Why I Stopped Watching Bridgerton Season 3
I've always liked Bridgerton and let's be honest: I watched both Season 1 and Season 2 at least three times each.
And then came season 3.
Penelope and Colin. The friends-to-lovers arc everyone apparently waited for. Except we watched him ignore her, use her for emotional convenience and then suddenly notice her once she wore a dress that fit right.
What Season 3 Is About
Season 3 is meant to be Penelope Featherington's moment. She's tired of waiting for Colin, tired of hiding behind her family's chaos, tired of being invisible. She decides to find a husband—and a life—on her own terms. Colin, fresh off a vague travel-induced ego boost, returns and starts seeing her in a new light.
She glows up. He teaches her to flirt. She becomes a woman worth noticing. And just like that, he's interested.
Except the story isn't really about Penelope's growth. It's about Colin finally deciding she's worth his time.
Penelope Featherington Being Absolutely Stunning
What Bridgerton Thinks Women Want
Bridgerton thinks we want to be chosen—eventually. Not respected from the start, not desired without condition, but chosen after being ignored. After proving ourselves. After becoming palatable.
We're meant to believe Penelope got the love story she deserved. But what she really got was validation dressed up as romance. And Bridgerton wants us to swoon over that.
I didn't.
He Didn't Want Her—Until She Looked Good in Green
Penelope's transformation isn't emotional. It's aesthetic. New hair, new dresses, more confidence—yes, but confidence that only becomes visible when men around her start reacting differently.
Colin doesn't fall for her mind. Or her strength. He falls for the version of her that finally fits into the role he's ready to see.
If she had stayed the same—awkward, unsure, unfashionable—would he have looked twice? You know the answer. So do I.
You Had Three Seasons, Colin
Colin Bridgerton had all the time in the world to notice her. He didn't.
He flirted with other women. He insulted Penelope behind her back. He relied on her when he needed comfort, and distanced himself when he didn't. And now, after a haircut and some confidence, he's "in love"?
Why I Don't Believe in Second Chances (Especially Not Like This)
There's a version of second chances that comes from maturity. From accountability. From two people showing up better than they did before. This wasn't that.
This was Penelope staying the same—loyal, smart, patient—and Colin finally realizing she was good enough when she changed how she looked. This wasn't earned. It was convenient. And Bridgerton expects us to cheer for that.
But I don't believe in second chances when the first chance was never taken seriously.
Watch the Trailer
Final Thought
Season 1 had enemies. Season 2 had longing. Season 3 had Colin—underwhelming, unearned, and late to everything. If you loved it, good for you. Maybe it worked for you. But for me, the magic left the minute Penelope said yes.
This wasn't romance. It was timing. And Colin?
I would've ghosted you.
💕 Side note: nicola and luke supremacy
I have to say this: none of this is personal. in fact, every time i see Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton together in real life, i melt a little. the photos are adorable. the energy is sweet. the chemistry? probably just trapped in the wrong script. the actors didn’t fail—bridgerton did.
