We are back in the opulent world of the Ton after a two-year wait, with the release of Bridgerton Season 3. Following the success of 2023’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which served as an excellent and poignant placeholder, fans have eagerly awaited the return to this Regency-era drama. Season 2 saw the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), finding love and marrying the spirited Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Season 3 pivots to another member of the Bridgerton clan, Francesca (Hannah Dodd taking over from Ruby Stokes), as it delves into her quest for love, alongside the familiar faces and drama that have captured viewers’ hearts.
Francesca, the sixth Bridgerton sibling, emerges as the central figure in this season. Known for her love of music and a practicality that sets her apart, Francesca regards marriage not merely as a romantic aspiration but as a necessary escape from the manipulative schemes of her mother, Violet (Ruth Gemmell). This theme of marriage as a vehicle for freedom and self-assertion runs deeply throughout the season, particularly resonating with the other Bridgerton daughters who see matrimonial alliances as pathways to their own independence.
Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), the family’s ardent feminist, maintains her sharp, oftentimes sarcastic commentary on the proceedings, keeping audiences entertained with her wit and fierce independence. As always, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews), the enigmatic author of the society scandal sheet, provides a running narration of the season’s highs and lows—the assignations, bankruptcies, dizzying inheritances, and the latest gossip that keeps the Ton buzzing.
Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) plays a significant role this season albeit with her usual disapproval of the year’s crop of debutantes. She refrains from naming the “diamond of first water,” which leads to a subtle yet intriguing conflict with Lady Whistledown. Her confidante, Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), attempts to influence the Queen subtly, steering her attention toward Francesca as a potential jewel of the season.
This season also chronicles the continued efforts of the Featherington family to secure their social standing. The dowager Portia (Polly Walker) along with her daughters, Prudence (Bessie Carter) and Philippa (Harriet Cains), employ various strategies to enhance their societal position. Meanwhile, the youngest Featherington, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), makes a determined bid to find a husband after several unsuccessful seasons. She enlists the help of her former friend Colin (Luke Newton), the adventurous and cosmopolitan third Bridgerton son. Their growing connection provides a charming subplot, as they realize their bond might be deeper than mere friendship.
Season three intertwines multiple storylines with elegance and charm. Francesca’s determined search for a husband, Penelope and Colin’s lessons in charm, Eloise’s contentious friendship with the gossip-monger Cressida (Jessica Madsen), and the maturation of the artistic second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson), form a complex tapestry of love and ambition.
We also see the return of Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe), the retired boxer who now manages a gentleman’s club. His entrance into the Ton is made possible by his son being named the Duke of Kent. Meanwhile, the Featheringtons’ housekeeper, Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne), uses her knowledge of potions and old wives’ tales to aid the girls in their quest to marry advantageously.
New characters enrich the narrative further. The charming Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli) is captivated by Francesca, while Lady Danbury’s brother, Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), and the wealthy, vegetarian naturalist Lord Debling (Sam Phillips), who begins courting Penelope, add new layers of intrigue. The rich widow Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) who captures Benedict’s attention, rounds out the list of fascinating newcomers.
In this racially-integrated Regency setting, diversity is seamlessly woven into the narrative fabric with characters like Mrs. Khanna, the Mondrich housekeeper, and debutante Miss Malhotra (Banita Sandhu). The show’s dedication to inclusivity and representation continues to be a highlight.
As with previous seasons, the costumes are a visual feast. Penelope’s stunning makeover and Queen Charlotte’s elaborate hairpieces—such as the dazzling swan-themed coiffure featured in episode four—exude opulence and creativity. The dialogues engage in interesting socio-cultural commentary, including a conversation about Violet’s reluctance to vacate her role for the new Viscountess Bridgerton, Kate.
In all aspects, Bridgerton Season 3 maintains its promises of sizzling romance, drama, and breathtaking aesthetics. The series continues to deliver heartfelt narratives punctuated by swoon-worthy moments. Fans eagerly await June 13 for the release of Part Two of Season Three, anticipating more twists, turns, and the romantic escapades that Bridgerton has become synonymous with.
Bridgerton Season 3 Part One is now streaming on Netflix, inviting us once again into the scintillating world of high society, love, and scandal.
