With the season three premiere of Bridgerton just one week away, we're learning more about what we can expect in the new episodes – and apparently, what we can expect is plenty of spice. In a new interview, showrunner Jess Brownell said that thanks to the history between Penelope and Colin, telling the story of their romance meant they were able to "go further" with steamy scenes than they were in the past, and if you've watched this show before, you know that's saying a lot!
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The new season focuses on the relationship between Penelope and Colin.
With the first two seasons, we saw both couples featured meet and fall in love, but this time around will be a little different. Penelope's made her (secret) feelings for Colin known since the show's first season, which means their romance has been building for two full seasons already.
The fact that their characters were friends first means there's more to work with.
"Because Penelope and Colin have been friends for so long and they have this depth to their relationship, it allowed us to go further with the intimacy scenes this season," Brownell told The Wrap this week. "It’s been building for so long — not just what we’ve seen in Seasons 1 and 2 — but they’ve known each other for years and years."
Fans of their book, 'Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,' may notice a few differences.
"They are characters who don’t necessarily play by the rules all the time — certainly not Penelope, who has this whole exceptional career which was so unusual for that time period," she continued. "That gave us creative license to push them into a more romantic space."
Their season may be a bit different than what's laid out in the popular Julia Quinn book, but it seems like that's a good thing!
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Those extra steamy scenes weren't easy to film, though.
As Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope, told The Wrap they were a bit challenging, but she said each sex scene does "always progress the narrative."
"They were intimidating to shoot but then brilliant to shoot. Watching back we’re so proud of them, which is an amazing feeling," she said.
These scenes may also play a big role in keeping the couple connected.
"I think because Colin and Pen can struggle to communicate at times because of their history and because they’ve been friends, it sometimes takes them to be in that environment to really open up, emotionally as well as get undressed. It helps them to communicate their true feelings," said Luke Newton, who plays Colin.
We'll find out what all of this really means in just a few days when Bridgerton season three starts streaming on Netflix on May 16.
