Netflix's Bridgerton is set to return with its fourth season, shifting the spotlight to the enigmatic Benedict Bridgerton and his budding romance with a mysterious newcomer named Sophie. Based on Julia Quinn's novel An Offer From a Gentleman, the upcoming installment promises a Cinderella-inspired tale of forbidden love amid the rigid social hierarchies of Regency-era London. Production on season 4 began earlier this year, with filming wrapping up in mid-2024, and the series is slated for a 2026 release, according to Netflix announcements. This follows the success of season 3, which premiered in two parts on May 16 and June 13, 2024, drawing over 91 million views in its first month and cementing the show's status as a global phenomenon.
The core of season 4 revolves around Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, whose artistic pursuits and personal explorations have been building across previous seasons. Thompson's character, the second son of the Bridgerton family, steps into the lead role after teasing his own storyline in episodes that highlighted his bohemian lifestyle and fleeting encounters. Opposite him is Yerin Ha, making her debut as Sophie Beckett, a resilient maid who captures Benedict's heart at a lavish masquerade ball. Ha, known for her roles in Korean dramas and the film Pachinko, shared her excitement about the character in an interview with Netflix's Tudum publication in October 2024. “What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles — something that she constantly has to overcome,” Ha said. “Whether it’s this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict.” This dynamic sets up a classic tale of class divide, where Sophie's hidden identity as the lady in silver at the ball leads to a whirlwind of secrecy and passion.
Adding layers to the narrative are the antagonistic figures from Sophie's world, including her stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun, portrayed by Michelle Krusiec. Krusiec, a veteran of shows like Insecure and American Crime Story, embodies the archetype of the scheming stepmother, focused on elevating her family's status through strategic marriages. Showrunner Jess Brownell offered a glimpse into Araminta's mindset during the same Tudum interview, noting, “Araminta and Rosamund are so focused on their own goals that, frankly, the Bridgertons don’t register much for them at first, beyond the fact that Benedict proves to be quite the catch this season.” Her daughters, Rosamund Li and Posy Li, are played by Kathryn Drysdale and Sophie Wu, respectively. Drysdale's Rosamund is depicted as a cunning “marriage mart pro chess player,” mirroring her mother's ambitions, while Wu's Posy brings a contrasting lightness, described as “dreamy and often unserious, much to her mother’s disapproval.” These characters draw directly from Quinn's book, adapting the fairy-tale elements to fit the diverse, inclusive lens of Shonda Rhimes' production.
Returning Bridgerton family members will provide continuity, though with varying degrees of prominence. Jonathan Bailey reprises his role as Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest brother and Viscount, but in a supporting capacity after leading season 2. Bailey confirmed his involvement in a 2024 interview, emphasizing Anthony's ongoing family duties. His wife, Kate Sharma, returns as well, with Simone Ashley stepping back into the role after a reduced presence in season 3 due to scheduling conflicts with her music career. Ashley's character, now fully integrated into the family, is expected to offer guidance to the younger siblings amid the season's romantic entanglements. Similarly, Claudia Jessie returns as Eloise Bridgerton, the outspoken suffragette whose arc in season 2 explored themes of independence and friendship. Eloise's potential as a future lead for season 5 has been speculated upon by fans and insiders alike, given her unresolved storyline involving a possible match with Sir Phillip Crane from the books.
Season 3's leads, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, remain central players. Now married and navigating parenthood, Colin and Penelope's relationship evolves following the revelation of her secret identity as the scandalous gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. Coughlan's performance earned widespread acclaim, and she has hinted at continued involvement in promotional materials. “Penelope is still a major player in season 4 after being unmasked as Lady Whistledown,” according to reports from the production team. Voiced by Julie Andrews, Lady Whistledown's narration persists, providing witty commentary on the ton's latest dramas despite Penelope's public accountability in the previous season.
Other Bridgerton siblings also feature prominently. Hannah Dodd returns as Francesca Bridgerton, whose quiet demeanor and marriage to John Stirling, played by Victor Alli, will delve deeper into marital complexities before the character's tragic turn in the source material—though showrunners have yet to confirm how closely they'll adhere to the book's plot. Hyacinth Bridgerton, portrayed by Florence Hunt, gets expanded screen time as the spirited youngest daughter, inching closer to her own eventual storyline several seasons away. Her brother Gregory, played by Will Tilston, appears more frequently but remains on the periphery, likely the last in line for a dedicated season. The matriarch, Violet Bridgerton, played by Ruth Gemmell, continues her unexpected late-life romance with Lord Anderson, a subplot introduced in season 3 that adds emotional depth to the family's dynamics.
