Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 were rife with scandals the ton could gossip about, but season 3 could be the Netflix series’ most explosive outing to date, assuming it follows the eventful plot of the next book. Romancing Mister Bridgerton, the fourth novel in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, takes strides toward uncovering the person behind the pseudonym Lady Whistledown. It also features admissions of guilt from two separate characters, though only one turns out to be true. Needless to say, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton upends the ton’s order with its many exciting developments.

Even just playing off of Bridgerton season 2’s reveals, season 3 has plenty of potential for incendiary affairs. Between Lord Featherington duping most of the ton’s gentlemen and the various scandals befalling the Bridgertons, the ton will surely have much to discuss. With Eloise finally learning of Penelope’s connection to Lady Whistledown and Benedict facing the truth about his admission to the academy, Bridgerton season 2’s ending ensures that Bridgerton season 3 will have to deal with the titular family’s reputation and turmoil.

10Penelope Being Revealed as Lady Whistledown

The revelation of Penelope’s “life work” as Lady Whistledown is central to Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. At first, the investigation into who wrote the pamphlet feels like an intrusion to Penelope. However, it stops being so once her nemesis falsely takes credit for it, stealing what Penelope has come to view as her magnum opus. The book sees Penelope coming clean with Colin, and Colin publicly announces her as his wife, Lady Whistledown, at Anthony and Kate’s ball. The ton will surely have much to say about that, especially since they would never expect Penelope to be the one behind the pseudonym.

9Benedict’s Stay Away From London & The Ton

Bridgerton season 2’s finale sees Benedict leaving the academy and closing the door on his art as he packs up his studio. His departure from London is detailed in the third Bridgerton book, An Offer From a Gentleman. Benedict spends most of his time in his countryside house in the third novel, both before meeting Sophie and after marrying her. Benedict’s disappearance from London will likely be motivated by his search for himself in Bridgerton season 3, but he’ll eventually benefit from his departure. The ton might not look kindly upon Benedict’s reclusion, but the Bridgerton books reveal how Benedict’s life in the countryside allows his art to flourish.

8Marina Crane’s Unhappiness Leading To Her Killing Herself

Marina’s story in Bridgerton season 2 highlights how practical her approach to life has been after her tragic story in season 1. While Colin’s visit to her mansion makes him stop second-guessing everything that happened with Marina, her discontent during their encounter is noticeable. Marina clearly doesn’t want Colin’s pity, and she says she’s content, but that doesn’t mean she’s truly happy. After all, the fifth Bridgerton book, To Sir Phillip, With Love, highlights how Marina tries her best and still succumbs to her depression.

It’s unclear if Netflix’s Bridgerton will follow the story as it unfolds in the books, but hints of Marina’s sadness are present. Given that Marina dies by suicide in the Bridgerton novels, Bridgerton season 3 may see Marina’s depression returning. Given the next chapter’s focus on Colin and Penelope, the TV series could follow her character arcs in the books. If she does die in Bridgerton season 3, it will undoubtedly shock the ton to their core.

7Cressida Cowper Unmasked As Not Being Lady Whistledown

Appearing with a different name in the Bridgerton books, Cressida Cowper is Penelope’s nemesis in the show. Given that Romancing Mr. Bridgerton sees Cressida claiming to be Lady Whistledown, Bridgerton season 3 will likely feature Cressida and Penelope’s confrontation. Cressida taking credit for Penelope’s work is a major plot point throughout the book, so much so that Lady Whistledown’s hasty, last-ever pamphlet makes Cressida realize that Penelope wrote it.

This storyline will undoubtedly appear in Bridgerton season 3, creating problems between Colin and Penelope and pushing Penelope to publicly own her actions as Lady Whistledown. Both Cressida’s and Penelope’s admissions will create a stir among the ton, giving them plenty to talk about in Bridgerton‘s newest episodes.

6Lord Featherington’s Mine Scheme’s Consequences Will Hit The Ton

Bridgerton season 2’s finale concludes Portia Featherington’s mine scheme by placing all the blame on Lord Jack Featherington, pushing him away from England and the ton. Still, Portia makes it clear that she’ll keep most of the money, even if her plan involves her family being recorded as Jack’s last victim. Colin might have unveiled Lord Featherington’s scheme to all the other gentlemen, but per Portia’s words to Jack, the ton’s money will not be returned. Their discontent after being swindled will likely be discussed in Bridgerton season 3, even with Jack secretly leaving London.

