- Warning: Spoilers ahead for season 3 of Netflix's "Bridgerton."
- Kate and Anthony's mid-dance kiss during the season premiere was unscripted.
Kanthony may no longer be the central focus of "Bridgerton," but stars Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley are still feeding the fandom.
Season three of "Bridgerton," which is split into two parts, focuses on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington's (Nicola Coughlan) friends-to-lovers romance. Meanwhile, Anthony Bridgerton (Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Ashley), the main couple of the previous season, return to town still basking in the glow of their recent honeymoon.
It's a stark contrast to how the couple spent most of season two, butting heads and resisting their undeniable feelings for each other before eventually giving in. Now, instead of frowning from the burden of responsibilities, Anthony is beaming at the sight of his wife and using every opportunity to show how much he loves her. This includes a brief moment during the season premiere in which Anthony quickly kisses Kate, much to her surprise and delight, while dancing at Lady Danbury's ball.
As it turns out, that Kanthony moment wasn't in the script.
"That's something that I think Simone and Jonny orchestrated together, and I'm so glad they did because it's a wonderful moment," "Bridgerton" season three showrunner Jess Brownell told Business Insider.
"They are two characters who spent so long playing by the rules all last season, and for them to break the rules in the name of love, I think is very fitting," she added.
Bailey shared more behind-the-scenes details while speaking with BI at the "Bridgerton" promenade activation in New York City on Saturday.
"Simone and I had a dance rehearsal and I think it was my idea, but we rehearsed it," Bailey said. "It wasn't improvised in the moment, but it's Simone's amazing performance that made it look like it was."
During the season three premiere, Kate and Anthony decide to delay their duties of running the Bridgerton household in favor of extending their honeymoon. Brownell said that the choice to avoid responsibility may seem a bit uncharacteristic, but it made sense for the couple's journey.
"It felt right that they are putting themselves first after seasons of watching, at least Anthony, and certainly Kate last season, putting everyone else first," Brownell said. "So we knew if we kept them around for too long, we would have to mire them in conflict somehow, either between each other or with their siblings to motivate story. And it just felt like we didn't want to do that with them."
"Bridgerton" season three, part one is now streaming on Netflix. Part two will be released on Thursday, June 13.