Fans now have several clues about what to expect in Bridgerton season 4, with Benedict officially announced as the lead.
The Netflix series, inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels, follows the wealthy Bridgerton family as they navigate love and relationships in 19th-century London. Season 1 focused on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), adapting The Duke and I.
Season 2 was based on The Viscount Who Loved Me, featuring Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Though the third novel, An Offer From a Gentleman, centers on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his romance with Sophie, the series has not yet explored their love story.
Instead, season 3 spotlighted Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), following Romancing Mister Bridgerton. The deviation from book order left fans speculating about season 4’s protagonist until Benedict was confirmed.
Was Bridgerton Renewed for Season 4?
Netflix had previously renewed Bridgerton for seasons 3 and 4 but did not initially reveal details. Showrunner Jess Brownell later confirmed that season 4 would debut in 2026.
Who Is the Season 4 Lead?
Before season 3’s May 2024 premiere, Brownell confirmed that season 4’s storyline was already in development.
“I can tell you that I know who it’s gonna be. We are in the middle of writing it right now,” she shared with Refinery29 in April 2024.
In July 2024, Netflix announced that season 4 would focus on Benedict’s romance with Sophie, played by Yerin Ha, whose character’s surname changed from Beckett to Baek.
“What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles—something she constantly has to overcome,” Ha told Tudum in September 2024. “Whether it’s navigating social status or concealing her feelings for Benedict.”
When Will Season 4 Premiere?
Production was already in motion as of April 2024. However, Brownell stated, “We actually don’t know when it’s gonna drop. We’re still making sure that we write the best possible script before starting production. But we’re really thrilled with what we’ve been working on.”
What Is Benedict and Sophie’s Love Story About?
Netflix’s official synopsis, released in July 2024, describes Benedict’s journey:
“Despite both his elder and younger brothers being happily married, Benedict resists settling down—until he encounters a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.”
Brownell elaborated, “It felt important for him to explore the fullness of himself before he settles down. He has big appetites, and we wanted to showcase him embracing life before committing.”
In September 2024, Ha and Thompson shared insights into their characters’ love story.
“It’s a fairy tale romance but with the Bridgerton touch—grounded in some sense of reality,” Thompson noted. Ha added, “Fans will see this emotional tug-of-war between what their hearts desire and what society expects.”
Who Else Could Have Led Season 4?
Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) was a strong candidate, as her book, To Sir Phillip, With Love, details her romance with Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton). Another possibility was Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), whose story in When He Was Wicked could have been explored. With Ruby Stokes’ departure, Francesca had an increased presence in season 3, setting her up as a future lead.
Will Season 4 Deviate from the Books?
“I’m really not trying to shake things up too much,” Brownell told Refinery29 in April 2024. “I believe in the show’s vision.”
However, some departures were inevitable. “For Penelope and Colin, it made sense to embrace romantic comedy tropes, adding humor and awkward banter. Season 4 will maintain that spirit while exploring new dynamics.”
Will There Be More LGBTQIA+ Representation?
Since its 2020 debut, Bridgerton has had limited LGBTQIA+ representation. However, the Queen Charlotte spinoff (2023) introduced Brimsley (Sam Clemmett) and Reynolds (Freddie Dennis) as a central queer couple.
Brownell aims to increase queer representation in the main series. “This show celebrates love in all its forms,” she told Pride in April 2024. “It’s important to foreground queer love and tell those stories with joy.”
Season 3 confirmed that both Benedict and Francesca are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. “Welcoming positive queer love stories that aren’t centered on angst or tragedy is really wonderful,” Thompson told Bustle in June 2024.
How Will Francesca’s Storyline Evolve?
The season 3 finale introduced a significant change when Francesca met John’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza), a gender-swapped version of the book character Michael.
“When discussing queer representation, we wanted to focus on happily-ever-afters, not trauma,” Brownell told Variety in June 2024. “We did extensive research to ensure that within our Regency-era world, we could tell a fulfilling queer love story.”
Which Cast Members Will Return?
Photos from a December 2024 table read confirmed the return of Francesca, Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), Hyacinth (Florence Hunt), Portia Featherington (Polly Walker), John, Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe), and Brimsley.
Penelope, Colin, Eloise, and Gregory (Will Tilston) are also expected to return, alongside Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
Will Past Couples Reappear?
Regé-Jean Page has not indicated plans to reprise his role as Simon. Dynevor appeared in season 2 but confirmed she would not return in future episodes. Bailey and Ashley, the leads of season 2, returned for season 3 and have not ruled out further appearances.
Newton confirmed in April 2024 that he plans to stay with the series, saying, “It’s changed my life, so I know I’ll be sticking around.” Coughlan also revealed in May 2024 that she had been invited back. “They’ve told us we’re back for season 4, which is super lovely,” she told The Wrap.
Bailey later confirmed he would reprise his role as Anthony in season 4. “I’ll reunite with the family next week,” he shared on Late Night With Seth Meyers in November 2024. “I’ll always pop back and say hello.”
How Many Books Are Left?
Following An Offer From a Gentleman, the remaining books include To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise), When He Was Wicked (Francesca), It’s in His Kiss (Hyacinth), and On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory).
