Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton has returned for its much-anticipated third season, and while it retains the sumptuous visuals, witty banter, and swoon-worthy romance that captivated audiences from the start, there are also signs that the show’s tried-and-true formula is starting to feel a bit too familiar.
This latest installment, overseen by new showrunner Jess Brownell, shifts the focus to the long-simmering potential between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
Penelope, having decided it’s time to enter the marriage mart in earnest, undergoes a stunning makeover, trading her frumpy gowns for exquisite confections that finally allow her to shine. Meanwhile, the formerly oblivious Colin finds himself increasingly entranced by his childhood friend’s newfound confidence and beauty.
Coughlan and Newton’s sparkling chemistry makes this “will they/won’t they” dance utterly delectable. The actors imbue every longing glance and charged exchange with palpable yearning, ensuring that even the most jaded viewer will be invested in Penelope and Colin’s slow burn towards romance. Their emotional intimacy, forged over years of friendship, lends an extra layer of poignancy to their burgeoning passion.
However, the central couple’s journey does at times feel like a retread of past Bridgerton romantic arcs. The obstacles between them are largely internal—a matter of Colin realizing his feelings rather than any substantial external conflict. This dilutes some of the angst and delicious tension that made previous pairings like Daphne and Simon or Anthony and Kate so electrifying.
Still, the show hasn’t entirely lost its ability to surprise. One of the season’s highlights is the fractured friendship between Penelope and Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), whose bond was shattered last season when Eloise discovered Penelope was the infamous Lady Whistledown. Their wistful longing for reconciliation crackles with more charge than many of the show’s actual romantic pairings.
Elsewhere, the show continues to expand its focus beyond the central romance. Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) makes her social debut with refreshingly modern ideas about love that gently challenge her mother’s conventional wisdom. The formerly one-note Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) is fleshed out in intriguing ways. And Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) remain delightfully meddlesome presences.
Visually, Bridgerton remains an opulent treat, from the lavish set design to the exquisite costumes and hairstyles. The show’s commitment to racial diversity and disability representation is also commendable, helping bring new perspectives to this most traditional of genres.
So while Bridgerton’s third season doesn’t quite recapture the giddy magic of its freshman outing, it still serves up enough lush romance, sparkling wit, and sumptuous visuals to keep viewers hooked. As the show matures, one hopes it will continue finding ways to inject fresh life into its courtship narratives. But for now, getting swept away in the sultry charms of Penelope and Colin’s slow dance towards true love is still an eminently pleasurable way to pass the time.
Part 1 of Bridgerton season 3 is available for streaming on Netflix. Part 2 will be available in June.
