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Fans have been eagerly anticipating the new season, with teasers, stills, behind-the-scenes content, and interviews keeping the excitement alive ever since season 3 and its lead characters were announced. But the big question remains: will Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington’s (Nicola Coughlan) love story live up to the passion and tension we witnessed between Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley)? Now, with part one of season 3 of ‘Bridgerton’ finally here, it’s time to find out if this season was worth the wait—or at least if the first half delivers on the hype.
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What is Bridgerton?
Set in 1800s London, ‘Bridgerton’ follows the lives of the Bridgerton family as they navigate the complexities of high society during the Georgian era, specifically the Regency period. The family is led by the widowed Lady Violet Bridgerton, who oversees her eight children: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. The series primarily focuses on London’s aristocratic society, known as the “Ton”, during the annual social season—a whirlwind of exclusive parties and balls designed to control the matchmaking between suitors and debutantes. The Bridgerton family is known for producing some of the most eligible debutantes each year. From trips to the modiste and time spent in gentlemen’s clubs, to glamorous balls and social calls in drawing rooms, life in the “Ton” during the wedding season is anything but quiet.
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Often referred to as the “Regency Gossip Girl,” ‘Bridgerton’ is based on Jane Austin’s eight-part book series, produced by TV icon Shonda Rhimes and Netflix in collaboration with Shondaland. The Regency period, known for its steamy romances evidenced by several decades of romance novels, is brought to life through the show’s tantalizing blend of passion and drama, following the book series’ format where each season centers on one sibling’s love story. Each narrative tends to embrace classic romantic tropes, keeping audiences hooked. Season one introduced Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her whirlwind romance with Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). Their love story (from The Duke and I, Book 1) combined the fake relationship and forced-marriage tropes, laced with plenty of miscommunication—a hallmark of Regency romance. Season two shifted the focus to the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), and his love match with Kate “spinster sister” Sharma (Simone Ashley). Their enemies-to-lovers and eldest-child tropes made for a gripping and emotional journey, captivating audiences and expanding the show’s fanbase. The Viscount Who Loved Me (Book 2) brought a compelling love story to life, solidifying the show’s place as a fan-favorite series filled with passion, drama, and timeless romance.
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What’s been building up to season 3
Although Benedict Bridgerton is next in line after his brother Anthony to find love in the book series, the showrunners—Chris Van Dusen (seasons 1 and 2) and Jess Brownell (current showrunner)—chose to shift the focus in season three to Colin’s love story instead, adapting Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Book 4). This season gives Colin his moment to shine as he finally realizes his feelings for his longtime friend, Penelope Featherington, who has secretly adored him for years. While Luke Newton (as Colin Bridgerton) is meant to be the season’s leading man, it’s Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington who truly steals the show in the first four episodes. Don’t get me wrong—Newton’s portrayal of Colin is heartfelt and humbling, particularly in episodes 3 and 4, where his character begins to come into his own. But Penelope, as Lady Whistledown, commands the spotlight. She’s not only the voice of the “Ton”, she single handedly molds society to her whim each season with her influential writing. Though Queen Charlotte may think she holds the reins of power in high society, it’s Lady Whistledown—along with occasional contributions from Lady Danbury—who possess the power to control and influence London’s 19th century high society with every column she writes. Now, with the narrative spotlight and focus on Penelope and her love story, she proves to be the heart and driving force of this season. It’s clear that Penelope Featherington is not just the better half of her romance with Colin, but also the central figure of her own story.
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Could Polin become the best Bridgerton couple yet?
From the bookish and extremely bright (and not at all insipid) wallflower revealed to be the most accomplished writer in the Ton, Penelope Featherington has emerged as arguably the best female protagonist of ‘Bridgerton’ so far. Watching her finally come into her own—believing in herself and stepping out of the shadows—is immensely satisfying. While a character develops and reaches true beauty from the inside out, there’s something empowering about a makeover, and it’s undeniably fun to watch. This season, Penelope makes a conscious decision to stop hiding in corners and fully embrace who she is, all while keeping her Lady Whistledown identity a secret. With a new wardrobe, fresh hairstyles, and a determination to find a husband in her third season out, Penelope’s transformation is both internal and external. To help her find a husband, Colin offers his services to tutor her in the art of flirtation. Their dynamic quickly evolves as Penelope’s efforts catch the eye of Lord Debling, leading to a genuine marriage proposal—which stirs unexpected feelings in Colin. The chemistry between Colin and Penelope is electric, making their friends-to-lovers and tutor-pupil romance a must-watch this season. Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton deliver such captivating performances that you’ll be eagerly counting down the days until June 13th for part two. Whether you’ve been rooting for Colin to finally see Penelope as more than a friend, or if you love the tutor-pupil or the friends-to-lovers tropes, this season of ‘Bridgerton’ is made for you. Based on the first four episodes alone, it’s clear that Polin’s (Penelope and Colin) love story is shaping up to be a fan favorite, and quite possibly the best season yet. Let’s hope part two lives up to these high expectations!
Cast: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Julie Andrews, Hannah Dodd, Jessica Madsen, Claudia Jessie, Polly Walker, Luke Thompson, Bessie Carter, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Will Tilston, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Golda Rosheuvel, Martins Imhangbe, Harriet Cains, Emma Naomi.
Cinematography: Jeffrey Jur, Philipp Blaubach, Alicia Robbins, Diana Olifirova | Editor: Jim Flynn, Gregory T. Evans, Kyle Bond, Bridget Durnford, Matthew Pevic, Eli Nilsen.
Director: Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Andrew Ahn | Writer: Julia Quinn, Chris Van Dusen, Jess Brownell, Geetika Lizardi, Daniel Robinson, Sarah L. Thompson, Eli Wilson Pelton, Azia Squire, Lauren Gamble | Producers: Holden Chang, Shonda Rhimes, Chris Van Dusen, Jess Brownell, Tom Verica, Betsy Beers, Scott Collins, Alison Eakle, Daniel Robinson, Sarah L. Thompson, Rebecca Wolfe, Michelle Wright, Simon Fraser, Sara Fischer, Julia Quinn, Annie Laks, Marco Esquivel, Azia Squire, Oliver Stotter, Eli Wilson Pelton.
By Julia Maia
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