What to Watch Before ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3

The first half of the third season of “Bridgerton” comes out on May 16. In a BookTok-worthy description, Netflix teased this season’s tale as a “friends-to-lovers romance,” starring Polin, the ship name for the characters Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). The production company has already released two clips, episode titles, and a poster of the redheaded Coughlan, gazing into a golden mirror to whip fans into a frenzy of anticipation.

Many fans are already excited. Shortly after the second season’s release, the two seasons of “Bridgerton” climbed to occupy the first and second spot of Netflix’s Most Popular list. As of the writing of this article, its hours watched total more than 1.7 billion.

If you are part of this collection of fans, read on for recommendations for the best TV shows to screen in anticipation of the new season of “Bridgerton!”

1. “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story”

“Queen Charlotte” is a six-episode prequel to the main “Bridgerton” show. It explores the married life of the eponymous Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and King George (Corey Mylchreest) of England. In the original series, the former is a towering and eccentric presence in an already memorable cast, while the latter is a shadowy, generally mad figure whose deep affection for his wife is subtly hinted at. Together, these two characters lead a compelling — really, it has a 95% Tomatometer rating — love story that switches between young actors in the main plot to the familiar, Regency era royalty from the original show. This is the perfect show for “Bridgerton” comfort characters, a well-written period romance, and a stunning, vibrant aesthetic that defines this smash hit.

2. “Pride and Prejudice” (1995)

This 1995 BBC miniseries is one of nine, on-screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s iconic novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” The adaptation recounts the love story of Elizabeth Bennet, the strong-willed daughter of an English gentleman, and Mr. Darcy, a proud country aristocrat. Although the 2005 film adaptation starring Kiera Knightley may be more well-known, the five-hour runtime of this series allows for a precise recreation of every longing glance, jab, and nuance from the classic text. Viewers chasing the old “Bridgerton” experience should watch it for that very reason, as the series closely resembles the romantic subtleties and enemies-to-lovers storyline of the show’s second season. For the costume lovers out there, it also offers a feast of Regency fashion that feels even more historically accurate than Netflix’s flagship show.

3. “Anne with an E”

This show is another literary adaptation, this time of L.M. Montgomery’s popular “Anne of Green Gables” book series. The three-season show follows an orphan named Anne (Amybeth McNulty) as she grows up and navigates the trials of family, friendship, and love on St. Edward’s Island. The PG-rated show is far more innocent than “Bridgerton,” but it treats the topic of family with as much compassion and reverence as the show. Gilbert Blythe (Lucas Jade Zumann) and Anne’s love story is also something fans of “Bridgerton” would appreciate. In going from rivals to friends to lovers,the pair embodies the dynamics of seasons two and three of “Bridgerton.”

4. “The Crown”

Like “Bridgerton,” “The Crown” is high society media at its best. The six-season show lays bare the inner lives of the British royal family at pivotal moments of the 20th century. What differentiates it from other historical dramas is its gripping, often dramatic tone and the omnipresent knowledge that the show is based on real people. Its intensive study of personalities as varied as Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana has garnered no less than 21 Primetime Emmys. Besides the compelling writing, fans of “Bridgerton” will appreciate the social intricacies, extravagant lifestyles, and high society politics that added similarly satisfying stakes to the Netflix show. Its distinctly British atmosphere doesn’t hurt matters either.

5. “Sex and the City”

The last recommendation on this list may seem surprising, but it is more fitting than expected. “Sex and the City” is a six-season, Emmy-winning TV show that follows the friends and lovers of four women in late ’90s New York City. The dialogue is witty, the characters are complex, and the romance is often steamy. For those seeking to recreate the experience of “Bridgerton,” “Sex and the City” is the perfect match. Though it is not a period piece, the outfits are equally beautiful and narratively significant to a watchful eye. The show also has the benefit of extensive content. After finishing the original “Sex and the City,” turn on the reboot, “And Just Like That…,” for similar, albeit less critically acclaimed, drama.

As Julie Andrews, the iconic voice of Lady Whistledown in “Bridgerton,” might say, “Enjoy these while you can, dear reader. See you in the spring!”

—Staff writer Giselle P. Acosta can be reached at giselle.acosta@thecrimson.com.