Dear reader, you'll absolutely burn for the upcoming third season of Bridgerton.
At least, that's Jonathan Bailey's guarantee. After all, Netflix's steamy historical romantic drama series next installment follows the love story of his character Anthony Bridgerton's brother Colin (Luke Newton) and longtime friend Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), a.k.a gossip writer Lady Whistledown.
"It's going to be tantalizing," the actor teased to E! News' Francesca Amiker at the GQ Men of the Year event Nov. 16. "It's going to be good. And also, my brother Luke Newton is bringing the heat with Nicola. So it's going to be great."
He's not the only one who thinks so, either. Back in October 2022, Simone Ashley—whose Kate Sharma fell for Bailey's Anthony during season two—promised that next season is "super steamy."
"I'm very happy when I'm reading the scripts," she told E! News at the time. "When I receive them, I've got a beaming smile on my face."
Even Lady Whistledown thinks it'll be the diamond of the season.
"Penelope returns to London determined to become a new woman with a new independence," Coughlan previously shared. "Both Colin and Pen have done some growing up. And only time will tell how their friendship will develop."
Bridgerton season three is set to start streaming in 2024, Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury, told Hello! last month.
Until then, check out the first look photos below...
Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton) take center stage as the duo to watch in season three of Bridgerton.
Looking For His Place in This World
Fans will get the chance to get more insight into Colin Bridgerton's personality this season.
"Colin is a curious person," co-executive producer Betsy Beers explained. "And I think he feels that his answers are out there somewhere, which is why you sense this pushing and pulling and, ultimately, confusion. He's in a tough spot, being the third son. In a world where you only need an heir and a spare, Colin doesn't know where he fits—and he's constantly looking to transform himself.
Penelope is "grown up" now, Nicola shared in June 2023, adding it was "definitely different this time around" as all eyes are on her journey from Lady Whistledown to leading lady.
The actress has known for a while that she'll be the focus.
"I've known for, like, two weeks into filming season two, so I had a lot of time to adjust to it," she told E! News' Justin Sylvester and Loni Love in May 2022. "But then, you know, last night when they were like, ‘The news is coming out. You can talk about it,' I was like, ‘I don't want to. I'm too scared.' When I say it out, it makes it real."
One more secret about season three? It appears another extravagant ball will be taking place: London's Osterley Park estate was seen in July totally made-over with white flowers, Regency-era carriages and purple decorations seemingly for filming. Colin better have his dance moves perfected!
Hands Touch, Eyes Meet
Penelope and Colin share an intimate moment as she assists him with a cut to his hand.
One of the Ton's Many Soirées
Colin and Penelope tease their romance at one of the ton’s soirées.
A New Suitor
Colin has competition when Lord Debling (Sam Phillips) begins vying for Penelope's hand.
Leaving the Nest
Penelope learns to spread her wings after distancing herself from her overbearing family.
Super Steamy Season
Jonathan Bailey is looking forward to seeing where season three takes the Bridgertons.
"It's going to be tantalizing," the actor teased to E! News' Francesca Amiker at the GQ Men of the Year in November. "It's going to be good. And also, my brother Luke Newton is bringing the heat with Nicola. So it's going to be great."
And Simone Ashley couldn't agree more.
"I'm very happy when I'm reading the scripts," she told E! News at the time. "When I receive them, I've got a beaming smile on my face."
Gentlemen's Night
Colin enjoys a night out with his older brother Benedict, still an eligible bachelor himself.
New (Marriage) Season, New Eloise
The second oldest Bridgerton daughter decides to put her best foot forward when it comes to finding a suitor.
Mother Knows Best
Bridgerton's third youngest Francesca (Hannah Dodd) returns to London.
A Family Affair
The Bridgerton's gather for an important occasion. But just what, viewers will have to wait and see...
A New Place in the Ton
Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) and his family grapple with their new reality after being gifted a new title.