Bridgerton season 3 proved to be an eventful one in the ‘ton. Quick recap: after years of wallflowering, Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) took centre stage as the object of Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) affections. The pair navigated their fledgling love while Penelope tried – and failed – to hide her identity as Lady Whistledown. She was eventually forced into the light by Queen Charlotte’s quest for the truth, a pink pretender better known as Cressida Cowper and good old fashioned guilt. Colin forgave her for the deception, she and Eloise become BFFs again and the gossip column continues circulation, this time with a new signature.
But what to expect from Bridgerton season 4? With filming currently two-thirds complete, Netflix and the Shondaland team clued us in on what’s next on the ’ton.
Bridgerton season 4 sneak peek
As a Valentine’s Day treat, Netflix threw open the doors of its Regency palace for a special sneak-peek event. On the agenda? Plenty of intel on season 4’s plot machinations, a look at the show’s period finery, and a cast and showrunner Q&A – all illuminated by about a million candles. Take a peek behind the scenes below.
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What is Bridgerton Season 4 about?
Season 4 will focus on Benedict Bridgerton’s love story with Sophie, a lower-class servant. The plot is based on the third novel in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton saga, ‘An Offer from a Gentleman’, with Luke Thompson and Aussie actress Yerin Ha stepping into the lead roles. Ahead of its release on Netflix next year, we caught up with Thompson and Bridgerton showrunner Jessica Brownell to find out what we can expect from the new instalment.
Here’s four things to expect from season 4:
1. Downstairs life will finally come to the surface
For the first time, the Bridgerton franchise ‘expands the world out and goes downstairs’ says Thompson. We’re given a glimpse below the glitzy veneer of the ‘ton as Benedict falls for Sophie, the daughter of the Earl of Penwood. The snag? She was born illegitimately to a housemaid and is now forced to play Cinderella to her father’s new wife, Araminta, and wicked stepsisters Rosamund and Posy. Recurring characters from seasons past including John the footman, Mrs Wilson, Celia and Mrs Varley will also get more screen time.
2. Fantasy and fairytales will be key themes
The first episode sets the whimsical tone for the new season with Lady Bridgerton hosting a Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired masquerade ball. This is where Benedict meets Sophie for the first time. Brownell says Benedict, who we last saw entangled in a heap of limbs as one third of a throuple in season three, represents ‘fantasy’. Whereas Sophie the servant girl who is treated like shit on a shoe by her family represents ‘reality’, meaning they have to meet in the middle and navigate a ‘class clash’ for their love story to blossom. Elements of fairytale including staircases and candlelight, and the theme of ‘midnight’ are also likely to feature.
3. A working class heroine will take centre stage
What separates Sophie from previous leading ladies is her street smarts. Yes, Daphne got caught up in a dawn duel, Kate managed to make spinsterdom sexy and Penelope puts on a stellar Derry accent, but none of these lasses were forced to change a chamberpot. Having to tolerate her step-family’s mistreatment to stay above the breadline, she is strong-minded, resourceful and always thinking three steps ahead. ‘She has chess moves’ that will ‘throw Ben for a loop,’ Brownell explains.
4. There’ll be new love affairs
When we left Violet Bridgerton last season she had the hots for Lady Danbury’s brother Lord Marcus Anderson. Their flirtation began when he retrieved her lost glove, which led to a bit of flirty small talk, culminating in a dance at the Dankworth-Finch Ball. Brownell says season four is when their relationship progresses from ‘giggling’ to ‘something more.’ As for Queen Charlotte, she is faced with the changing dynamics of her relationship with Lady Whistledown now that Penelope Bridgerton has been uncloaked as the shadowy scribe.
Sophie has chess moves that will throw Ben for a loop
5. Siblings are joining forces
With Daphne, Anthony, Colin and Francesca paired off and Gregory called away to Eton, ‘Eloise is in her mother’s clutches again,’ says Brownell. Having lost her beloved husband to an unfortunate bee sting, hopeless romantic Violet Bridgerton has made it her life’s mission to find her children love matches, meaning Eloise will once again be forced to face the marriage mart. But with every adversary, comes opportunity for alliance. In season four, Eloise teams up with little sis Hyacinth to unsettle Lady Bridgerton’s nerves.
6. Titled tots will join the ‘ton
In season four, we’re tipped to see more of Colin and Penelope’s little one who has a full head of bright red hair, and get our first glimpse of Anthony and Kate’s baby who was born during the couple’s trip to India. As for Philippa and Prudence who had a less than favourable start in the bonking department - note, Philippa’s revelation that she and her husband ‘kiss’, he makes an ‘odd sound’ and then he ‘goes to change his breeches’ - it’s anyone’s guess if the clueless duo manage to produce a male heir.
Eloise is in her mother’s clutches again
7. Queen Tay is getting an encore
Thus far we’ve been spoiled with classical renditions of pop bangers including Ariana Grande’s ‘thank u, next’, Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’ and Miley Cyrus’s ‘Wrecking Ball’. And lest we forget that carriage ride soundtracked by Pitbull. That’s not about to change in season four. Brownell says to expect more Taylor Swift covers. ‘Lavender Haze’ from the ‘Midnights, maybe’? Or ‘Down Bad’ from ‘The Tortured Poets Department’? There are also rumours of a shift towards classic rock anthems to compliment Benedict’s‘ personality.
8. Mr Darcy strikes again
The new season is said to be the most faithful telling of one of the Bridgerton books. This means we’re likely to spend time at Benedict’s megamansion, affectionately known as ‘My Cottage.’ Brownell also teases a pivotal kite scene and a focus on water, which hints at a good chance of spying Ben, like his brother Anthony before him, showcasing a few abs in a lake. If the book is anything to go by, his Mr Darcy moment comes when Ben disrobes to practice his breaststroke.
What is the release date for Bridgerton season 4?
There’s no word of an official release date yet, but expect it to land on Netflix in 2026.
Need something to tide you over until season 4? Try one of the best period dramas of all time.