Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) looking worried in Bridgerton season 3 Part 2

Executive producer Shonda Rhimes teases the Bridgerton season 3 ending, revealing that she was moved to tears. As Shondaland’s first scripted series for Netflix, Bridgerton is based on the books by Julia Quinn, with each season following a different member of the eponymous family as they find love in an alternative version of Regency-era London. Bridgerton season 3, which released its first part on May 16, follows the friendship-turned-romance between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), ending with an admission of love and an impending marriage proposal.

During a recent appearance on the TODAY show, Rhimes teased the upcoming Bridgerton season 3 ending.

The executive producer remained secretive about season 3’s ending, though she teased that it is both alluring and unexpected. Rhimes also revealed that she experienced a strong emotional reaction to the ending. Read her full comments below:

We’re very secretive about it but I will say it is sexy and surprising in many ways. And also, I cried at the end, I found it very moving — and I don’t always cry. So I really go into it.

What To Expect From Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2

Colin & Penelope’s Romance Is Just Getting Started

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington Kiss in Bridgerton season 3

The first half of season 3, based on the fourth book Romancing Mister Bridgerton, focused on the romantic entanglement between Colin and Penelope, a storyline that will continue to be the main focus in the final four episodes. The Bridgerton season 3 part 1 ending saw Colin confess his feelings of love for Penelope, leading to a passionate moment between the two, and the suggestion that they marry. However, Colin falls in love with Penelope and proposes marriage while oblivious to her dual identity as Lady Whistledown, which he will likely discover in part 2.

Part 2 is also expected to continue Eloise’s rivalry with Penelope, who discovers that she is Lady Whistledown during the Bridgerton season 2 ending. However, she has not yet learned about Colin and Penelope’s plans. When she does in part 2, Eloise will likely have some conflicting feelings about her former best friend marrying her older brother and might consider revealing Penelope’s secret identity to Colin, or even the ton at large.

Season 3, part 2 should also continue to explore Eloise’s burgeoning friendship with Cressida, signifying her desire to move on from her friendship with Penelope. Furthermore, Francesca’s relationship with John Stirling should also deepen in part 2. Overall, the major focus of Bridgerton season 3 part 2 will continue to be the romance between Colin and Penelope, promising a blend of both dramatic and heartfelt moments.