Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton playing cards with drinks in front of him in Bridgerton season 3 episode 2Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell addresses the order of Netflix’s adaptation after season 3 skipped book 3. Based on the bestselling Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, each season of Netflix’s popular period drama follows a different member of the eponymous noble family as they find love in Regency-era London. Bridgerton season 3, which released its first part on May 16, follows Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and his friendship-turned-romance with Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who is also secretly Lady Whistledown, the author of a scandalous society newsletter.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brownell addressed whether Bridgerton will continue adapting the books out of order. The showrunner, who replaced Chris Van Dusen for season 3, says “it’s possible that we will continue to go out of order.” She also addressed why season 3 skipped over Benedict’s story in the third book. Read her full comments below:

It’s possible that we will continue to go out of order. I’m really excited about Benedict’s journey in season three. It felt like it was too early to have him settled down. He’s such a passionate character, and we wanted him to go on a few more adventures before we get to his season.

Which Book Will Bridgerton Season 4 Adapt?

Benedict, Eloise, Or Francesca’s Story?

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton playing cards with drinks in front of him in Bridgerton season 3 episode 2
 Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton speaking and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton looking stoic in Bridgerton Season 2
Luke Newton as Colin, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Luke Thompson as Benedict, Ruth Gemmell as Violet and Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3 Hannah Dodd as Francesca in the Bridgerton season 3 trailer Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3-1

For its first two seasons, the Netflix show adhered to the order of the book series. Bridgerton season 1 adapted the first book, The Duke and I, following the story of Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and her ruse-turned-fiery romance with the dashing Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Following suit, season 2 adapted the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, following the story of Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, and his tumultuous love triangle with sisters Kate (Simone Ashley) and Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran).

Unlike the first two seasons, which followed the order of the book series, Bridgerton season 3 skipped over the third book to adapt the fourth, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, covering Colin’s romance with Penelope. This was an obvious choice since Colin and Penelope’s friendship was a focus in the first two seasons, making their romance in season 3 the next logical step. It was speculated that season 4 would then double back and adapt Benedict’s story from the third book, An Offer from a Gentleman.

However, based on Brownell’s comments, it doesn’t appear that will be the case. She says they want Benedict to “go on a few more adventures before [they] get to his season,” suggesting it might not be until later in the show. Instead, Bridgerton season 4 could move on to the fifth book and adapt Eloise’s story from To Sir Phillip, With Love or skip over to the sixth book, When He Was Wicked, for Francesca’s story. Hannah Dodd was recast as Francesca for Bridgerton season 3, suggesting she may be focused more heavily moving forward.