Why Does 'Bridgerton' Feel So Different Now? Here's Everything We've Noticed

What can be attributed to these changes?

While it's natural for a show to change from season to season, the biggest reason we can find for the major shift from season 1 to season 3 is the show runner switch. For those who don't know, the show runner creates and casts the main vision for the show, overseeing script writing, casting, production, and everything else down to costumes and music.

Chris Van Dusen ran the show for seasons 1 and 2, so it makes sense that there were some clear thematic through lines in both stories. And although there was more makeup, excessive styling occurs, and overall changes between those two seasons, there biggest leap comes from season 2 to 3. This is because Jess Brownell took over as show runner for season 3, making big shifts and effectively changing the whole tone of the show. There are more vibrant colors, costumes, and even songs; thus making it less accurate to the era like season 1 and 2 show runner, Van Dusen, wanted.

Here's a breakdown of every single change we've noticed over the seasons.

1. The Makeup Is Less True To The Era

The biggest and most notable difference between season 1 and season 3 is the makeup, IMO. In season 1, it seems that they wanted to really stay true to the Regency era, depicting a very light, natural, flushed look. They hardly even do mascara, choosing to best reflect the period while still look good on camera.

In season 3, we see almost every character with a full face of makeup — false eyelashes and all. While season 1 Penelope hardly even wore chapstick, season 3 Penelope had foundation, highlighter, bronzer, false lashes, and glossy lipstick. This seems to be a choice that Brownell went with, centering around a more modernized version of The Ton.

This choice isn't inherently bad — TBH, we all want the glowyBridgerton look now — but it's just so obviously different.

2. The Wardrobe Is Way More Extravagant

The next biggest difference to note is the wardrobe. While season 1 — and even season 2 for the most part — opts for more time-accurate pieces without too much fluff and color (except for the ever-so-vibrant Featheringtons), season 3 has much more elaborate gowns with popping colors and extra tulle!

You can see this change the most in the Bridgerton clan, known for their very respectable, muted powder blue palette. The Bridgertons had a classic, self-assured look that signaled they knew who they were without peacocking around the Ton. And while that's true by way of color palette still, the fabrics are shinier, the dresses are more ornate, and the vibe feels overall "showier" than it did before.

Even the extras have more and more extravagant looks. And while this can make for a prettier picture in some instances, in others it feels almost...fake? Obviously Bridgerton is fiction, and therefore actually fake, but these updated costumes feel contrived. They feel like we stepped out of the world of Bridgerton, and into a caricature of that world.

3. The Cast Keeps Shifting

Another change we saw from previous seasons are the presence of some favorite cast members — or rather, lack thereof. You may notice that we don't see much of OG Bridgerton love birds Daphne and Simon after their initial season. And we actually don't even see Simon at all in season 2, nor Daphne in season 3. Both actors cited separately to Varietythat their departures were a result of finishing their respective character's arc, but there were plenty of rumors that certain actors didn't want to be tied to the project anymore.

While that latter rumor can't exactly be confirmed, it does seem odd that other stars of the show manage to balance Bridgerton alongside other projects. Jonathon Bailey is, arguably, the most booked actor at the moment and was still able to be on every season. We love how loyal he is to the show, and TBH we just miss when the whole gang was back together.

4. The Pace Feels Rushed

The last thing to note is the pace of the show! In seasons 1 and 2the show has a main "couple" of the season with very minor outside storylines. You'll occasionally see hints poking at the future couples or plot points to come, but for the most part, screen time is reserved for the romance and main couple's storyline. This allows each storyline to feel more fully fleshed out with ample time to see the plot through naturally.

Season 3, however, goes completely off the normal script and into territory for many other storylines. We meet new characters, and get extremely invested into their lives, and even get very little screen time for the main couple. This was a choice of the show runner, Brownell, to bring in these storylines that could take place in future seasons to come. And while I love knowing we're getting more and more Bridgerton over the next few years, it left the overall plot feeling rushed and a lot of loose ends otherwise. I hope Brownwell finds a way to resolve this before season 4!