Yep, we’re still waiting for Season 3 of Netflix’s Bridgerton. We can watch Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) fall in love with Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) beginning on May 16th but doesn’t that still feel so far away? Well, to pass the time until then, Polin fans have the fun option of fanfiction. There are a lot of choices out there but we’ve made the sacrifice (ha) of doing a deep dive just so we can recommend some Polin AU fanfics to read before Bridgerton season 3.
Alternate Universe fanfiction deviates from the canon of the fandom in some way. The plot of the Bridgerton television show has already been changed from the book series it is based on. So why not go even further and enjoy some fanfiction that offers different events from the show? (Only complete fics for this list, we are completionists around here). Enjoy!
“RE: You and Me”
RE: You and Me – Chapter 1 – enid_salt – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
For a period drama like Bridgerton, the biggest category of AU is going to be a modern setting, right? That’s what this fic is. It’s told through things like e-mails and text messages. Though it focuses on Colin and Penelope, all the other characters we love make an appearance too.
All the Bridgerton siblings are here, the Featherington sisters, and the Sharma sisters too. This one has a smart concept at its center, with clever and sometimes funny details too. The Bridgerton Bros group chat is called “Easy as 1, 2, 3” for example. This four-chapter fic is written by user enid_salt and it’s well worth the time.
“Just My Type”
Just My Type – Chapter 1 – Sea_Dragonfly – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
Another modern AU, this fic is by user Sea_Dragonfly. The premise of this one is that Colin and Penelope set each other up on disastrous blind dates until they figure out they’re supposed to be with each other. Well, more accurately, until Colin figures it out.
I laughed out loud more than once at this one. It has its sweet and romantic moments too. I think if a reader were looking for the rom-com vibes that are being used to describe season 3, this fic qualifies. Plus, it’s only 2 chapters long, so you get a lot of enjoyment for not a lot of time spent reading.
“Paradigm Shift”
Paradigm Shift – Coeur_de_Coeurs – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
Let’s go back to the Regency setting of the show. Many Polin fans were unhappy with the show’s plot decisions in season 2. Such as Colin not going to the Hearts and Flowers Ball in episode 2×04. He should have seen Pen in that pretty pink gown, right? Well, this one-shot fic changes that.
Of course, the show couldn’t be plotted this way but it’s still nice to read. The staircase conversation between Pen and Colin in 2×04 is a painful moment for fans. This fic pleasantly diverges the plot away from that moment. Thanks to the author, user Coeur_de_Coeurs, for that.
“My Heart Is Thrilled By The Still Of Your Hand”
If we’re being honest, sexual content is a big draw in fanfiction. User ShirlyGallagher has got you covered with this 2-chapter fic. Instead of the show, this story adds a sexy scene outside of the book canon.
Book readers will remember when Pen mentions a tree branch Colin could climb to get to her bedroom. Well, he does just that in this fic. And once he’s there, you can pretty much guess what happens next. Book Polin could have used another scene like this, and this one is a good addition. It’s well-written, too. Readers looking for spice in their fanfic will have a good time with this one.
“All We Left Unsaid”
All We Left Unsaid – Chapter 1 – lavenderandlilacs – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
User lavenderandlilacs wrote this multi-chapter fic as a possible season 3 of the show. However, it does not follow the official season 3 synopsis. It goes in an entirely different direction, and that makes it AU. There is an adherence to the Shondaland point-of-view in certain details here that I normally wouldn’t like. AND YET… I enjoyed this fic.
I think the writer has a good handle on the characters, especially Eloise. The story offers a good balance of humor, romance, and emotion. I like the care that was put into the epilogue as well. This fic is long but a good use of time when it comes to Polin.
I hope all Polin fans will find something among these fics to enjoy and make the wait for the next season of Bridgerton less excruciating. We’ll take all the Polin we can get, won’t we? Fanfic is a good source for them until season 3 of Bridgerton makes their romance real.
Bridgerton season 3 part 1 will be available on May 16, 2024, only on Netflix.
Oh i can recommend seducing mister bridgerton!