The article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the Bridgerton season 3 finale!
Summary
Bridgertonshowrunner Jess Brownell has explained why season 3 of the period romance changes the ending of its corresponding book, and what it means for season 4.Bridgertonseason 3 endedwith Colin and Penelope now married, the latter revealing to the Queen that she is Lady Whistledown. However, the show makes a point of revealing she isn’t giving up her persona or gossip just yet, instead hinting that she’ll channel it differently going into season 4. This is akey deviation from the book,Romancing Mister Bridgerton, which sees her give up the pseudonym for good.
Speaking withEntertainment Weekly, Brownell explainedwhy Penelope doesn’t give up her role as Lady Whistledownat the end ofBridgertonseason 3 like she does in the book. The showrunner explained how the different perspectives gossip can have motivated the decision, implying she’ll be changing how she approaches rumors going into season 4. Check out what Brownell had to say below:
We talked about her potentially giving it up at the end of this season. But it just didn’t feel right, in a season that is about a woman trying to balance love and career, for her to give up the career for the man. I do think that gossip gets a bad reputation. It’s all about the intention with which one gossips. There’s gossip that’s meant to judge or to condemn, but there’s also gossip that — especially between vulnerable players, especially women in the Regency era — that is designed to help each other avoid danger and give each other power and agency in a time when so much information was withheld. So I’m excited to see Penn lean more into the good side of gossip next season.
How Penelope Can Still Be Lady Whistledown In Bridgerton Season 4
She Now Signs Them As Penelope Bridgerton.
Her writing will be very different inBridgertonseason 4, as she continues to cultivate a new perspective on spreading gossip.
WhenPenelope reveals to the Queen and her ton that she is Lady Whistledown, she does so to continue to gossip, but this time in a more positive way than before. This indicates her writing will be less about scathing remarks and trying to spread unfavorable information, but instead could be used to generally inform royalty about what’s happening in their world. Her writing will be very different inBridgertonseason 4, as she continues to cultivate a new perspective on spreading gossip.
Bridgerton: Everyone Who Knew Penelope Is Lady Whistledown
Bridgerton’s biggest scandals are reported by Lady Whistledown in her notorious scandal sheet but only a few characters know her true identity.
Her perspective is also likely to alter as she continues to get used to married life with Colin. AlthoughBridgertonincluded a time jumpof one year into their marriage, the couple is still relatively new. This is combined with the fact they have a son now, andher writing is no longer under the Lady Whistledown pseudonym. Not only does this mean a major shift in how she writes is spread around, but it also signals how being a mother could also influence her perspective on what she does and does not write.
Because of how important Penelope’s writing has been since the very start of the show,Bridgertonseason 4 will likely continue to utilize her work in a strong way going forward. While it’s unclear which sibling will be the focus of the next batch of episodes, their story is bound to be tied with what their sister-in-law writes for the public eye. With plenty of potential for story changes and new approaches to other books, it seems several unexpected events could transpire as the show continues.
The series has five books it could choose from for the focus ofBridgertonseason 4.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on June 26, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
