Season 3 Of Bridgerton Will Focus On These Fan-Favorite Characters

When 82 million people tuned in to watch Season 1 of "Bridgerton," the Regency romance based on Julia Quinn's book series broke all of Netflix's viewing records (per Fortune). And although critics weren't exactly thrilled with Season 2, viewers are still eagerly looking forward to finding out what happens next to the close-knit Bridgerton family and all the other residents of the Ton. Of course the biggest question on everyone's minds right now is which Bridgerton sibling will take center stage in Season 3.

Shonda Rhimes is the powerhouse producer behind "Bridgerton" and other popular shows, including "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "Inventing Anna." When she and "Bridgerton" showrunner Chris Van Dusen sat down for interview with ET in March 2022, they were both cagey about which of Quinn's books would form the basis of the next season.

"We're not necessarily going in order but we are going to be seeing each of the siblings and their stories," Rhimes said.

The answer to the Season 3 mystery has finally been revealed — by none other than Lady Whistledown herself.

If you've been shipping #Polin, then it's time to celebrate. In a revelation worthy of her Lady Whistledown alter ego, Nicola Coughlan shared some hot gossip at yesterday's FYSEE panel: Season 3 will focus on her character, Penelope Featherington, and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton (per People).

"Like Lady Whistledown, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time and I can confirm to you all that Season 3 is Colin and Penelope's love story," Coughlan said. "I have kept that secret since two weeks into Season 2. This is the first time I am saying it here."

Before the panel discussion, Coughlan explained to Tudum why she thinks it's sensible for the show to focus on the couple now. "I feel like if you see Penelope fawning over this boy for another season, you'll be like, 'Get it together! Come on, move on and get over it," the Irish actor said. "I think book fans are going to be happy."

Perpetual underdog Penelope has been constantly relegated to the friend zone with charming Colin, third son in the Bridgerton family. #Polin fans can finally relax knowing that a romance is coming — especially after the terrible moment in the Season 2 finale when Penelope overheard Colin telling his friends that he would never court her (per Tudum).

The television version of "Bridgerton" has differed from Julia Quinn's book series in many ways, most notably through its bold choice to use color-conscious casting (per Hollywood Reporter). It has also introduced some new characters and changed some of the plot details (per Us Weekly).

And now the popular Netflix series is skipping ahead to Quinn's fourth book, "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," with its focus on Penelope and Colin. Luke Newton, who portrays Colin, told Tudum, "There's so much love for that relationship, which brings its pressures because there are people that are really excited about this story to come to the forefront."

An adaptation of the third book in the series, "An Offer From a Gentleman," and its tale of Benedict Bridgerton's romance with (spoiler alert!) newcomer Sophie Beckett, will have to wait until a later season. Producer Shonda Rhimes seems determined that each Bridgerton sibling's tale of romance will get a chance to be told. She said to Variety, "There are eight Bridgerton siblings, and as far as I'm concerned, there are eight 'Bridgerton' seasons. And maybe more."