Nicola Coughlan is not saying goodbye to the ton — but Penelope Bridgerton will not be front and center in Bridgerton Season 5.
The fan-favorite actor, whose character Penelope Featherington became Penelope Bridgerton after marrying Colin in Season 3, has confirmed that her role in the upcoming Netflix season will be smaller. The reason is simple: Coughlan is juggling another major TV job, with filming underway for Season 6 of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Nicola Coughlan on a Smaller Bridgerton Season 5 Role
Coughlan made it clear that she still feels deeply connected to the Netflix/Shondaland hit, even if viewers should expect fewer Penelope appearances this time around.
She said she will “always pop back to Bridgerton,” adding, “I had such an epic run.” That is a pretty fitting way to describe Penelope’s journey so far. After years of secret letters, society gossip, and slow-burn romance, Season 3 finally gave Penelope and Colin their big love story — and revealed the full emotional weight behind Lady Whistledown.
With that storyline now largely resolved, it makes sense for the series to shift attention to the next Bridgerton sibling while still keeping Penelope in the world of the show.
Why Penelope Bridgerton Is Taking a Step Back
Bridgerton has always been built around rotating romantic leads. Daphne led Season 1, Anthony took over Season 2, and Colin and Penelope anchored Season 3. That structure means beloved characters often move into supporting roles after their main love story concludes.
Coughlan’s reduced presence also comes as her schedule gets busier. She is joining the growing ensemble of Only Murders in the Building Season 6, the Hulu mystery-comedy led by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The show has become one of streaming’s buzziest comedies, regularly bringing in high-profile guest stars and new suspects with each season.
For fans, the good news is that Coughlan is not closing the door on Penelope. Her comments suggest she remains part of the Bridgerton family, even if Season 5 does not give her the same amount of screen time as her leading season.
What This Means for Bridgerton Season 5
Netflix has not revealed every detail about Bridgerton Season 5, but the series is expected to continue its book-inspired focus on another member of the Bridgerton family. Penelope’s smaller role could allow the show to keep her present as Lady Whistledown, a wife, and a member of the household, without pulling attention away from the next central romance.
That balance could work in the show’s favor. Penelope’s arc has already had its sweeping payoff, and a lighter touch may help her character feel naturally woven into the larger ensemble rather than stretched beyond her story.
Where to Watch Bridgerton and Only Murders in the Building
Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix in the US, UK, and across much of the EU. Upcoming seasons are expected to stream on Netflix as well.
Only Murders in the Building streams on Hulu in the US. In the UK and many EU territories, the series is available on Disney+ through the Star hub, depending on local availability. Season 6 does not yet have a confirmed public release date.
Tags: #Bridgerton #NicolaCoughlan #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding #Netflix #Hulu
About the Author
