The third season of Bridgerton on Netflix proved to be another triumph, captivating both existing and new audiences with its charming Regency-era romantic drama.
Drawing from Julia Quinn’s well-loved novels, each season revolves around a unique couple as they navigate their way through love and the strictures of high society. The upcoming 2024 season centers on the relationship between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, while also delving into Lady Whistledown’s role in their intertwined lives.
If you’ve already streamed the latest season and are eager for what’s next, don’t worry! Below is your complete guide to Bridgerton season 4, highlighting its release date, the couple in focus, and which familiar faces are set to return.
Additionally, check out our selections of the top shows and movies streaming on Netflix this month, plus the most absurd elements of Bridgerton.
Warning: Spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 parts one and two ahead
What’s the release date for Bridgerton season 4?
The fourth season will consist of eight episodes presented in two installments.
- Part 1 is set to debut on Netflix on Thursday, 29 January 2026
- Part 2 will follow on Thursday, 26 February 2026
This series is exclusive to Netflix – interested viewers can create an account on the official site, with subscription plans starting at $6.99/£4.99 per month.
The official release announcement is as follows:
Who will be the leading couple in season 4 of Bridgerton?
Netflix has confirmed that the upcoming season will be inspired by the third novel of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, An Offer from a Gentleman. Hence, the storyline will focus on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, who played a significant role in the previous season.
This second brother explored his adventurous and inquisitive sides during a polyamorous relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold and her friend Paul in season 3.
While this journey marked Benedict’s initial experience with a man, he appreciated the affair’s freedom. However, when Tilley expressed interest in deepening their relationship by becoming exclusive, Benedict admitted he wasn’t prepared to be tied down just yet.
In An Offer From a Gentleman, the female protagonist for Benedict is Sophie, a character we have yet to see on screen. Their meeting occurs at a masquerade ball, and the ensuing narrative is inspired by the timeless Cinderella tale. Jess Brownell, the showrunner for Bridgerton, recently shared with The Wrap:
At the end of Season 3, Eloise mentions to Benedict that she will return home in a few months for Violet’s masquerade ball, suggesting a forthcoming masquerade event
Actor Luke Thompson confirmed in an interview that Benedict identifies as pansexual to Bustle, indicating that expectations may rise for a more intricate and nuanced storyline in Benedict’s journey.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming in season 4:
As Luke Thompson put it:
Season 4 presents an ironic conflict between the allure of a classic fairy tale romance and the stark realities of society. It uncovers the thoughts and experiences of those who manage these aristocratic households, balancing romance with reality—a path toward discovering true love.
Yerin Ha, who portrays Sophie, added:
Sophie faces immediate challenges, as she grapples with societal expectations and her feelings toward Benedict.
A second sneak peek gives fans a taste of the famous Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball:
What other plotlines might unfold in Bridgerton season 4?
Being Bridgerton, we expect numerous subplots to emerge, potentially setting the stage for a season 5.
The sixth Bridgerton sibling, Francesca, made a significant appearance this year, having been recast, with Hannah Dodd taking over the role from Ruby Stokes.
Francesca’s main aim revolved around finding a husband. While Mother Bridgerton sought her ideal match, Francesca surprised everyone by choosing a quiet life without intense passion, ultimately marrying Lord John Stirling and relocating to his estate in Scotland. However, their departure hints at significant changes when she meets Michaela Stirling, John’s cousin.
Netflix
Her reaction mirrors Violet’s surprise upon meeting her late husband, Viscount Edmund Bridgerton. Michaela represents a gender-swapped reimagining of the character Michael Stirling, a pivotal figure in the novel When He Was Wicked.
The showrunner elaborates in an interview with Netflix’s site, Tudum:
Many fans will root for Francesca and John, as I do, but her future exploration will focus on whether she feels something is missing.
Introducing a queer couple would be a significant advancement for the series, a priority expressed by the showrunner, particularly with Benedict at the helm. This sets the stage for a season where two LGBTQI+ siblings take center stage.
Furthermore, the change of scenery from London’s opulence to a grand Scottish castle presents an exciting shift, promising a rich narrative twist for Benedict’s storyline.
