Record-breaking Netflix drama Bridgerton returns for it's hotly-anticpated third season today (May 16). The regal drama, based on the romance novel series by Julia Quinn, follows the lives and loves of the Bridgerton family.

The third season of Bridgerton focuses on the relationship between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and her long-time crush Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). The second series of the beloved period drama became Netflix's most-watched English-language TV series of all time in April 2022.

The latest series features several new cast members, filming locations and storylines. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the release of Bridgerton season 3.

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Several eye-catching locations were used to film the latest season of Bridgerton. Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, a citadel dating back to 13th century, is used in the show as the home of a new character called Lord Hawkins. The castle does open to the public on selected days for people to look inside and walk around the gardens. It has been home to the de Eresby family since 1516.

In Kent, Squerryes Court features in the series' opening episode as the setting for a garden party scene after the series' new characters are introduced to Queen Charlotte. Just west of London, the 16th century Osterley Park and House makes a return in the second episode of the series. The Georgian building lays host to the Full Moon Ball.

Many fan-favourite characters will be back for Season 3 - but this latest series also welcomes three new actors to help tell the romantic tale. Daniel Francis will play new character Marcus Anderson, the suave, charming brother of Lady Danbury.

James Phoon has the role of Harry Dankworth, who joins the Ton as Prudence Featherington's husband. Finally, The Crown's Sam Phillips will appear as Lord Debling, a new suitor for Penelope.

Bridgerton season 3 has eight episodes in total. The series is divided into two parts, containing four episodes each.

The first four episodes were released today (Thursday, May 16). The remaining four episodes will land on Netflix a month later, on Thursday, June 13.

Early reviews of Bridgerton season 3 have praised the acting performance of Nicola Coughlan, but critics have been lukewarm about the series as a whole. The Independent gave the series two stars saying the ‘flimsy’ writing was a sign the hit drama was ‘losing its bite.’

IGN said the first part of Bridgerton season 3 has ‘the bones of something great’ with Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton excelling as the lead couple. But it said the show’s weakness was ‘an overabundance of irrelevant side plots, crowding the stage of the romance itself.’

Hpwever, the show has so far been well received by fans, achieving an impressive 93% on review website Rotten Tomatoes.