Bridgerton season 3 release updates, cast, first look, and more

Linh TeSeptember 15, 2023

It’s September 2023, and we’re still waiting for the Bridgerton season 3 release date to be announced by Netflix. We do have a leaked release, but so far, Netflix has not confirmed we’ll see the new season of Bridgerton this year, which is starting to get a little concerning. It’s safe to say that fans all over the world are waiting for more news about Bridgerton season 3, one of the most highly anticipated releases since Stranger Things season 4.

After Netflix shared the first look at Bridgerton season 3, it looks like a potential release date for Bridgerton season 3 might have leaked. We’ll share our thoughts on that shortly.

Bridgerton season 3 is officially happening. Netflix renewed the series ahead of the second season even getting a premiere date, which later arrived to incredible success in March 2022.

Netflix certainly surprised Bridgerton fans with the season 3 renewal. In fact, it also came as a double renewal with season 4 confirmed at the same time. Double renewals aren’t typically normal, but we wouldn’t mind the trend continuing.

We shared everything we know about Bridgerton season 3. We updated this story on Sept. 14, 2023. FanSided Entertainment’s Reed Gaudens, Natalie Zamora, and Bryce Olin contributed to this report.

Will Bridgerton season 3 be affected by the WGA and SAG strikes?

As of September 2023, the WGA and SAG are on strike, which has shut down pre-production, filming, and some post-production in Hollywood.

At this point, it’s hard to say if Bridgerton season 3 will be delayed because of the strikes. It’s possible that it could happen. For a while, we thought that post-production could and would continue on Bridgerton season 3, but it’s possible that without writers and actors Bridgerton season 3 would not be finished. The WGA and SAG strikes have given the public more insight into what the writers and actors do and how much of the work with writing, editing, ADR, promotion, and more continues until the final cut is finished.

Filming on Bridgerton season 3 wrapped in March 2023, and we’re still expecting the season will be ready to go later this year. That said, depending on when the season is released, it’s possible the cast also on’t be allowed to promote it.

Bridgerton season 4, which is already confirmed, could also be affected. We’re not sure where things stand with the Bridgerton writers’ room, but they won’t be working while the WGA is on strike. We haven’t heard anything about Bridgerton season 4 production yet.

The show films in England, so there’s a chance they could have a deal with Equity, similar to how House of the Dragon does, but considering it’s technically an American production we would assume the fourth season cannot be written while the writers’ strike is going on. As you can tell, the entertainment industry is in a unique situation right now and it’s tough to predict what will happen next.

Hopefully, the AMPTP makes a deal with the WGA and SAG and the strikes end soon, so we don’t have to wait a super long time for future seasons of Bridgerton.

Bridgerton season reportedly wrapped filming in March 2023

The cast and crew started filming Bridgerton season 3 in July 2022. Netflix shared an announcement video featuring the cast members.

We initially thought Bridgerton season 2 would wrap filming in December 2022, but that didn’t happen. Rumors swirled claiming producer Shonda Rhimes put a pause on production because she was unhappy with some of the storylines, but Netflix denied that gossip. The UK site Metro published snapped photos of the cast filming in Bath, England on Jan. 17, 2023, meaning the show was very much still in production at the start of the year.

While Netflix never officially announced that Bridgerton season 3 finished filming, there have been reports that filming concluded a few months ago. What’s on Netflix shared an image of a sign from Netflix congratulating the cast and crew on finishing filming.

On March 14, stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton both posted a celebratory photo together that fans have assumed was taken during the season 3 wrap party. The pair seemed to be celebrating the culmination of their hard work, and they definitely got Polin fans excited to see the upcoming third season!

Netflix shows - Bridgerton season 3, Bridgerton season 3 release date, Bridgerton season 3 is not coming to Netflix in January 2022

Has Netflix announced the Bridgerton season 3 release date yet?

No, Netflix has not announced the Bridgerton season 3 release date yet. We know fans were expecting to see the new season in 2023, but we still don’t know how soon.

With a big show like this, we can expect at least six months from the end of filming for all the post-production work and promotion of the new season. Bridgerton is one of the 10 biggest Netflix shows of all time, and they are not going to just roll this out without a big premiere, fan events, and runs on all the biggest talk shows.

Netflix recently released more Bridgerton in May 2023 with the spinoff Queen Charlotte. Netflix would never release two seasons so close together. There’s no reason to do that from a business perspective. With all of that said, it’s still going to be a while until we see Bridgerton season 3 on Netflix. Now, there’s also reason to think Bridgerton season 3 could be pushed back to 2024, too.

At this point, we’re almost to the end of Q3, and Netflix has not even confirmed a quarter for the Bridgerton season 3 release date. We could definitely still see the new season around Christmas, but we’re hoping that Netflix will announce more news about the season soon.

