The TV show "Bridgerton" and the book series it is based on share many similarities, but they also have some big differences. The show adds more drama and changes some characters to make them more interesting for viewers.

Shifting the Sequence of Romance

A significant alteration in Season 3 of the series involves the sequence of events. Unlike in the books, where Colin Bridgerton's romantic narrative follows Benedict's, the show initially opts to emphasize Colin and Penelope's love story. This change helps develop their characters and adds more excitement to the story.

PureWow noted that season 3 of the series diverges from earlier seasons in terms of the romantic dynamic between Penelope and Colin. Unlike previous relationships, theirs does not ignite instantly. While Penelope nurtures affection for Colin, he perceives her solely as a friend, sharing his romantic endeavors with her.

This dynamic leaves Penelope struggling to hide her emotions. It is anticipated that Colin's feelings may evolve as the season progresses.

New Characters

Another significant difference is the character of Queen Charlotte. Although absent from the books, the creators of the show introduced her character to enhance the intrigue of the narrative. The queen's presence injects additional drama and rivalry into the storyline, heightening the entertainment value for viewers. 

Other characters were also introduced, each bringing their own unique dynamics to the storyline. Lord Debling, portrayed by Sam Phillips, is a wealthy member of the Ton who, like Penelope, is seeking marriage for practical reasons. Despite striking up a courtship with Penelope, Colin begins to notice their connection, leading to complications.

READ ALSO: 5 Regency Romance Books to Read If You Enjoyed the 'Bridgerton' Series

Tilley Arnold, played by Hannah New, is an educated and independent woman who catches Benedict's eye. Described as a 'bad-ass widow,' Tilley lives on her own terms and values authenticity in others.

Daniel Francis portrays Lord Marcus Anderson, Lady Danbury's estranged brother. Returning to the Ton after mourning, Marcus is charming and sophisticated, with a connection to Lady Violet Bridgerton. His storyline explores themes of grief and reintegration into society.

John Stirling is added to the show, a character not featured in Julia Quinn's "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" but significant in later books. In season 3, John forms a bond with Francesca Bridgerton rooted in their shared love of music and quiet companionship. Despite his reserved nature, John finds a deep connection with Francesca.

Character Portrayal

The gossip newsletter written by Lady Whistledown is also different in the books. The show version is full of scandalous secrets but is not as exciting as in the books. The show also reveals Lady Whistledown's true identity earlier than in the books, which adds suspense for viewers. 

Penelope's role as Lady Whistledown receives less focus initially, but it is expected to become more prominent as her connection with Colin deepens, potentially giving her the confidence boost she needs.

The Featherington family has some differences, too. They do not have financial problems in the books like in the show. Also, Penelope has a younger sister named Felicity, who plays a role in the story. The older Featherington daughters are also portrayed differently in the books; they are not as mean as in the show. 

Another alteration is the scene where Colin says something mean about Penelope in front of her in the show, in contrast to the books where he says it to his brothers.

Showrunner and Author Perspectives

The showrunner, Jess Brownell, aimed for faithfulness to the "Bridgerton" book that inspired the season, focusing on key moments and emotional journeys. However, character development in "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" is mainly internal, so they had to find ways to externalize it.

Quinn emphasized certain aspects of the story rather than specific scenes, ensuring the friends-to-lovers vibe comes through. Despite such changes, Quinn understood the differences between books and film and trusted the creative process, stating she would not tell Shonda Rhimes how to make a TV show.

Overall, the show and the books share a captivating tale of love and drama in Regency-era England. Book fans will relish seeing their beloved characters on screen. At the same time, show viewers might find the books an intriguing way to delve deeper into the Bridgerton family's adventures.

RELATED ARTICLE: The 'Bridgerton' Books in Order: A Guide to Sequential Reading and Understanding Books-to-Show Differences