'Bridgerton' Season 3 Introduces Three New Men to the 'Ton

Bridgerton Season 3 is getting underway, and it is apparently "Polin" season as the 'ton returns to London for another round of the marriage mart. The Netflix series based on the Julia Quinn novels has thrown aside any pretense of following the books as it grows in viewership and popularity, wisely skipping over Benedict's romance wholesale to give the people what they want: Colin and Penelope taking center stage.

But just because this London season will not introduce yet another newcomer (or longtime absent singleton) to the London scene for yet another Bridgerton sibling to fall head over heels with does not mean the series cast won't expand to include new faces. Daphne and Anthony are married off, and Colin may be preparing for his inevitable nuptials to someone living across the street. However, the rest of the family still have relationships to form that won't work out, setting them up for their ultimate fated mate.

The show introduces three bachelors for Season 3: Sam Phillips (The Crown) plays Lord Debling, a genial lord with eccentricities, but the wealth and title to excuse them. James Phoon (Wreck) plays Harry Dankworth; so pretty it almost obscures his lack of personality. And Daniel Francis (Small Axe) plays Marcus Anderson, an older single gentleman and charismatic presence who some windowed mamas might start eyeing. Will they catch the eye of Bridgerton sisters Eloise and Francesca, Bridgerton sister-in-law Edwina, or hell, even Benedict?

I spy the makings of a new social season. By the looks of things, it would seem the third installment of Bridgerton is officially underway. pic.twitter.com/Ts4xDHlOwA

— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) July 20, 2022

With filming officially underway, Netflix also revealed the official synopsis for 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 disheartened 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.

Season 3 moves Nicola Coughlan (Penelope), Luke Newton (Colin), and Claudia Jessie (Eloise) to top-billing. The series co-stars Ruth Gemmell, Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Luke Thompson, Hannah Dodd, Florence Hunt, and Will Tilston as the Bridgerton clan and Shelley Conn and Charithra Chandran as the Sharma in-laws. Polly Walker, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, and Lorraine Ashbourne are the Featheringtons. Other notable returnees include Julie Andrews, Adjoa Andoh, Martins Imhangbe, and Golda Rosheuvel. 

Bridgerton Season 3 does not yet have a release date but isn't expected to debut until after the Queen Charlotte spinoff, so probably not until late 2023 or early 2024.