The first season of Bridgerton premiered on Christmas Day 2020. Looking at the rest of the year Netflix has planned, it’s smart to assume Bridgerton season 3 is going to be a Christmas Day release or around that time. That’s just our prediction right now, but we know Netflix drops big shows around the holidays, and there’s no bigger show coming to Netflix this year than Bridgerton season 3.

The WGA and SAG remains on strike, which has caused an industry-wide work stoppage and delayed numerous shows and movies. While Bridgerton season 3 has wrapped filming and won’t be delayed in that sense, it remains to be seen if post-production could be impacted.

At the very earliest, Netflix will release Bridgerton season 3 around Christmas 2023. If not then, it’s going to be 2024 before Bridgerton season 3 is streaming.

Release Prediction: December 2023

Now, let’s talk about that Bridgerton season 3 release date leaking. Allegedly!!!

Bridgerton season 3 release date allegedly leaks

During TUDUM on June 17, 2023, the Bridgerton season 3 release date allegedly leaked. Fans were treated to a first look and appearance from Nicola Coughlan during the event, but people were distracted by certain social media posts circulating. Multiple Netflix accounts shared a release date and then removed the posts.

According to the deleted posts, Bridgerton season 3 is coming on Dec. 14, 2023. Of course, this is not confirmed yet, but it’s looking like that might be the date. Check out a screenshot of one of the deleted posts here.

Will Jonathan Bailey be in Bridgerton season 3?

Worried about Jonathan Bailey, who stars as Anthony Bridgerton, skipping out on Bridgerton season 3? Well, fear not, dear readers, J-Bail will be back as Anthony in season 3, along with Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton.

Bridgerton season 3 cast

Ahead of Bridgerton season 3’s filming, Netflix announced a number of new cast members. Hannah Dodd will take over the role of Francesca Bridgerton, and three new cast members have been added to season 3: Daniel Francis, Sam Phillips, and James Phoon.

In spite of taking on a new role in a Showtime limited series, Jonathan Bailey will once again return in a series regular capacity as the Viscount Anthony Bridgerton. (His new show won’t interfere with his role on Bridgerton at all!)

We could also see a number of new cast members that were introduced in season 2 return for small roles in season 3, such as Calam Lynch as Eloise’s forbidden love interest Theo Sharpe.

Here’s who we’ll see in the upcoming third season:

Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
Simone Ashley as Kate, Viscountess Bridgerton
Jonathan Bailey as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton
Harriet Cains as Philippa Finch
Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton
Ruth Gemmell as Violet, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton
Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
Polly Walker as Portia, Dowager Baroness Featherington
Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown

Here’s who the new cast members will be playing:

Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson
Sam Phillips as Lord Debling
James Phoon as Harry Dankworth

Unfortunately, there are a number of characters who won’t be in season 3.

Will Simon be in Bridgerton season 3?

We will again not see Regé-Jean Page return to the series, and those Duke-recasting rumors don’t appear to have much truth. Page didn’t reprise his roles in the second season because his character isn’t in the books that much.

Will Daphne be in Bridgerton season 3?

Unfortunately, Phoebe Dynevor, the talented actress who portrayed Daphne Bridgerton in the first two seasons, has confirmed she’ll be sitting season 3 out. It’s unclear if she’ll ever reprise her role again in a future season, but don’t expect her to be in the new one.

Will Edwina be in Bridgerton season 3?

According to Indian Express, Edwina will not return for Bridgerton season 3. Charithra Chandran, who starred in season 2 of the Netflix series, confirmed they will not be returning for the third season. It’s possible that Edwina could return in future seasons, but it’s not happening that soon.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan attend the Netflix BAFTA 2022 party at Chiltern Firehouse on March 13, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Netflix)

Are Bridgerton stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton dating in real life?

Just like with the previous two seasons, we already know fans are going to become obsessed with the main couple of Bridgerton season 3: Penelope and Colin. And just like fans were desperate to know if actors Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page, as well as Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey, were dating in real life (they weren’t and aren’t) you might be wondering about Coughlan and Newton.

To our knowledge, Coughlan and Newton’s romantic chemistry does not translate off the screen, though they do a great job acting as if it’s real in the show! All of this is to say that no, we do not have any reason to believe the two actors are dating in real life.

At this time, we believe both actors are single. But despite being platonic in real life, we know they are definitely friends! In late June, Coughlan posted a photo of the co-stars together on her Instagram page, congratulating Newton on his gig on stage. The actor starred in a production of The Shape of Things in London, England, and it looks like Coughlan went to see a show!

Fans speculated in the comments section of Coughlan’s post that the two are dating, but we don’t believe that’s the case. We don’t have strong enough evidence at this time, at least.

Bridgerton. (L to R) Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Florence Emilia Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Phoebe Dyvenor as Daphne Basset in episode 201 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022

Which book will Bridgerton season 3 be based on?

As previously announced by Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton will be diverting from book order and skipping over the third book in Julia Quinn’s series. Rather than diving into Benedict’s story in An Offer from a Gentleman, the series will jump to Penelope and Colin’s story in Romancing Mister Bridgerton.

