This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3.
Summary
AfterBridgertonseason 2 revealed the tragic way Edmund Bridgerton died, I assumed the period drama would stop using its bee motif, but the bees keep appearing and the reason why is just as sad. Although the Bridgertons' father passed away before the events of the Netflix series, his presence has remained strong throughout the last three seasons. In particular, he affected Anthony and his story, which is where we learned about Edmund’s sudden death via bee sting. However, even after Anthony overcame his fear of bees, theend ofBridgertonseason 3continues using bees for one symbolic reason.
InBridgertonseason 3, I thought the series had left behind its bee themes in place of another bug: butterflies.Butterflies have long been a part ofBridgerton,as Penelope wears various butterfly accessories and clothes throughout the seasons. Most recently, the butterfly motif occurred in season 3 when Philippa lets loose a cascade of butterflies at the Dankworth-Finch ball.Bridgerton’sbee themeshave not been totally replaced though. In fact, they reappear after the credits of everyBridgertonseason 3 episode. A bee lands on the big red flower-covered Netflix symbol, then promptly flies away.
Bridgerton Season 3 New Cast & Returning Character Guide
The third season of Netflix’s Bridgerton brings a mixture of characters that audiences know and love, and brand new faces to learn more about.
What Bees Represent In Bridgerton
Bees Represent Edmund Bridgerton
Bridgerton’sbee motif is one of the period drama’s longest-running themes, and I understand why. The bee represents Edmund Bridgerton. InBridgertonseason 2, Anthony has a moment where he becomes frantic about Kate being stung by a bee. It isrevealed that a bee sting killed Anthony’s father several years prior,which is why he feels such overwhelming fear. Ultimately, this realization shows how Edmund impacted Anthony’s life and explains why bees appeared throughoutBridgerton.After Anthony’s explanation, I thought the bees would go away, but they continue to leave their mark onBridgerton.
Edmund’s influence hangs over all the Bridgerton children in different ways.
What I have figured out is thatBridgertonseason 3 includes a bee at the end of the credits as a reminder that Edmund is still present in the show. Anthony has moved past his fear of bees and falling in love, but he isn’t the only Bridgerton affected by their father. In reality, Edmund’s influence hangs over all the Bridgerton children in different ways. Although the bee does not make a massive appearance inBridgertonseason 3, I believethe bee’ssubtle inclusion is a hint that Edmund is still aroundand prevalent in the story.
Bridgerton Season 3 Shouldn’t Have Bees
Penelope’s Butterflies Are More Important This Season
Although I love the sweet and melancholy meaning behindBridgertonseason 3’s bee symbol, I don’t think it’s nearly as important this season as the butterfly. Colin is the Bridgerton starring in season 3, butPenelope’s story is really the most important in this installment. The butterfly motif only confirms it. InBridgertonseason 3, Penelope goes from being a shy, overlooked wallflower to a beautiful and bold butterfly.Penelope’s costume changein episode 1 finally reveals why butterflies have appeared for so long. In many ways, the butterfly isBridgertonseason 3’s version of season 2’s bee revelation.
Edmund Bridgerton is played by Rupert Evans inBridgertonseason 2.
Ultimately, Edmund’s bee symbol has very little to do with season 3, so I’m not sure it needed to be included. Edmund’s memory hangs over all the Bridgerton children, but he is never brought up by name in the season. Colin doesn’t seem to have any particular connection to him in this installment. WhereBridgertonseason 2 had a clear connection to Edmund via Kate’s bee sting and Anthony’s flashback, season 3 has nothing like that. Therefore, there is no reason forBridgertonto include the bee symbol in season 3. If anything, it should have been a butterfly.
Violet’s Story Explains Why The Bees Still Appear In Bridgerton’s Credits
Edmund Is Most Relevant To Violet’s Season 3 Story
Edmund Bridgerton doesn’t play the same role inBridgertonseason 3 as he did in season 2, however, one storyline brought Edmund immediately to mind. This season, Violet develops feelings for Lady Danbury’s brother, Marcus Anderson. Marcus and Violet have a slow approach to their relationship, andI believe a big part of that is Violet’s fear of moving on from Edmund. Violet is well-known for her love match, so entering a new relationship may seem like a betrayal to her. In this way, the bee in the end credits could be for Violet rather than Colin.
All in all, Edmund’s bee is not completely gone fromBridgerton.This makes me think that the bee will continue to play a role for the remainder ofBridgerton’sseasons. I believe it will represent different things for different characters. In season 2, it symbolized Anthony’s fear. In season 3,it showcased Violet’s love for Edmund, even as she moves on. FutureBridgertonseasons may offer something else entirely. However, I will be impressed ifBridgertoncan keep its bug motifs alive for the next five season.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on June 07, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
