Netflix’s
grand regency romance Bridgerton is all set to return with its highly anticipated fourth season, and this time, the spotlight finally shifts to Benedict Bridgerton. After years of fan anticipation, season 4 will explore Benedict’s long-awaited love story, adapting Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer from a Gentleman. With a new leading lady, a Cinderella-style romance, and a two-part release format, the upcoming season is already one of Netflix’s most talked-about releases of 2026.
When and where to watch Bridgerton Season 4
Bridgerton Season 4 will premiere on Netflix in two parts. The first four episodes will drop on
January 29, 2026, while the remaining four episodes will be released on
February 26, 2026. Like previous seasons, the show will be available exclusively on Netflix for global audiences. Netflix has confirmed that season 4 will consist of
eight episodes, continuing the platform’s recent trend of splitting major releases into two parts.
Plot: Benedict Bridgerton’s love story takes centre stage
Season 4 will follow Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, the second-oldest Bridgerton sibling. The storyline is based on the third book in Julia Quinn’s
Bridgerton series,
An Offer from a Gentleman. Notably, the Netflix adaptation had earlier changed the book order by adapting Colin Bridgerton’s story in season 3, making Benedict’s arc a long-awaited one for book readers.
The season revolves around Benedict meeting the woman of his dreams at a masked ball, setting up a romantic, fairy-tale narrative. His love interest, Sophie Baek, brings a Cinderella-like storyline filled with longing, separation, and eventual reunion. The romance focuses on class differences, identity, and love that defies societal expectations.In a meaningful update from the books, Sophie’s surname has been changed from Beckett to Baek, reflecting the casting of Yerin Ha in the role and adding cultural nuance to the character.
Cast of Bridgerton Season 4
Luke Thompson reprises his role as Benedict Bridgerton, while Yerin Ha stars as Sophie Baek. The two are currently going around the workd to promote the show. Several familiar faces are set to return. Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton will be back as Penelope and Colin Bridgerton, while Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley reprise their roles as Anthony and Kate Bridgerton. The Bridgerton household will once again feature Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Florence Hunt, and Will Tilston.Season 4 also introduces new characters. Michelle Mao plays Rosamund Li, a beautiful and ambitious woman who sets her sights on Benedict. Isabella Wei portrays her kinder sister, Posy Li, while Katie Leung joins the cast as their mother, Lady Araminta Gun, a woman under pressure to secure a marriage for her daughters.
Hannah Dodd returns as Francesca Bridgerton alongside Victor Alli as her husband, Lord John Stirling. Masali Baduza, who appeared as Michaela Stirling at the end of season 3, will also continue her role.
Episode titles and run times for Part 1
The first half of
Bridgerton Season 4 consists of four episodes, each hinting at key moments in Benedict and Sophie’s journey.Episode 1, The Waltz, runs for 63 minutes and marks their first meeting. Episode 2, Time Transfixed, is 65 minutes long and explores the lingering impact of that encounter. Episode 3, The Field Next to the Other Road, runs for 70 minutes and deepens Benedict’s search for Sophie. Episode 4, An Offer from a Gentleman, runs for 63 minutes and directly references the novel’s title, signalling a turning point in their relationship.
Controversies and fan reactions
Despite the excitement, season 4 has not been free from criticism. Many fans have expressed frustration over the nearly two-year wait for an eight-episode season, calling the gap excessive. Others have pointed out that Benedict’s story was originally the third book in the series and feel his season should have arrived earlier, before Colin’s romance.Still, anticipation remains high. With Benedict’s arc finally unfolding, a beloved book adaptation, and Netflix’s signature grand production values,
Bridgerton Season 4 is all set to be one of the platform’s biggest releases of 2026.