Since the release of its second part on June 13, Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 3 has been attracting some criticism from viewers. The series, chronicling the lives of high society in Regency-era England, became a worldwide phenomenon when it was first released in 2020. Revolving primarily around the Bridgerton siblings, the latest season foregrounds the relationship between the third Bridgerton child, Colin, and the youngest daughter in the Featherington family, Penelope.

The release of Penelope and Colin’s story was highly anticipated, given that the pair were longtime friends, with Penelope having harbored a crush on Colin since the debut of the series. However, in true ‘wallflower’ fashion, Penelope never expresses her feelings for Colin, choosing instead to watch the world and the man she loves pass her by from the sidelines. With the friends-to-lovers trope dominating the latest season and the promise of the season to finally bring the ever-famous Lady Whistledown’s identity out of the shadows, Season 3 was set to bring viewers steamy romance, thrills, and drama galore. However, now that the season is here in its entirety, fans feel it is somewhat of a letdown, amounting to the most disappointing Bridgerton season yet.

Not Enough Focus on Penelope and Colin’s Romance

The biggest letdown of Season 3 is perhaps the fact that the romantic relationship between Colin and Penelope was not afforded as much attention as fans hoped it would be given. Since the season was to primarily revolve around Colin realizing his feelings for Penelope and the subsequent development of the duo’s relationship, viewers were justifiably expecting a plethora of ‘Polin’ moments to dominate screens.

However, as the season drew to a close, one could not help but feel that those moments where the couple was truly happy and sharing the excitement of newfound love were few and far between. The tense, fiery relationship viewers expected seemed to draw up somewhat flat. Instead of focusing on its star couple, the season seemed to rush the couple’s ending and afford a tad too much time to the stories of supporting characters. Fans have not been happy with this decision.

Adding to the frustration of fans is the unconfirmed news that Netflix and the show’s producers have cut down on ‘Polin’ scenes in the final version of Season 3. Those who had the privilege of watching early previews of the show have claimed that the season originally had more romantic, intimate moments between Penelope and Colin. This news has added to the ire of disappointed viewers, who have even created a petition asking Netflix to release the deleted scenes of Season 3. At the time of writing, the petition has more than 65,000 signatures.

A Plethora of Sub Plots Taking Away From the Main Narrative

Also, dragging time away from the romance between Penelope and Colin was the season’s decision to involve numerous subplots in Season 3. In addition to the primary focus on the ‘Polin’ relationship, Season 3 also chose to focus on Benedict’s search for love and ensuing throuple, Francesca’s entrance into the marriage mart and subsequent possibility of a queer relationship, the Mondrich family’s entrance into high society and the possibility of Lady Violet Bridgerton having a second chance at love. These storylines were explored parallel to the season dealing with the revelation of Lady Whistledown’s identity, both to Colin and the ton.

The first half of Bridgerton’s third season is filled with beautiful music, but where exactly do the classical covers of the pop songs rank?

Viewers have questioned the necessity and feasibility of Season 3’s choosing to focus on so many storylines at once, sacrificing precious time that could have been afforded to its most important narrative: the’ Polin’ relationship.

Too Many Changes to the Bridgerton Storyline

While certain changes in Season 3 have been applauded by fans, others have come under heavy fire. Fans have particularly shared their appreciation for Penelope taking matters into her own hands and revealing her identity as Lady Whistledown to the ton. Whereas in Julia Quinn’s corresponding novel, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Colin took the helm in revealing his wife’s identity, Season 3 showed Penelope standing on her own, taking responsibility for her actions.

Also, unlike in the novel, Penelope does not give up her writing after her revelation. Instead, with the Queen’s permission, she continues to write – although, now, true to herself, she signs off as Penelope Bridgerton. However, fans feel as though the series has pushed its limits in certain aspects, especially in its decision to change massive aspects of a future storyline.

Nicola Coughlan takes a bold stand against body shamers in Bridgerton Season 3.

Although Bridgerton, since its inception, has a reputation for deviating from the narrative of its source material, viewers are of the opinion that the series should at least preserve the primary characteristics of its main characters. Changing some of the most fundamental qualities amounts to changing the Bridgerton narrative quite drastically, which is disappointing for fans of the books as well as those who have grown to love the Netflix series.

