All the Bridgerton fans have tirelessly been waiting for the release of Season 3, and while there is still some time left, the countdown has begun. Bridgerton Season 3 is officially due to release on May 16, followed by Part 2 on June 13. This season will follow the love story of the beloved characters Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, played by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton.
Bridgerton is all about love, lust, and royalty and viewers will get to see plenty of that in Bridgerton Season 3.
However, while you wait, here’s a list of some shows that you can stream while you wait for the upcoming season.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
A spin-off of Bridgerton and belonging to the same universe, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is the perfect start to our list of shows that you need to watch ahead of the new season. This series serves as a prequel of sorts and takes the viewers back to the early days of young Queen Charlotte’s reign, and her marriage to the dashing King George.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story was also written by the talented Shonda Rhimes and you will see several similarities between the two shows. This spin-off stars India Amarteifio, Corey Mylchreest, Golda Rosheuvel, Arsema Thomas, and Michelle Fairley amongst others.
The Crown
Six seasons of brilliant acting and storytelling is the best way to summarize The Crown, which has garnered a huge fan-following since it first began, and until its final season in 2023. When someone mentions historical dramas or biographical dramas, The Crown always makes it to the top of the list, making it a fitting addition to watch before you dive into Bridgerton Season 3.
Over the six seasons, The Crown has featured some of the most well-known names in both film and television including Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, John Lithgow, Olivia Coleman, Dominic West, Elizabeth Debicki, and Imelda Staunton amongst several others.
Derry Girls
Now this addition to our list might be a little unique compared to the others, however, it has been added for one particular reason, and that is Nicola Coughlan. While Derry Girls is set in the past, it is a sitcom, unlike Bridgerton. However, if you want to see more of Coughlan, and just how much variety she possesses when it comes to acting, then Derry Girls is the show to watch.
In Derry Girls, Coughlan plays the role of Claire Devlin, who is an anxious teenager trying to keep a group of friends together and away from trouble. Coughlan’s performance in this Irish series is truly one of a kind and offers a brilliant contrast to her role of Penelope Featherington.
Downton Abbey
When it comes to period dramas, one of the most famous names that pops up has to be Downton Abbey. This British period drama first started in 2010 and lasted until 2015, however, the fans continued to shower the series with love, which eventually also had a movie set in the universe. If you are a fan of Bridgerton, then Downton Abbey will be right up your alley, and also the perfect binge!
This particular period drama has also seen some splendid performances from the likes of Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Joanne Froggatt, and Jim Carter amongst others.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter
To end our list, we bring yet another period drama, aka Belgravia: The Next Chapter, which is the sequel of its original series Belgravia. Belgravia: The Next Chapter has been the most recent addition to the franchise, and can be watched as a standalone.
This series also revolves around the romance and marriage of Lord Frederick Trenchard and Clara Dunn, and the lives of the people around them. Just like Bridgerton, this period drama can also be very scandalous from time to time.
Some of the familiar faces you might across in aka Belgravia: The Next Chapter are Harriet Slater, Benjamin Wainwright, Toby Regbo, Sophie Winkleman, Hannah Onslow, and Edward Bluemel.
Conclusion
Everyone loves a period drama from time to time, and while Bridgerton Season 3 is still a couple of months away, it might be time to binge on a few other options in the meantime, and before you know it, a new love story will begin.