Bridgerton fans have accused Netflix of committing a crime following the publication of a teaser trailer and season 3 release date.
Shonda Rhimes’ smash-hit historical drama will return for Part 1 on May 16 and Part 2 on June 13 for a total of eight episodes.
However, followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, are outraged by the ‘delay’ in the release of the series, which is notorious for its racy scenes and is set to premiere next year, having anticipated for an imminent debut.
One fan, Katlyn Zurbrugg lamented: ‘I have to graduate college before I get to watch more episodes of Bridgerton. this is a crime… but I am still excited a date has been set.’
Echoing Katlyn’s sentiment, Yamkella Nkumanda added: ‘So excited for Bridgerton SEASON 3 but those dates ?? What’s the delay about.’
Many others, on the other hand, were just delighted that they now had a date to mark in their calendars for more Bridgerton.
Cinna Wookiie exclaimed: ‘Bridgerton SEASON 3 RELASE DATE Bridgerton SEASON 3 RELASE DATE IM LITERALLY CRYING IVE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS.’
Meanwhile, Hannah responded to fellow fans who were upset with the release date by pointing out that the actors’ and writers’ strikes in Hollywood, which are now past, may have pushed back Bridgerton‘s original release date.
They explained: ‘I see a lot of people mad about the May release date for Bridgerton and I really feel like y’all forgot that writers and actors were on strike for MONTHS and that a flood of new content is getting released in the coming months.’
According to the synopsis, Bridgerton season 3 ‘finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season.
‘She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly.
‘Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he’s disheartened to realise that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder.
‘Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly.
‘Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.’
I see a lot of people mad about the May release date for Bridgerton and I really feel like y'all forgot that writers and actors were on strike for MONTHS and that a flood of new content is getting released in the coming months.
— Hannah (@marier_thoughts) December 12, 2023
so excited for BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 but those dates ?? what's the delay about 😭
— Yamkella Nkumanda 🤎 (@_yamkella) December 12, 2023
i have to graduate college before i get to watch more episodes of bridgerton. this is a crime… but i am still excited a date has been set https://t.co/gtottGRorh
— K A T L Y N (@katlyn_zurbrugg) December 12, 2023
I personally am excited & happy. We officially have the dates! I personally only wanted the for sure date right now. Am I happy it's in 2 parts? No! But I'll take it because it's POLIN BABY! I can't wait for May & June 🐝🦋🪞🛋🪶🅱️ #BridgertonS3 #Bridgerton #Polin pic.twitter.com/iNaBiS4Zcf
— 🪞🛋Felicia🛋🪞 (@polinlover91) December 12, 2023
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 RELASE DATE BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 RELASE DATE IM LITERALLY CRYING IVE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS 😭😭😭😭😭
— adi ♡ IS SEEING TXT (@hunybins) December 12, 2023
Adjoa Andoh, who portrays Lady Danbury in Bridgerton, recently previewed what to anticipate in season 3.
Referencing Penelope and Colin’s storylines, she said: ‘There’s definitely that to look forward to and there’s lots of other things – Lady Danbury and the Queen Charlotte and we’ll all be having our intrigues and plotting and trying to fix the world as we want it to be.
‘There’ll be more of that, there’ll be more frocks, there’ll be more, “How’s our father”, more fabulous locations and the Bridge-verse will continue!’
Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Netflix.