Bridgerton season 3: BTS insights with Shonda Rhimes

Rhimes discusses the challenges of producing such a complex show, and teases potential future storylines.

After a two-year hiatus, the Season 3 of Netflix’s Bridgerton is finally on its way, with its Part 1 set to premier on May 16. 

This season explores the love story between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, a departure from the book's original order.

Executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers explained to Variety that this change was due to the reveal of Penelope as Lady Whistledown in Season 1. 

Rhimes emphasises their desire to showcase Penelope's growth and her quest for love, highlighting the character's relatability and the audience's investment in her happiness.

Beers adds that Season 3 will delve deeper into the relationships between characters, particularly Penelope and Eloise, offering new layers to their dynamic.

The production of "Bridgerton" is notoriously complex, with a large cast, intricate costumes, and elaborate dance sequences. 

Rhimes and Beers acknowledge the time-consuming nature of the process, citing the meticulous writing, period-specific details, and Netflix's unique approach to production as contributing factors.
Despite the challenges, Rhimes remains committed to adapting all eight "Bridgerton" books, envisioning a future where production can be streamlined for faster turnaround.

The creative team, led by Rhimes, Beers, and new showrunner Jess Brownell, has a long-term plan for the series, with storylines mapped out through Season 6 or 7. 

They are also exploring the possibility of incorporating the queer storyline from the "Queen Charlotte" prequel into the main series, potentially through flashbacks featuring Brimsley and Reynolds.

While Rhimes teases a potential continuation of "Queen Charlotte," she remains tight-lipped about the central storyline for Season 4 of "Bridgerton," acknowledging the passionate reactions from fans to previous announcements.