countries.
"Because we’ve had two seasons of build-up, it’s probably going to be the former," Coughlan told Variety, after she was asked if the season three is going to be sexy or a slow burner.
She also added that she had high hopes for season three: ââ"I think people are going to be really obsessed. I think book fans are going to be happy."
Last season ended with the Featherstone family facing financial ruin after their swindling cousin Jack, played by Rupert Young, stripped them of all their remaining funds; this may well be another decision motivating Penelope’s desire to marry.
Bridgerton was renewed for both a third and fourth season in April 2021.
The heartthrob star of Bridgerton season two, Jonathan Bailey, spoke to ES Magazine earlier this month about how his life was threatened for being gay.
