Netflix teases Bridgerton for fans

Ahead of the 8 part third season of Bridgerton, Netflix and Shondaland recently hosted a fan event at Claridge’s hotel in London last week, releasing news about the upcoming season.

It was viewed by some 60,000 fans online.

The panel included Executive Producer, Shonda Rhimes, season three showrunner, Jess Brownell, author of the original Bridgerton novels, Julia Quinn, and cast members: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, and Martins Imhangbe. The panel unveiled episode titles, exclusive character photos, confirmation of book-to-episode adaptations, a surprise fan wedding announcement, and a sneak peek of the season premiere.

The panel began with a conversation between Shonda Rhimes and Jess Brownell about what fans can anticipate for season three, along with insights from author Julia Quinn on the adaptation of the source material. They confirmed a fan-favourite moment in the novel, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, where Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) wraps Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) hand after he accidentally cuts it, will be included. Jess Brownell then unveiled episode titles that teased the season’s story arc.

“Usually we’re meeting a new person who’s falling in love with one of our regulars,” said Shonda Rhimes when asked about what excites her most this season. “But this time, we know the people who are falling in love. We’re already rooting for them because we already know them, and I’m excited for that.”

“Colin and Penelope are underdogs in many ways…we get to see these characters step into their power this year, which I think will make a lot of people who have ever had an unrequited crush or felt like an underdog before feel very seen,” said Jess Brownell.

Next, Rhimes, Brownell, and Quinn were joined by the cast to tease their characters’ arcs for the season, and introduced a strong new suitor for Coughlan’s Penelope – Lord Debling (Sam Phillips).

Fans also saw exclusive photos from the forthcoming season of their favourite characters including Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe), Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) and the Featherington sisters Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter) and Philipa Featherington (Harriet Cains).

Adjoa Andoh and Golda Rosheuvel also revealed Netflix will be celebrating love by hosting a Bridgerton-themed wedding for select fans. More details on this can be found on Tudum.

It ended with a one-minute clip (below) from the upcoming season.

Part 1 (301-304): May 16, 2024; Part 2 (305-308): June 13, 2024 on Netflix.