Although some fans of the book series might not prefer the series to skip the book order, it could be for the best storytelling-wise. And considering there are plans to adapt each of the eight books, we don’t have to worry about missing out on anyone’s story just yet.

Bridgerton season 3 synopsis

Along with the announcement of the new season starting filming and the arrival of the three new cast members, Netflix also released an official synopsis for season 3:

From Shondaland and new showrunner, Jess Brownell, Bridgerton is back for its third season and finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) 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. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly.

Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly.

Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.

What could happen in Bridgerton season 3 after Queen Charlotte?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Although Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story was a prequel spinoff, the limited series still incorporated storylines from the current Bridgerton timeline for Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and Violet Bridgerton. Those storylines take place shortly after the conclusion of season 2 and could have slight impacts on where these characters go in season 3.

In Queen Charlotte, the titular queen pressures her dozen-plus children to marry and produce an heir to continue her and King George’s family line. While that happens by the end of the six episodes, we’ll be eager to see if we receive any updates on Charlotte’s forthcoming (legitimate) grandchild and heir to the throne.

Likewise, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton each went on their own personal explorations, with Lady Danbury helping the Bridgerton matriarch realize that she’s ready to move forward with her romantic life after grieving the death of her husband. Violet also learns that back when she was younger, Lady Danbury had a brief relationship with her father. They probably wouldn’t have a huge impact on the season 3 story, but these developments could definitely come back.

During TUDUM, Coughlan also teased some more Kanthony romance and drama in Bridgerton season 3. Here’s what she said to Cat Quinn on the TUDUM red carpet.

“Married Kate is so beautiful. It’s a whole new side for Kanthony this year. Seeing them married is so cute. It’s adorable. They still have their dynamic, but to see them married, I think the fans are going to freak.”

Bridgerton season 3 first look

At Netflix’s TUDUM, Nicola Coughlan appeared on stage in Brazil and shared the first look photos of season 3 with fans! Penelope has a whole new look and we absolutely love it. Check out the pics below and get excited!

Bridgerton. (L to R) Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton, Phoebe Dyvenor as Daphne Basset, Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Florence Emilia Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 201 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022

Will there be a Bridgerton season 4?

We know being patient is hard, but it’s necessary if you’re a Bridgerton fan. As mentioned, Bridgerton is one of Netflix’s biggest shows, and there’s a lot of franchise potential here. Shonda Rhimes is also involved, and she doesn’t make flops.

Bridgerton season 4 is already in the works, but it has not started filming as far as we know! Netflix confirmed both seasons 3 and 4 before season 2 premiered.

We’ll likely learn a lot more about Bridgerton season 4 as we get closer to the release of season 3. But with the ongoing strikes, it’s hard to predict a release window for that one.

Is Netflix adapting all 8 Bridgerton books?

There are eight Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, and Rhimes stated in the past that they have a plan to make all eight books into seasons of the Netflix series. It’s up to Netflix whether or not that plan actually happens.

So far, there are no public plans for Bridgerton after season 4. Netflix confirmed the series for four seasons, and it’s been a while since we’ve heard anything beyond that.

Depending on how things go in season 3 and season 4, Netflix will decide whether all those seasons will happen. Overall, it looks really good for more Bridgerton seasons on the way soon. Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 rank No. 5 and No. 4, respectively, on the list of the biggest Netflix shows of all time. Netflix isn’t going to cancel this show unless something bad happens.

Bridgerton books in order

Below, we shared the list of Bridgerton books in order. As we know, Netflix is veering a little bit off-book at this point. The order of the books is probably going to be changed for the Netflix original series, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it ends up.

The Duke & I
The Viscount Who Loved Me
An Offer From a Gentleman
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
To Sir Phillip, With Love
When He Was Wicked
It’s In His Kiss
On The Way To The Wedding

How to watch Bridgerton

Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix right now all over the world. There are two seasons of the Netflix original series available. You can watch the Bridgerton spinoff, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, on Netflix right now, too. The series premiered in May 2023 and told the origin story of Queen Charlotte and her relationship with King George.

Should you watch Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton?

You certainly can watch Queen Charlotte before watching the first two seasons of Bridgerton on Netflix. But we’d recommend watching the first season and second season before watching Queen Charlotte. You’re not going to miss anything in Bridgerton if you wait to watch Queen Charlotte, but you might not understand Queen Charlotte quite as well if you watch it before Bridgerton.

In any case, you should watch Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton season 3 comes out. There will likely be more of the story explored in season 3.

Netflix shows like Bridgerton

If you like Bridgerton, you’ll definitely like these Netflix shows:

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
The Empress
Outlander
The Crown
Emily in Paris

Stay tuned for the latest updates about Bridgerton season 3 and more from Netflix Life. Bridgerton is on our list of the best Netflix shows.

Published on 09/14/2023 at 8:16 PM EDT
Last updated on 09/14/2023 at 8:16 PM EDT