Let Polin season commence! What time to start watching Bridgerton season 3 part 1

Are you ready for Penelope to romance Mister Bridgerton? The iconic woman otherwise known Lady Whistledown is the star of the show for Bridgerton season 3, and the beginning of her story with the dashing third Bridgerton brother begins on Netflix on May 16.

As fans of the series known very well by now, the streaming service opted to split the popular original series' third season in half. That can be frustrating for fans that want to binge-watch all eight episodes all in one sitting to get the full story. But for a season that's been so eagerly awaited, allowing us to savor Colin and Penelope's devoted season for longer than just a few hours might just be the best way to do it.

If you're wondering what time Bridgerton season 3 part 1 releases and when you can start devouring all four delicious new episodes, Netflix will drop the episodes at midnight on the West Coast of the United States, which will be 3 a.m. for the East Coast. That's a bit late to stay up and start watching, especially if you have work or school the next day, but there will definitely be fans burning the midnight oil and finishing up all four episodes by sunrise.

Find out what time Bridgerton season 3 part 1 releases in your time zone with the help of our table below!

Two days before the official release, Netflix surprised fans and dropped the first five minutes of season 3 episode 1. As the opening scene reveals, Lady Whistledown gives the audience a little wink about the fact that's it's been over two years since the previous season's release: "We have been apart for far too long." Oh, you don't say!

The first five minutes of the season also preview Hannah Dodd's debut as Francesca Bridgerton, taking over the role from Lockwood & Co. star Ruby Sparks. The other buzzy debut in the opening clip? Colin's return from his travels away, where he's returned looking a little bit more mature and catching the attention of all the women — including Penelope.

Luke Newton, who brings Colin's transformation of maturity and "swagger" to life as one of the two romantic protagonists of the new season, shared with TUDUM the background of his character's journey:

"Colin really feels like he’s gone through some self-discovery and become a man. He has been heavily influenced by all the different places that he’s been to and all the different people that he’s met. What’s really interesting about this season is that, actually, he needs to come back to really find himself."

- Luke Newton

Considering the note they left off on at the end of season 2, with Penelope overhearing Colin say some rather unkind words about her, it's going to be an interesting ride for these two to find their way back from supposed enemies to friends to lovers. Don't miss a second of the show's biggest and most talked about season yet when it premieres on Thursday, May 16.

Stay tuned for more Bridgerton season 3 news and updates from Netflix Life!