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."
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."Netflix; Liam Daniel/Netflix
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  • 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.

Anthony Bridgerton started off the show burdened by the weight of responsibility as the head of the house.

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Benedict Bridgerton is still enjoying life as a bachelor and figuring out his place in the world.

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Colin Bridgerton has a major glow-up inside and out during season three.

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Fans haven't seen much of Daphne Bridgerton since she married Simon Basset and gave birth to their first child in season one.

Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton on seasons one and two of "Bridgerton."
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton on seasons one and two of "Bridgerton."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.

Eloise Bridgerton is more of a non-conformist than her older sister Daphne.

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Francesca Bridgerton has been played by two different actors.

Ruby Stokes, left, as Francesca Bridgerton on season one of "Bridgerton." Hannah Dodd, right, as Francesca on season three.
Ruby Stokes, left, as Francesca Bridgerton on season one of "Bridgerton." Hannah Dodd, right, as Francesca on 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.

Gregory Bridgerton is the youngest and most mischievous Bridgerton brother.

Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."Liam Daniel/Netflix

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."

Hyacinth Bridgerton has primarily been an observer of her family's drama.

Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Violet Bridgerton continues playing matchmaker for her children.

Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Penelope Featherington goes from wallflower to main character in season three.

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Portia Featherington continues looking out for her daughters and the family's place in society.

Polly Walker as Portia Featherington on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Polly Walker as Portia Featherington on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Queen Charlotte's wigs have become larger and more extravagant with each season.

Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix

In season three, episode four, she wears an elaborate wig that features a rotating swan piece inside.

Lady Danbury has built up a reputation as a molder of society.

Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury on seasons one and three of "Bridgerton."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.

Read the original article on Business Insider