Here’s why Bridgerton season 3 is jumping ahead to Colin and Penelope’s story

Bridgerton‘s first two love stories have managed to sweep us off our feet and immerse us into the world of romance. I absolutely loved Daphne and Simon’s story. As for Anthony and Kate, the slow burn almost killed me. But of course their chemistry is undeniable and I totally ship them!

The stories for each couple are based on a series of books by author Julia Quinn. Each of the eight books focus on one of the eight Bridgerton siblings and their path to love. While the show followed Daphne’s story in season 1 like book 1, then Anthony’s in season 2 for book 2, they’ve changed up the order for season 3.

The third book,  An Offer from a Gentleman, is all about Benedict Bridgerton. So we thought the show would continue with its trend. But, that’s not the case. Bridgerton season 3 is jumping ahead to the fourth book,  Romancing Mister Bridgerton, to focus on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s love story.

Why is Bridgerton season 3 skipping ahead?

Of course there’s a reason for this change, and I think it’s a good one. Showrunner Jess Brownell, who has taken on the role from Chris Van Dusen, spoke to Variety about the show’s reasoning for jumping ahead to the fourth book’s story.

The main reason is because we’ve become so familiar with the characters, especially Penelope. We’re invested in them and who they are. Waiting until season 4 to tell this couple’s story may feel too long for show fans. In comparison Polin, we haven’t seen Benedict as much other than his search for his artistic identity. I adore Benedict and can’t wait to get his story, but I don’t mind waiting for his a bit longer.

Here’s what Brownell told Variety:

"I feel like, especially in the last season, there are these moments of tension between them where it’s like, Colin walks up to the line of almost realizing that Penelope has feelings for him but doesn’t quite get there. Instead of treading water on that dynamic, we wanted to push it into their season. It really felt like the perfect moment to tee it up."

I like this move and can see why the Netflix show has decided to go this route. It will also be very nice to see Colin finally noticing Penelope. Especially in season 2, it broke my heart every time we saw her tentative hope that he’s finally noticing her, only for him not to. Penelope deserves better!

While this is a departure, we have to remember the series is an adaptation. Many times shows and movies based on books try to stay as true as possible to the original work, but an adaptation is an adaptation. You can change things and alter plots and stories.. And the show actually has already certain elements from the very beginning.

In a surprising twist, at the end of season 1 we learned that Penelope is Lady Whistledown herself. I honestly thought this would be a series mystery, not uncovered in the first season! In the books, we actually don’t find out it’s Pen until book 4 – Romancing Mister Bridgerton.

The second season also took a big departure from the books when it comes to Anthony and Kate’s love story. There wasn’t this whole slow burn business, Anthony isn’t so far into his courtship with Edwina, and Anthony and Kate actually end up marrying because they’re caught in a compromising position.

Rest assured Benedict fans. Though we’re not getting his story yet, the Bridgerton brother will still be a “vital part” of season 3.

Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Netflix.