5Queen Charlotte’s Death (If Queen Charlotte & History’s Timeline Is Followed)

Queen Charlotte and Bridgerton’s timelines both portray Queen Charlotte as much younger than she would have been in 1817, when Princess Charlotte of Wales died. The real-life queen died in 1818, just a year after the princess. This means Queen Charlotte could perish in Bridgerton season 3. Of course, given that Queen Charlotte changes King George and Queen Charlotte’s coronation date (and their ages), the queen’s death may still be far off. However, if the series does stick to the historical timeline and kill Queen Charlotte, it will impact the ton significantly.

4Eloise & Penelope’s Row Will Upset The Ton’s Balance

In the Bridgerton books, Eloise’s search for love is kickstarted by the realization that she and Penelope won’t be single together. However, Bridgerton season 2’s ending changes their story, as Eloise shuts Penelope out after learning that she’s Lady Whistledown. Eloise and Penelope were never really popular with the ton — not in the Bridgerton show or the books — but they were always together. Their row will surely interest the ton, sparking questions and rumors about why it happened.

3Colin & Penelope’s Engagement

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton shows how everybody besides Colin dismisses Penelope. Even after he asks for Penelope’s hand, Portia doesn’t believe it’s Penelope that Colin wants to marry. The ton views the pair similarly in the book. Given the gentlemen’s comments about Penelope and Colin dancing in the Bridgerton season 2 finale, it’s highly likely that their engagement will shock the ton when season 3 arrives.

2The Bridgertons’ Reputation Still Must Recover From Eloise Joining Radicals

Eloise’s story is rarely focused on before To Sir Phillip, With Love, but Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 give her more agency. While Eloise befriending political radicals never happens in the books, the ordeal causes a scandal in Bridgerton season 2. With the end of season 2 focusing on Anthony and Kate’s happiness rather than the Bridgertons’ reputation, it’s unknown what the ton think about Eloise. Bridgerton season 3 will have to continue that storyline, and the ton is unlikely to look kindly upon her new non-aristocratic friends.

1The Publication Of Colin’s Journal In A Book

Colin’s search for purpose is already a minor storyline throughout Bridgerton season 2, but Romancing Mr. Bridgerton fully explores his desire to find meaning. The book highlights how he’s jealous of Penelope for having done something with her life while he still doesn’t know what his purpose is. Given how his travel journals are eventually published with Penelope’s editing and help, Bridgerton season 3 will likely follow the book’s story, shocking the ton with Colin’s talents as a writer.

5Queen Charlotte’s Death (If Queen Charlotte & History’s Timeline Is Followed)

Queen Charlotte and Bridgerton’s timelines both portray Queen Charlotte as much younger than she would have been in 1817, when Princess Charlotte of Wales died. The real-life queen died in 1818, just a year after the princess. This means Queen Charlotte could perish in Bridgerton season 3. Of course, given that Queen Charlotte changes King George and Queen Charlotte’s coronation date (and their ages), the queen’s death may still be far off. However, if the series does stick to the historical timeline and kill Queen Charlotte, it will impact the ton significantly.

4Eloise & Penelope’s Row Will Upset The Ton’s Balance

In the Bridgerton books, Eloise’s search for love is kickstarted by the realization that she and Penelope won’t be single together. However, Bridgerton season 2’s ending changes their story, as Eloise shuts Penelope out after learning that she’s Lady Whistledown. Eloise and Penelope were never really popular with the ton — not in the Bridgerton show or the books — but they were always together. Their row will surely interest the ton, sparking questions and rumors about why it happened.

3Colin & Penelope’s Engagement

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton shows how everybody besides Colin dismisses Penelope. Even after he asks for Penelope’s hand, Portia doesn’t believe it’s Penelope that Colin wants to marry. The ton views the pair similarly in the book. Given the gentlemen’s comments about Penelope and Colin dancing in the Bridgerton season 2 finale, it’s highly likely that their engagement will shock the ton when season 3 arrives.