Fans of the lavish world of the Ton can finally mark their calendars. Netflix's global phenomenon, the Regency-era romance series Bridgerton, is officially set to return for its highly anticipated fourth season in early 2026. The streaming giant has confirmed the release strategy, plot details, and the central couple who will captivate audiences this time around.
A Two-Part Release and a New Leading Man
The upcoming season will be released in two distinct parts, a format that has become popular for building suspense. Part 1 of Bridgerton Season 4 will debut on January 29, 2026, followed by the conclusion in Part 2 on February 26, 2026. The season will consist of eight episodes in total, promising the same blend of opulent costumes, high-society drama, and heart-tugging romantic entanglements that has defined the show.
This installment shifts the spotlight to the second-eldest Bridgerton son, Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by actor Luke Thompson. After watching his younger siblings find love, Benedict's own journey toward a soulmate finally takes center stage, adapting the narrative from the third book in Julia Quinn's series, An Offer from a Gentleman.
A Cinderella Tale with a Modern Twist
Benedict's story is a classic Cinderella-inspired romance with a unique Bridgerton twist. The central plot revolves around a fateful meeting at a masquerade ball, where Benedict encounters a mysterious and captivating woman. Their immediate, powerful connection sets him on a determined quest to find her again after she disappears at midnight, leaving behind only a memory.
The object of his search is Sophie Baek, played by newcomer Yerin Ha. In a creative and celebrated decision, the character has been reimagined from the novel's Sophie Beckett to reflect the Korean heritage of the actor portraying her. Ha has described this choice as empowering, bringing fresh cultural depth to the Ton. Sophie, attending the grand ball in disguise, sparks the romance that will define the season.
Cast Chemistry and Narrative Depth
The on-screen partnership between Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha is already generating buzz. Ha praised their working relationship, stating, "We work so well together," and emphasized that focusing on the story and understanding their characters' motivations brought authenticity to their portrayal. Thompson, meanwhile, has hailed the scripts as "dynamite," noting they skillfully blend the magical, fairy-tale quality of the premise with the emotional reality of the characters' lives and struggles.
While Benedict and Sophie's love story is the core, Season 4 will also reunite beloved characters from the sprawling Bridgerton ensemble. Familiar faces like Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), and Simone Ashley (Kate Sharma) are set to return. The season will also introduce new characters played by actors including Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei, and Katie Leung.
Production for this season concluded in mid-2025 after an extended filming period. Fans received an early holiday gift with the release of a full trailer on December 25, 2025, which offered the first tantalizing glimpse of the dynamic and chemistry between Benedict and Sophie as their epic romance begins to unfold.
