Bridgerton Season 4 News, Rumours, Couple, Cast and Release Date

Bridgerton season 3 was another hit for Netflix, attracting new fans to the Regency-era romance series.

Adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels, each season follows a different couple navigating the challenges of high society in their quest for happiness. The latest season in 2024 focused on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, delving into the role of Lady Whistledown in their complex relationship.

If you’ve already binge-watched the show and are eagerly anticipating what’s next, don’t worry. Here’s everything you need to know about Bridgerton season 4, including the potential release date, the new couple to follow, and which cast members are expected to return.

You can also explore the best shows and movies currently streaming on Netflix this month, as well as the most outrageous aspects of Bridgerton.

Spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 parts one and two below

When could Bridgerton season 4 be released?

According to interviews, Bridgerton season 4 is likely to debut in 2026, so fans will have to wait patiently.

During the UK premiere of season 3, showrunner Jess Brownell mentioned that the script for the upcoming episodes is nearing completion. However, this doesn’t guarantee an immediate release.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brownell explained:

We are working to try and put the seasons out more quickly, but they do take eight months to film and then they have to be edited, and then they have to be dubbed into every language. And the writing takes a very long time as well, so we’re kind of on a two-year pace, we’re trying to speed up but somewhere in that range.

The show is exclusively available on Netflix – you can subscribe on the website, with prices starting from $6.99/£4.99 per month.

Who is the next Bridgerton lead couple?

Netflix has officially announced that season 5 will focus on Benedict Bridgerton, whose storyline had a significant impact in the latest season.

In season 3, the second-eldest brother explored his adventurous side with a polyamorous relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold and her friend Paul.

This experience marked Benedict’s first encounter with a man, and he embraced the freedom of the affair. Despite Tilley’s desire for exclusivity, Benedict wasn’t ready to commit and wanted to continue exploring his independence.

In the novel “An Offer From a Gentleman,” Benedict’s love interest is Sophie, a character yet to be introduced in the show. The story unfolds at a masquerade ball, inspired by Cinderella. Brownell hinted at this development in an interview:

“At the end of Season 3, Eloise says to Benedict that she’s going to be home in a few months for Violet’s masquerade ball, so there will be a masquerade ball coming up shortly”.

Actor Luke Thompson confirmed Benedict’s pansexuality to Bustle, suggesting a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Benedict’s journey on screen.

Here’s the official announcement of Benedict’s upcoming storyline:

What else could happen in Bridgerton season 4?

Given the nature of Bridgerton, there are several side-plots that could unfold in the upcoming season, potentially leading to season 5.

In 2024, Francesca Bridgerton took center stage, portrayed by Hannah Dodd. Her focus was on finding a suitable husband, despite her mother’s attempts to orchestrate a romantic match. Francesca seemed content with a quiet life and a partner who offered stability, even without intense passion.

Francesca ultimately married Lord John Stirling and settled in Scotland. However, her world is shaken when she meets Michaela Stirling, John’s cousin, before their departure.

Michaela’s introduction hints at a potential romantic entanglement, echoing Francesca’s mother’s surprise when she met her husband. The showrunner elaborated on this development in an interview with Netflix’s site, Tudum:

“I think a lot of people will ship Francesca and John — as do I. But part of her exploration going forward will be about whether or not there is in fact something missing”.

Focusing on a queer couple would be a significant progression for the series, aligning with the showrunner’s commitment to LGBTQI+ representation. With Benedict as the focal point, the season could explore the complexities of two LGBTQI+ siblings.

Additionally, shifting the setting to a grand castle in Scotland would offer a refreshing backdrop and complement Benedict’s storyline.

Eloise, another prominent character, accompanied Francesca to Scotland. Known for her feminist views, Eloise is not currently seeking romance, focusing instead on personal growth. Brownell hinted at her future trajectory:

“I think it’s absolutely possible that she’s going to open up to love in the future, but we have a little bit more we want to do with her before she’s ready for that”.

Therefore, Eloise is likely to play a supportive role for Benedict, while her own romantic journey takes a backseat for now.

The series, originally penned by Julia Quinn, consists of eight novels, with Netflix having adapted only three seasons so far (along with the Queen Charlotte prequel). There is still a wealth of material waiting to be adapted, and fans can look forward to many more adventures involving the Bridgerton family members.

What happened at the end of Bridgerton season 3?

The major reveal at the conclusion of the most recent season of Bridgerton was Penelope’s announcement that she was Lady Whistledown, not only to the Queen but to all of society.

Her secret identity began to unravel when Cressida falsely claimed to be the notorious gossip columnist in order to escape a marriage she despised. Penelope attempted to debunk the lies but was caught by her fiancé, Colin, on her way to the printer shop.

Feeling betrayed by her deception, Colin agreed to marry Penelope to preserve his honor, but their initial days as husband and wife were fraught with difficulties.

As Cressida delved deeper, she discovered the true identity of Lady Whistledown. She then blackmailed Penelope, forcing her to navigate a tangled web of deceit. Colin’s attempts to intervene only exacerbated the situation.

Ultimately, Penelope made the decision to come clean about her alias and the reasons behind it. Her husband, family, and friends supported her choice, and she continued writing under her real name instead of her false one.

In a flash-forward, it was revealed that Penelope and Colin had a son who would inherit the Lord Fetherington title to carry on the family legacy. Meanwhile, Kate and Anthony traveled to India to visit Edwina and were expecting their first child. Violet also embarked on a potential romance with Lady Danbury’s brother, Lord Marcus Anderson.

Which cast members will return for Bridgerton season 4?

Confirmed to return for season 4 are Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, Luke Newton as Colin, Jonathan Bailey as Lord Anthony Bridgerton, and Simone Ashley as Lady Kathani ‘Kate’ Bridgerton.

Additional cast members expected to return based on previous seasons include Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, and others. However, the return of Regé-Jean Page, Phoebe Dynevor, and Julie Andrews is uncertain.

Who will play the new characters in Bridgerton season 4?

New additions to the cast for season 4 include Yerin Ha, who will portray Sophie Beckett, Benedict Bridgerton’s love interest. Sophie is described as plucky, resourceful, and hesitant to trust others.

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