Eloise accompanied Francesca to Scotland, continuing her role as a key supporting character throughout. She has consistently been a source of support for Penelope and Colin.
During this time, Eloise aims to step outside of her comfort zone while she is not pursuing romantic interests currently, aligning with her outspoken, progressive views, as confirmed by Brownell in an interview with The Wrap.
As Jess Brownell succinctly states:
It’s entirely plausible that Eloise will open herself up to love in the future, but we want to further explore her character before she arrives there.
Therefore, while Eloise is expected to be a steadfast ally for Benedict, her romantic journey seems to take a backseat for now.
Quinn’s series, comprising eight novels, has only seen three of its adaptations (in addition to the Queen Charlotte prequel) realized on screen so far. With a wealth of material still to be adapted, fans can anticipate many more adventures featuring the Bridgerton family ahead.
What transpired at the end of Bridgerton season 3?
One of the most pivotal moments of the latest season concluded with Penelope revealing her identity as Lady Whistledown to the entire society, including the Queen.
Her secret unraveled when Cressida falsely claimed to be the infamous gossip columnist to secure a reward and escape a despised marriage. When Penelope attempted to rectify the deception but was caught by Colin, her fiancé, it led to feelings of betrayal. Colin consented to marry her to maintain his honor, though their initial days as a married couple were fraught with tension.
After Cressida continued her investigation, ultimately learning Whistledown’s true identity, she blackmailed Penelope, who struggled to navigate the chaos that followed. Colin attempted to intervene but only escalated matters further.
Netflix
Eventually, Penelope chose to be transparent about her actions, explaining the empowerment she found through her alias. This revelation was met with pride by her family and friends, and she resumed writing, albeit under her true name instead of her pseudonym.
A flash-forward indicated that Penelope and Colin welcomed a baby boy, who inherited the Lord Fetherington title, thereby continuing the family legacy.
Meanwhile, Kate and Anthony traveled to India to see Edwina while expecting their first child, suggesting we might see an influx of Bridgerton offspring in the fourth season. Additionally, Violet explores a potential romance with Lady Danbury’s brother, Lord Marcus Anderson.
What cast members are set to return for Bridgerton season 4?
Here’s a rundown of the actors and actresses returning for the fourth season:
- Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
- Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
- Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma
- Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
- Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton
- Victor Alli as John Stirling
- Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
- Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
- Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling
- Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling
- Daniel Francis as Lord Marcus Anderson
- Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton
- Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
- Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
- Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich
- Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
- Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich
- Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
- Hugh Sachs as Brimsley
- Polly Walker as Portia Featherington
Julie Andrews will reprise her role as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
Both Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor are absent from season 3, so their return would be unexpected in the fourth installment.
Check out the first batch of behind-the-scenes photos below:
Which new characters are coming in Bridgerton season 4?
The next season will introduce several new faces, notably Sophie, Benedict Bridgerton’s love interest. According to Variety, she will be portrayed by Yerin Ha, known for her role in the Halo series on Paramount+.
The character’s surname is updated from Sophie Beckett to Sophie Baek, a change made to honor Ha’s Korean heritage, as stated by Netflix. Ha remarked, “A name serves as the first form of identity you present to the world, making this change immensely significant.”
The creators characterise Sophie as “resourceful, brazen, and challenged by issues with trust.” (via Collider).
Netflix has confirmed her casting and officially welcomed her to the Bridgerton ensemble in this video:
Additional new cast members include:
- Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, a twice-married, twice-widowed mother of two, making her debut in the marriage market. As per Netflix, she’s fabulous, blunt, and determined to maintain her societal standing.
- Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, Araminta’s older daughter who is both beautiful and vain, seeking to please her ambitious mother and hoping to enchant Benedict.
- Isabella Wei as Posy Li, Araminta’s younger, more amiable daughter, in contrast to her sister.
Is a season 5 of Bridgerton on the horizon?
Indeed! Netflix has renewed Bridgerton for both fifth and sixth seasons simultaneously.
The specific novels slated for adaptation in seasons 5 and 6 have not yet been revealed, nor do we have dates for their release.
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