How The 'bridgerton' Characters Have Changed Since Season 1

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Netflix; Liam Daniel/Netflix
- Netflix's "Bridgerton" is currently in its third season and centered on Colin and Penelope's relationship.
- Most of the cast members who were in the first season are still part of "Bridgerton."
- Over the seasons, the characters have undergone physical and internal transformations.
Since its Netflix debut in 2020, "Bridgerton" has been enchanting fans with its dreamy ballroom dance sequences, steamy scenes, and romantic declarations of love.
Similar to Julia Quinn's book series of the same name, the Regency-era drama has focused on a different Bridgerton sibling's love story each season.
In season three, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) is the latest member of the titular family to find love, with his longtime friend Penelope Featheringon (Nicola Coughlan).
Here's how Colin, Penelope, and the rest of the "Bridgerton" cast have changed since the series premiere.
Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix
Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest Bridgerton sibling, started the show with long sideburns and even longer hair. Season two focused on his enemies-to-lovers relationship with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).
When Anthony and Kate return in season three, they prioritize their happiness for once and extend their honeymoon. Since marrying Kate, he's been more easygoing and enjoys life as a newlywed.
Netflix; Liam Daniel/Netflix
Benedict (Luke Thompson), the second-born Bridgerton sibling, has an affinity for the arts and has been exploring it since the first season.
Showrunner Jess Brownell told Business Insider that Benedict's journey on season three is about figuring out what he wants from life. He also has a new love interest in a widow named Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New).
"He spent a lot of time existing somewhere between society and not society, and I think he hasn't quite figured out how to merge his multiple selves," Brownell said.
Netflix; Liam Daniel/Netflix
After spending months traveling the world, Colin returns in season three with more maturity and swagger — attracting the attention of plenty of ladies in the ton.
As he helps his best friend Penelope find love this season through lessons in charm, he discovers his own romantic feelings for her. It culminates in a heated makeout in a carriage and a marriage proposal.
Nick Briggs/Netflix; Netflix
Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and their baby, Augie, appear on season two of "Bridgerton." Regé-Jean Page, who plays Simon, didn't return. The actor told Variety that he didn't reprise his role because he signed on for a one-season arc.
Liam Daniel/Netflix
In the first two seasons of "Bridgerton," Eloise (Claudia Jessie) was vocal in her disapproval of society's expectations for women. But after being burned by the town's anonymous gossip columnist known as Lady Whistledown — who's actually her best friend Penelope — Eloise has decided to follow some of society's rules in season three.
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Ruby Stokes portrayed the third-eldest Bridgerton daughter in the first two seasons but departed due to scheduling conflicts with another Netflix show, "Lockwood & Co." Hannah Dodd, who previously auditioned for Daphne, joins the show as Francesca on season three.
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Will Tilston has portrayed the character since season one. In Quinn's romance novels, Gregory is the central character in the eighth "Bridgerton" novel, "On the Way to the Wedding."
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) is the youngest "Bridgerton" sibling. In most of her scenes, she's usually reacting to her family's antics or playing with Gregory.
Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix
Violet (Ruth Gemmell) hasn't found love again since the death of her husband Edmund, but she catches the attention of Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) in season three. Still, her main priority remains finding love matches for all her children.
Liam Daniel/Netflix
In her third season out in society, Penelope becomes determined to find a husband and leave the Featherington house. So, she gets rid of her bright, citrus-colored dresses in favor of more fashion-forward, mature clothing. Penelope also ditches her tight curls for looser waves, which represents her rebellious spirit and desire to break free of her mom's control.
In season three, her new look attracts suitors, including a charming man named Lord Debling (Sam Phillips). But after years of yearning for Colin, he finally reciprocates her feelings, and they get together.
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Portia's (Polly Walker) season three storyline focuses on ensuring that the Featherigtons maintain their finances — and reminding her daughters Prudence (Bessie Carter) and Philippa (Harriet Cains) that it's imperative that they produce a male heir.
Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix
In season three, episode four, she wears an elaborate wig that features a rotating swan piece inside.
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) keeps abreast of all the gossip in the ton. She and Violet often meddle in the lives of the young people in society.
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