Netflix Unveils First Look at ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 with Glamorous (and Intimate) Photos of Colin and Penelope

We're still recovering from that emotional Queen Charlotte finale, but Netflix is already gearing us up for the return of Bridgerton, and now we've finally got first-look photos from season three.

At a Netflix Tudum fan event this weekend, the streaming platform teased many of their most-anticipated new releases and returning hits. Of course, that lineup included Bridgerton, and we finally have the first images from the forthcoming season, which will focus on the romance between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

These glamorous stills focus on the leads of season three, with the first photo showing Penelope looking thoughtfully out of a window, while the second image sees Colin standing near his family (and he's also rocking a totally suave new 'do!).

But the final two pics are a little more intimate. In one, we see Penelope and Colin smiling at one another during a formal event. Then, the final photo shows the two sharing a moment together at night (and standing *quite* close, we might add).

While the first two seasons of Bridgerton followed closely to their source material, the third season is deviating from Julia Quinn's bestselling book series.

As devoted readers of the books may know, Penelope and Colin's romance isn't explored until the fourth installment. However, the Netflix series has jumped over Benedict Bridgerton’s romance and gone straight to this one (which takes place in book four, Romancing Mister Bridgerton), so who knows what else may change in season three.

What we do know is that returning cast members will include Luke Thompson (Benedict), Claudia Jessie (Eloise), Will Tilston (Gregory), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Lady Portia Featherington and Julie Andrews (Lady Whistledown). Meanwhile, Hannah Dodd is taking over the role of Francesca (previously played by Ruby Stokes).

Fans of season two will also be pleased to learn that we'll be seeing more of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate's (Simone Ashley) romance. “We’re going to be back! Kate and Anthony are just getting started,” Ashley told Town & Country.

Sadly, season three will not include the stars from season one—Regé-Jean Page (Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings) and Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne). But, there will be four new faces, per Variety: Daniel Francis will portray the charming and charismatic Marcus Anderson, Sam Phillips will portray the wealthy and eccentric Lord Debling and James Phoon will play the swoonworthy (but slightly daft) James Phoon. Meanwhile, Hannah New will also join the cast as a widow named Lady Tilley Arnold.

Netflix has yet to announce a release date for season three, but filming began in July 2022 and wrapped earlier this year, in March 2023. Based on the time between the first two seasons, we would guess that we'll have Bridgerton season three before the end of 2023, likely sometime this fall.

That day can't come soon enough.

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