'Bridgerton' Season 1 and 2 Recap: All you need to remember before Season 3 hits Netflix
Contains spoilers for Season 1 and 2 of 'Bridgerton'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The highly anticipated Season 3 of 'Bridgerton' is almost upon us, galloping in on a wave of lavish soirées, scandalous secrets, and of course, heart-fluttering love stories. Debuting on Netflix, this season brings a shift in focus, leaving behind the enemies-to-lovers tale of Anthony and Kate from Season 2.
'Bridgerton', based on Julia Quinn's popular novels, dives into the lives of the Bridgerton siblings, each season chronicling their journeys towards love. While the first two seasons followed the book order, Season 3 takes a delightful detour, prioritizing the love story hinted at in the fourth novel – that of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.
Haven't caught up on the Bridgerton gossip from the first two seasons? Fear not! This article serves as your essential guide, refreshing your memory on the characters, their relationships, and the juicy scandals that rocked Regency London. With Season 3 just around the corner, let's revisit the love triangles, the simmering tensions, and the unforgettable moments that paved the way for Colin and Penelope's potential love story.
Bridgerton Season 1 Recap: Daphne Bridgerton's and Simon Basset's struggle through marriage
Bridgerton's debut season shows Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter, navigating the marriage with the help (and hindrance) of her older brother, Anthony. Feeling pressured to find a suitable match, Daphne enters a fake relationship with Simon Basset, the captivating Duke of Hastings.
Their charade soon turns real, but secrets and family vows threaten their blossoming love. Meanwhile, other Bridgerton siblings grapple with their own desires. Eloise, the bookish sister, longs for intellectual pursuits and stumbles upon the identity of Lady Whistledown, the season's anonymous gossip. Colin, the charming third son, falls for the woman, Marina Thompson, who harbors a secret of her own.
Love triangles and family dynamics abound. Penelope Featherington, Eloise's best friend, secretly harbors a crush on Colin, while her family desperately seeks a wealthy match for Marina. Benedict, the artistic Bridgerton brother, pursues a forbidden romance with a married woman.
Even Anthony, the eldest, juggles his duty to his family with a forbidden affair with an opera singer. By season's end, love conquers as Daphne and Simon overcome their challenges and start a family. Marina finds a solution, albeit unconventional, to her predicament. Anthony, heartbroken, vows to prioritize duty over love in his pursuit of a wife.
'Bridgerton' Season 2 Recap: Anthony Bridgerton's love triangles and Lady Whistledown's scandal
Bridgerton's Season 2 centers around Anthony Bridgerton's quest for a wife. Duty outweighs love this time, and Edwina Sharma, the 'diamond' of the season, catches Anthony's eye. However, her protective older sister, Kate, fiercely disapproves of Anthony's motivations and vows to shield Edwina. Their constant bickering hides a simmering attraction, and a 'hate-to-love' dynamic explodes between Kate and Anthony.
Meanwhile, Eloise Bridgerton renews her relentless pursuit of Lady Whistledown's identity. Her investigation leads to a print shop, raising suspicion around her instead. Penelope Featherington, the real Lady Whistledown, panics and throws Eloise under the bus through her gossip column, ruining both their reputations.
Things reach a breaking point when the observant Eloise finally discovers Penelope's secret identity. Infuriated by the hurtful things written about her, Eloise severs their friendship.
On a lighter note, Colin Bridgerton returns from his travels, initially focusing on self-improvement rather than romance.
He maintains a close friendship with Penelope, unaware of her deeper feelings. However, Colin's declaration to friends that he’d never court someone like her leaves Penelope heartbroken. Season 2 ends with unresolved tensions and shifting alliances, setting the stage for future drama in the opulent world of Bridgerton.
What will Season 3 of 'Bridgerton' will focus on?
All set to watch Season 3 of 'Bridgerton'? Season 3 of Bridgerton takes a turn for Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. After overhearing Colin's dismissal of her as a romantic prospect in season 2, Penelope throws herself into finding a husband who grants her independence in season 3. Meanwhile, Colin, sporting a newfound confidence, is shocked by Penelope's cold shoulder.
Eager to mend their friendship, he offers to mentor her in the ways of finding a suitor. However, as Penelope blossoms under Colin's guidance, he starts questioning his own feelings. The complication deepens with Penelope's fractured relationship with Eloise and the increasing difficulty of keeping her Lady Whistledown identity hidden in the Ton's spotlight.
Season 3 promises a journey of self-discovery, navigating friendship boundaries, and perhaps, the blossoming of a new love story. The show's latest season will be premiering on May 16 on Netflix.
'Bridgerton' Season 3 Trailer
'Bridgerton' Season 3 will be available for streaming from May 16 on Netflix