‘Bridgerton’ Showrunner Explains Why Benedict Was Skipped In Season 3 – Deadline

We know that the upcoming third season of Netflix‘s Bridgerton will focus on the love story between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) which has prompted questions about why Benedict (focus of the third book in the series) was skipped.

Per the synopsis, Season 3 — which is based on Romancing Mister Bridgerton, the fourth book in Julia Quinn’s series — finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as she’s finally given up her crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing him disparage her to his friends last season. Instead, she’s focusing on finding a husband who will respect her independence so she may continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, away from her mother and sisters. Due to her lack of confidence, however, her search doesn’t go so well.

Meanwhile, Colin is back from his summer travels with a new look and major swagger. He is disheartened to learn 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 helps Penelope boost her confidence so as to attract the perfect husband. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin is faced with figuring out what his true feelings for his friend really are.

In an interview with EW, new Bridgerton Season 3 showrunner Jess Brownell said the past two seasons have been spent “really getting to know Pen and Colin. We’ve been watching Pen’s crush and seeing how oblivious Colin is to it. That’s a dynamic that you can only play out for so long before something has to change. This really felt like the right time to lean into what’s been set up with them. On the Benedict side, he’s such a fun character and such a fan favorite that we are really excited to play with him for a little bit more and let him have more fun before he settles down.”

Brownell is taking over showrunning duties following series creator Chris Van Dusen’s exit last season. Van Dusen will remain an executive producer this season alongside Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Tom Verica.

Bridgerton Season 3 will be released in two parts. The first four episodes will premiere on May 16, 2024, and the next four will be available to stream on June 13.