TMDb/Bridgerton TV Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2 shock: Penelope retires as Lady Whistledown, but a mysterious new writer takes over the scandal sheet. March 16, 2026 AceShowbiz - Bridgerton introduced a significant alteration from Julia Quinn's original book series by replacing Penelope as Lady Whistledown in part 2 of its third season. This shift marks a major storyline change that deviates from the novels, adding fresh intrigue to the show's plot. In part 2 of season 3, Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, decides to stop writing the infamous Lady Whistledown gossip column.