The third Bridgerton brother, Colin (Luke Newton) takes his turn when season three of Netflix’s Regency-era romance returns on May 16.

Fans of the books on which the series is based have been looking forward to seeing the love story of Penelope (Nicola Coughlin) – who secretly pens the widely-read town scandal sheet as Lady Whistledown – and Colin. They’ve even given the couple their own portmanteau: Polin.

As the season gets underway, Penelope is realizing that her life has changed. Her friendship with bestie Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) has been perhaps irrevocably damaged and she knows it’s time for her to move out of her scheming mother’s home and find a husband. She’s long had a crush on Colin, but overheard him saying he would never court her. The end of last season left poor Penelope alone with a broken heart while Colin departed to see the world. 

Now Colin is back and looking better than ever. Even his brothers notice: “Brother, under what foreign sun did you apparently get so — sturdy?” asks second Bridgerton brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) laughing along with eldest brother, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey). Speaking of the Viscount, he and his new wife, Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), are back for season three and looking as happy and in love as ever. 

As Penelope swears to find a suitor, Colin steps in to help her, “as a friend,” and so they proceed. But as the men of Mayfair begin to eye the blossoming Penelope, Colin finds his own interest starting to bloom. 

Season three of Bridgerton comes two years after the last installment, which focused on Anthony and Kate’s enemies-to-lovers story, and one year after prequel Queen Charlotte, which told the love story of Mayfair’s monarch. 

‍RELATED: Studio AKA Illustrates Main Titles for ‘Bridgerton’ Prequel

Along with the series’ long-awaited return, the show has partnered with brands to help fans create a Bridgerton experience all their own. Brides can wear Allure Bridals’ Bridgerton-inspired dresses designed in partnership with Netflix, Shondaland and Bridgerton costume designer Lyn Paolo. The Bridgerton Wedding Collection is now available in bridal salons worldwide, with prices that range from between $1,600 and $3,000. Every dress includes a tiny Bridgerton bee on the zipper and the initial B hidden somewhere inside the grown, Paolo told Netflix fan blog Tudum. 

Fans also can enjoy a Bridgerton-style tea with a collaboration from Williams Sonoma. The collection, which was inspired by historic themes and menus, according to Williams Sonoma, includes such treats as passionfruit curd, floral lollipops, olallieberry floral petits fours and elderflower lemonade. There are also mixes to bake orange cardamom shortbread or strawberry scones.

Returning to Bridgerton are series regulars include Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton) and Polly Walker (Portia Featherington).

New key cast members include Hugh Sachs (Brimsley), Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich), Kathryn Drysdale (Genevieve Delacroix) and Sam Phillips (Lord Debling), playing a suitor who’s competing for Penelope’s attention.

Season three is helmed by new showrunner Jess Brownell, who produces for Shondaland. Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica and original showrunner Chris Van Dusen also executive produce. 

The first four episodes of the new season arrive May 16, followed by the final four on June 13. 

‍