Is 'Bridgerton' Season 3 Appropriate for Teens?

Here's what parents need to know about the hit Netflix series.

Medically reviewed by Samantha MannMedically reviewed by Samantha Mann

Dearest parents,

With all the buzz in the ton surrounding the first half of season 3 of Netflix’s Bridgerton, it’s only natural to wonder if the beloved romance is appropriate for teens. While the period piece is an alluring tale of heartbreak, societal expectations, and love, there is explicit content within each season. So how do you know if the Regency England romance is okay for your older child?

Dr. Tamara Soles, psychologist and director of The Secure Child in Montreal, Canada recommends looking up the show’s rating and using it as a guide.

“It’s important to consider what best suits your individual teen and what aligns with your family and cultural values. Some families may find certain language or nudity to be inappropriate, while others may prioritize limiting violence exposure,” Dr. Soles notes.

Of course, it's worth remembering that no website or parental review knows your individual teen better than you do. “You know them best. A strong relationship and open communication are your best parenting tools in this situation,” Dr. Soles adds.

Below, we dive into what parents should know about season 3 of Bridgerton, as well as its earlier installments, how to talk to your teen about the TV show, and some age-appropriate alternatives to consider.

Related: The Best British Regency Baby Names Inspired by 'Bridgerton'

What Parents Should Know About Bridgerton

First and foremost, Bridgerton is based on a romance book series by Julia Quinn. Yes, there's stunning costumes and witty banter, but there’s also a number of explicit sex scenes and nudity. Additionally, alcohol and drug use, smoking, swearing, gambling, and prostitution make appearances throughout the show. There is also mild violence, but it is not depicted in a graphic or gory way.

“The biggest concern parents have with Bridgeton is the amount of sexual content,” Dr. Soles says. “Many feel that it becomes even more sexualized as the seasons progress, which may make it harder to draw the line as parents if the teen has already had permission to watch.”

Dr. Soles notes that the historical setting of the show can raise concerns for parents regarding the portrayal of consent, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The issue of marital rape has also been broached in both season 1 and season 2.

As for the first half of Bridgerton season 3, it's tamer than the first two installments, though parents should know it contains some nudity and sexual content, as well as characters portraying a lack of sex education.

Age Guidance for Bridgerton

With a TV-MA rating, it’s safe to assume that Bridgerton isn’t appropriate for younger teens. Dr. Soles says that the show may be suitable for older teens, depending on their level of maturity. “As a psychologist and a parent of twins myself, I see how differently each person responds to media content,” she says.

When considering whether or not the Netflix series might be appropriate for your child, it’s best to watch the show yourself and make a judgement call, or read parent and child reviews to get a better understanding of the the series.

Related: Is the ACOTAR Book Series Appropriate for Teens?

How to Talk to Your Teen If They're Already Watching Bridgerton

There are a few options you can take if your teen is already watching Bridgerton. First and foremost, it’s important to create an open environment for your child to feel safe to talk to you about questions or concerns they might have while watching the series.

“Emphasize that you're open to discussing any topic, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem,” Dr. Soles advises. She says one of the best solutions might be to watch the series together. “This allows you to experience the content firsthand and provides opportunities for discussions. I encourage families to informally debrief after the episodes to encourage their teens to think critically about the content they're consuming.”

Dr. Soles recommends parents as questions like “What do you think about the relationships in the show?” or “How do you feel about the way certain characters behave?” in order to provoke more thoughtful conversations around the topics broached in the show.

In Bridgerton season 3, you'll also find characters discussing pregnancy old wives tales and demonstrating a lack of sex education that can serve as springboards to talk about these issues with your child.

Ultimately, if you don’t want your child to watch the show at all, it’s important to be honest with them. “If certain aspects of the series make you uncomfortable or you feel are inappropriate for your teen, be honest about your concerns and explain why. Reinforce your family's [boundaries] regarding media consumption.”

You may also consider allowing your teen to read the book series by Julia Quinn. While the books also contain sexual content, Dr. Soles says reading this might be preferable than viewing it for some teens.

What Teens Can Watch Instead of Bridgerton

If your teen is interested in royalty or romance-focused genres that are a bit more age-appropriate, we have a few options in mind. Reign, which follows a somewhat fictionalized version of Mary Queen of Scots’s life, is PG-13 and offers viewers a great courtship storyline. There are also less-steamy royal TV shows like The Great, set in 18th century Russia following the rise of Catherine the Great; Dickinson, which is a YA retelling of the life of Emily Dickinson; and Young Royals, which is a modern version of a royal love story.

Related: 13 PG-13 Movies to Watch With Your Kid Before They Turn 13

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