(Image via teenvogue.com)

Staff Writer: Denise Badilla

Email: dbadilla@umassd.edu 

Julia Quinn’s regency romance novels turned hit series Bridgerton is set to return with its third season on Netflix. Fans are abuzz online after the release of teaser photos and clips.

The new season will primarily be exploring the romance between the third-born Bridgerton, Colin, and his childhood friend and long time secret admirer, Penelope Featherington.

Netflix has announced that it will be split into two parts, the first half premiering on May 16th, followed by the remaining half on June 13th.

Production of the show was affected by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes due to executive producer Shonda Rhimes’ affiliation with WGA, causing a longer gap between the second and third seasons. 

Even with the setbacks, fans remain just as enthusiastic to return to Bridgerton’s whimsical regency era, following not only Colin and Penelope but also the development of other side characters. 

The show has been known to skew away from its novel counterparts, the new season bringing in the most drastic change so far, as it precludes the order in which the books are set. 

The series’ third book installment, An Offer From a Gentleman, featuring Benedict Bridgerton’s Cinderella-esque love story, was pushed back in favor of Colin and Penelope’s storyline. 

“We’ve spent two seasons really getting to know Pen and Colin. We’ve been watching Pen’s crush and seeing how oblivious Colin is to it. That’s a dynamic that you can only play out for so long before something has to change.” 

Showrunner Jess Brownell explained to EW regarding their decision to switch up the show’s order.

Despite this change, book fans are still hopeful that some of the significant characters for later storylines will be introduced in the new season.  

The first sneak peek was posted by Netflix on the first of February and was followed by another one on Valentine’s Day. 

Both clips feature the leading pair, Colin and Penelope – or ‘Polin,’ as dubbed affectionately by fans, giving us a glimpse into their dynamic as friends who are steadily progressing into something much more.

Apart from Penelope’s romantic prospects, viewers also hope to see how she will continue to juggle her secret life as the notorious gossip column writer Lady Whistledown or whether she will be able to mend her falling out with her best friend, Eloise Bridgerton.

The rift in their supposedly formidable bond had brought the last season to its conclusion, leaving a significant cliffhanger regarding the future state of their friendship.

Apart from Penelope and Colin’s blossoming romance, season three will also feature a third Bridgerton sister’s debut into high society. 

Francesca Bridgerton’s character had been recast for the new season, as her previous actress, Ruby Stokes, experienced scheduling issues with another project that resulted in her scarce appearance in earlier seasons. 

With Francesca’s character expected to gain more prominence in the show, actress Hannah Dodd has taken over the role and will be integrated as a series regular. 

Francesca’s main storyline occurs in the sixth book of Julia Quinn’s series; whether or not this order will be retained remains to be seen, given the shift in the storylines.

There is also much excitement surrounding the return of Lord Anthony Bridgerton and his wife, Lady Kate Bridgerton (née Sharma), who were the main pairing for the previous season.

Viewers will hopefully see more of their dynamic as a newlywed couple, as well as Kate stepping into the duties of her new role as Viscountess.

The rest of the Bridgerton siblings are also expected to make an appearance throughout the entire season, with the exception of Daphne, played by Phoebe Dynevor, whose life as Duchess of Hastings no longer intersects with the rest of the storyline.

“Well, I did my two seasons. I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future, who knows?” was Dynevor’s response to Variety after being asked about the status of her role in the show. 

As the anticipation builds for the much-awaited return of Bridgerton to our screens, fans find themselves counting down the days until they can once again immerse themselves in the world of regency romance. 

With Colin and Penelope taking the spotlight, viewers eagerly anticipate their journey from childhood friends to lovers. 

As new characters enter the fray and familiar faces return, the stage is set for another enchanting chapter in the Bridgerton saga. It is safe to say that the new season cannot come sooner.