Netflix has today announced the premiere date for the upcoming third season of its original drama series Bridgerton - which will be split into two parts.
The 8-episode third season will be released in two, four-episode blocks - with Part 1 launching on Thursday, May 16 and Part 2 debuting on Thursday, June 13. The drama has already been renewed for a fourth season.
In the new season, 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. 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 disappointed 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, 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.
The drama stars Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Lorraine Ashbourne, Hannah Dodd, Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Jessica Madsen, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Hugh Sachs, Emma Naomi, Kathryn Drysdale, Sam Phillips and Julie Andrews.
Jess Brownell serves as showrunner for the third season. She executive produces with Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica and Chris Van Dusen. Shondaland produces.