Supporting the high society backdrop are familiar faces like Adjoa Andoh as the shrewd Lady Danbury, whose influence over the social season remains unmatched. Golda Rosheuvel reprises Queen Charlotte, the monarch overseeing the marriage mart with her characteristic flair, fresh off her 2023 prequel spin-off that explored her origin story with King George III. The prequel, which debuted on May 4, 2023, expanded the Bridgerton universe and introduced younger versions of key characters, boosting anticipation for the main series. Will Mondrich, played by Martins Imhangbe, ascends further in society as a former boxer turned gentleman, alongside his wife Alice, portrayed by Emma Naomi, whose entrepreneurial ventures were highlighted in earlier episodes.
One of the most anticipated returns is Jessica Madsen as Michaela Stokes, who replaced the book's Michael Stirling in a gender-swapped twist announced ahead of season 3. This change, intended to enhance queer representation, has sparked discussions among fans, with some praising the inclusivity and others debating fidelity to the novels. Details on Michaela's integration into season 4 remain sparse, but Madsen has expressed enthusiasm for the role in social media posts, teasing emotional developments tied to Francesca's storyline. Netflix has confirmed the show's commitment to diverse casting, aligning with Rhimes' vision since the series launch in December 2020.
The evolution of Bridgerton reflects broader trends in streaming entertainment, where period dramas blend historical accuracy with modern sensibilities. Season 1, centered on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), introduced the opulent world of the Bridgertons, grossing critical acclaim for its lush production design and soundtrack featuring covers of contemporary hits. Dynevor and Page did not return as series regulars, though Page made a brief cameo in season 3. Season 2's focus on Anthony and Kate, released on March 25, 2022, delved into duty versus desire, earning 14 Primetime Emmy nominations. The spin-off Queen Charlotte not only filled narrative gaps but also humanized the royal figure, attracting 9.7 million views in its first week.
Julia Quinn, whose nine-book series inspired the adaptation, has weighed in on the future direction. In a 2024 statement, she revealed that the order of seasons beyond 4 has been predetermined, though specifics remain under wraps to avoid spoilers. Netflix greenlit seasons 5 and 6 in April 2024, ensuring the full adaptation of the Bridgerton siblings' stories, with Eloise or Francesca as likely candidates for the next lead. Showrunner Brownell has emphasized flexibility in adapting the books, incorporating feedback to address representation and pacing issues raised by viewers.
As production concludes, cast members have shared behind-the-scenes insights. Thompson described filming the masquerade ball scenes as "magical yet intense," involving elaborate costumes and choreography at London's Shepperton Studios. Ha, drawing from her theater background, prepared by studying 19th-century etiquette to authentically portray Sophie's deference and inner strength. The ensemble's chemistry, a hallmark of the series, promises to sustain the show's steamy romance and sharp social satire.
Looking ahead, season 4's release in 2026 positions Bridgerton to capitalize on its loyal fanbase, which spans social media trends like #BridgertonS3 and fan theories on platforms such as Reddit and TikTok. With no major cast exits announced beyond the natural progression of storylines, the season aims to balance nostalgia with fresh narratives. Critics and audiences alike await how the show will navigate Benedict's journey from carefree artist to committed lover, potentially setting the stage for the series' deeper explorations of family legacy and personal growth in subsequent chapters.
The broader implications for Netflix include reinforcing its dominance in prestige television, where Bridgerton has generated billions in cultural impact through merchandise, podcasts, and live events. As the platform faces subscriber fluctuations, the franchise's expansion—rumored to include more spin-offs—could solidify its position. For the cast, particularly newcomers like Ha and Krusiec, the exposure offers a launchpad into Hollywood's mainstream, much like how previous seasons propelled Coughlan and Newton to stardom.
In the end, season 4 of Bridgerton not only advances the romantic saga but also underscores the enduring appeal of Quinn's world, reimagined for contemporary viewers. With its blend of glamour, gossip, and heartfelt moments, the series continues to captivate, promising another chapter where love defies convention in the glittering halls of London's elite.