Despite falling short of fan expectations, Bridgerton Season 3 is not all bad. The season does have its merits and amounts to an entertaining watch. However, it struggles in comparison to its predecessors. Whereas in Seasons 1 and 2, the passion between the leading couples was explicitly visible, Season 3’s ‘Polin’, save for a few instances, does not exhibit the type of fiery emotion that fans expected.

Moreover, while the first two seasons foregrounded the romances of its star couples, Colin and Penelope’s story was interspersed with multiple other storylines, detracting from its impact on viewers. The fact that Season 3 chose not to give ‘Polin’ enough screen time, squeeze in multiple other narratives, and change some of its characters’ most fundamental qualities makes Bridgerton Season 3 the most disappointing season yet. Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix.

However, as the season drew to a close, one could not help but feel that those moments where the couple was truly happy and sharing the excitement of newfound love were few and far between. The tense, fiery relationship viewers expected seemed to draw up somewhat flat. Instead of focusing on its star couple, the season seemed to rush the couple’s ending and afford a tad too much time to the stories of supporting characters. Fans have not been happy with this decision.

Adding to the frustration of fans is the unconfirmed news that Netflix and the show’s producers have cut down on ‘Polin’ scenes in the final version of Season 3. Those who had the privilege of watching early previews of the show have claimed that the season originally had more romantic, intimate moments between Penelope and Colin. This news has added to the ire of disappointed viewers, who have even created a petition asking Netflix to release the deleted scenes of Season 3. At the time of writing, the petition has more than 65,000 signatures.

A Plethora of Sub Plots Taking Away From the Main Narrative

Also, dragging time away from the romance between Penelope and Colin was the season’s decision to involve numerous subplots in Season 3. In addition to the primary focus on the ‘Polin’ relationship, Season 3 also chose to focus on Benedict’s search for love and ensuing throuple, Francesca’s entrance into the marriage mart and subsequent possibility of a queer relationship, the Mondrich family’s entrance into high society and the possibility of Lady Violet Bridgerton having a second chance at love. These storylines were explored parallel to the season dealing with the revelation of Lady Whistledown’s identity, both to Colin and the ton.

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Viewers have questioned the necessity and feasibility of Season 3’s choosing to focus on so many storylines at once, sacrificing precious time that could have been afforded to its most important narrative: the’ Polin’ relationship.

Too Many Changes to the Bridgerton Storyline

While certain changes in Season 3 have been applauded by fans, others have come under heavy fire. Fans have particularly shared their appreciation for Penelope taking matters into her own hands and revealing her identity as Lady Whistledown to the ton. Whereas in Julia Quinn’s corresponding novel, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Colin took the helm in revealing his wife’s identity, Season 3 showed Penelope standing on her own, taking responsibility for her actions.

Also, unlike in the novel, Penelope does not give up her writing after her revelation. Instead, with the Queen’s permission, she continues to write – although, now, true to herself, she signs off as Penelope Bridgerton. However, fans feel as though the series has pushed its limits in certain aspects, especially in its decision to change massive aspects of a future storyline.

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Nicola Coughlan takes a bold stand against body shamers in Bridgerton Season 3.

Although Bridgerton, since its inception, has a reputation for deviating from the narrative of its source material, viewers are of the opinion that the series should at least preserve the primary characteristics of its main characters. Changing some of the most fundamental qualities amounts to changing the Bridgerton narrative quite drastically, which is disappointing for fans of the books as well as those who have grown to love the Netflix series.

Despite falling short of fan expectations, Bridgerton Season 3 is not all bad. The season does have its merits and amounts to an entertaining watch. However, it struggles in comparison to its predecessors. Whereas in Seasons 1 and 2, the passion between the leading couples was explicitly visible, Season 3’s ‘Polin’, save for a few instances, does not exhibit the type of fiery emotion that fans expected.

Moreover, while the first two seasons foregrounded the romances of its star couples, Colin and Penelope’s story was interspersed with multiple other storylines, detracting from its impact on viewers. The fact that Season 3 chose not to give ‘Polin’ enough screen time, squeeze in multiple other narratives, and change some of its characters’ most fundamental qualities makes Bridgerton Season 3 the most disappointing season yet. Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix.