Netflix's Bridgerton series returns today for its fourth season, focusing on Benedict Bridgerton as he searches for a mysterious woman he meets at a masquerade ball. The eight-episode run stars Luke Thompson as Benedict and introduces Sophie Baek as his love interest, a lady's maid in disguise, with Part 1 dropping at 12:00 am PT and Part 2 set for February 26, 2026.
Background
Bridgerton has built a large following since its start in 2020. The show follows the Bridgerton family in Regency-era London during the social season, where young people seek marriage matches amid balls, gossip, and secrets. Season 1 centered on Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings. Season 2 shifted to Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. Season 3 covered Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, released in two parts in 2024.
Season 4 draws from Julia Quinn's third book, An Offer from a Gentleman. It marks the first time the series follows the books out of order, jumping to Benedict's story. Production wrapped filming earlier this year after delays from industry strikes. Netflix announced the dates in October 2025 with a teaser video, followed by a full trailer in December. The show has a fifth and sixth season confirmed, keeping the story alive for years.
The cast mixes returning faces with new ones. Luke Thompson has played Benedict since Season 1, showing him as the free-spirited artist and bachelor. Sophie Baek joins as the lead new character, a maid who captures Benedict's attention behind a silver mask. Other new additions include Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, Sophie's stepmother, and her daughters Rosamund Li and Posy Li, played by Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei.
Returning actors include Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Simone Ashley as Kate, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope, and Claudia Jessie as Eloise. Ruth Gemmell reprises Violet Bridgerton, who hosts the key masquerade ball. Queen Charlotte appears with Golda Rosheuvel, alongside her secretary Brimsley, played by Hugh Sachs.
Key Details
Release Schedule
Season 4 splits into two parts of four episodes each. Part 1 arrives today, Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 12:00 am PT, or 3:00 am ET. All four episodes drop at once:
- Episode 1: “The Waltz”
- Episode 2: “Time Transfixed”
- Episode 3: “The Field Next to the Other Road”
- Episode 4: “An Offer from a Gentleman”
Part 2 follows on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the same time:
- Episode 5: “Yes or No”
- Episode 6: “The Passing Winter”
- Episode 7: “The Beyond”
- Episode 8: “Dance in the Country”
This matches the format from Season 3, letting viewers binge half the story before waiting a month. Netflix says the release builds buzz and keeps talk going online.
Cast Breakdown
Here's the main lineup for Season 4:
- Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, the second son and artist chasing love.
- Sophie Baek as Sophie Baek, the disguised lady's maid from a tough background.
- Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, Sophie's strict stepmother.
- Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, Araminta's older daughter and Sophie's stepsister.
- Isabella Wei as Posy Li, the younger stepsister.
- Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, a recurring character from prior seasons.
- Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, wife of boxer Will Mondrich.
Family members return in supporting roles. Will Tilston plays Gregory Bridgerton, Florence Hunt is Hyacinth, and younger siblings fill out the household. Adjoa Andoh returns as Lady Danbury, a matchmaker and mentor. Polly Walker is Lady Featherington, and Martin Freeman appears in a key role from past seasons.
Storyline
The plot echoes Cinderella. Benedict spots a woman in silver at his mother's masquerade ball. She vanishes by midnight, leaving a glove. He spends the season hunting her, not knowing she is Sophie, a servant in Lady Araminta's home. Their worlds clash: Benedict drifts in art and parties, while Sophie faces hard daily work and family pressure.
Subplots involve other Bridgertons settling into marriages and new challenges. Eloise explores independence. The Mondriches deal with social climbs. Lady Whistledown's gossip sheet stirs trouble as always.
"This season is a very different trajectory," showrunner Jess Brownell said. "Benedict lives in a fantasy world. Sophie lives in a hard reality. You have two characters who are at opposite ends of a pole, and rather than either of them needing to get all the way to the other side, they both need to travel to the middle."
What This Means
Bridgerton's return today caps a busy period for Netflix's romance lineup. The split release tests viewer patience but boosts weekly viewing spikes, as seen in Season 3's numbers. Fans expect high ratings, given past seasons topped charts globally.
For the cast, Season 4 cements Luke Thompson's lead role after years in support. Sophie Baek's debut could launch her, much like Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page in Season 1. Newcomers like Katie Leung bring fresh energy from her Harry Potter fame.
The story pushes Benedict from bachelor to committed partner, shifting family focus. With Seasons 5 and 6 ahead, more siblings like Eloise and Francesca get turns. Production stays in London studios, recreating 1815 ballrooms and estates.
Viewers worldwide plan watch parties. Social media buzz starts now, with costumes and fan art spiking. The show's mix of drama, dance, and diversity keeps it popular across ages. Bridgerton has changed how period shows look, with modern music covers and inclusive casting.
Challenges remain. Some book fans note changes, like gender swaps for characters. But the series thrives on adaptations. Today's drop sets up a month of buildup to the finale, where Benedict and Sophie's paths cross fully.
