Bridgerton Season 4 Premieres Globally With Split Release

As the clock struck midnight on January 29, 2026, a familiar flurry of anticipation swept across the globe. Netflix dropped the first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 4—Part 1 of a split season that has fans buzzing from Los Angeles to London and beyond. The release marks a major moment for the beloved regency drama, with viewers eager to immerse themselves in the newest love story: the blossoming, forbidden romance between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek.

For those tracking the global launch, Netflix stuck to its now-standard split-season strategy. According to The Economic Times, the first four episodes became available at 12:00 am Pacific Time (PT) in the United States, while East Coast viewers had to wait until 3:00 am Eastern Time (ET). Across the Atlantic, British fans tuned in at 8:00 am GMT, and the rest of Europe joined at 9:00 am Central European Time (CET). From India’s 1:30 pm IST to Sydney’s 7:00 pm AEST and New Zealand’s 9:00 pm NZDT, the world collectively hit play at the appointed hour.

This global rollout underscores Netflix’s commitment to simultaneous, worldwide premieres, ensuring that spoilers are kept to a minimum and the communal viewing experience remains intact. As Capital FM noted, “The new episodes will become available to stream at the corresponding time in your country.” No matter where fans reside, the Bridgerton universe was just a click away.

Season 4, based on Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer from a Gentleman, pivots the romantic spotlight to Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson. Benedict, the only Bridgerton brother yet to find a suitor, is thrust into a Cinderella-inspired tale. At a lavish masquerade ball hosted by his mother, Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), Benedict is swept off his feet by a mysterious Lady in Silver. Their fleeting encounter is electric, but as the clock chimes midnight, she vanishes—leaving Benedict desperate to unmask her true identity.

Here’s the twist: the Lady in Silver is none other than Sophie Baek, a maid working in the household of the formidable Lady Araminta Gun, played by Harry Potter alum Katie Leung. Sophie, portrayed by Australian-Korean actress Yerin Ha, sneaks into the ball to experience a taste of high society. Her story is one of longing and courage, as she navigates the rigid class boundaries of Regency-era London. According to TechRadar, "Benedict sets out to find out her true identity, but he doesn't realise she's a lot closer to home than he imagined."

The show’s creative team has made thoughtful updates to Sophie’s backstory, with her surname changed from Bennett (in the books) to Baek, reflecting Yerin Ha’s Korean heritage. This not only adds a fresh layer of representation but also breathes new life into the series’ already diverse cast. Yerin Ha, known for roles in Dune: Prophecy and The Survivors, steps into her biggest screen role yet. As Radio Times relayed from actress Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca Bridgerton, “Michaela is a character that challenges Francesca, whereas John is a character that makes space for Francesca. They're both really important for Francesca to move forward.”

But Benedict and Sophie aren’t the only ones with drama on the horizon. Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) faces her own romantic turmoil. Having recently wed Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli), Francesca finds herself drawn to John’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza). This subplot promises to explore societal expectations and personal identity in a way that’s both timely and timeless. Dodd explained, “I think Francesca is very inhibited by rules of society and rules she puts on herself and expectations she puts on herself.” The push and pull between duty and desire is a theme that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The new season also introduces Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei as Lady Gun’s daughters, Rosamund and Posy, respectively—both making their first appearances this year. Lady Gun is every bit the scheming stepmother, hoping to secure a match between Benedict and one of her own daughters. The ensemble cast, paired with Shonda Rhimes’ signature storytelling, ensures that the Ton remains as scandalous and captivating as ever.

For those strategizing their binge-watching, Netflix’s split-release model means patience is required. The first four episodes—titled “The Waltz,” “Time Transfixed,” “The Field Next to the Other Road,” and “An Offer From a Gentleman”—all dropped on January 29. The remaining four (“Yes or No,” “The Passing Winter,” “The Beyond,” and “Dance in the Country”) are set for release on February 26, 2026. This staggered approach, as The Economic Times points out, “allows viewers time to discuss the story before the final episodes arrive.”

Curious about how to tune in? Bridgerton remains a Netflix exclusive, so an active subscription is required. Plans start at $7.99 per month, with the premium tier costing $24.99. There are no alternative platforms for viewing, though some TV bundles—like Sky’s Essential TV plan in the UK—offer Netflix as part of their package, making it easier for fans to access the show alongside other hit series.

The future of Bridgerton looks bright. Netflix has already ordered Seasons 5 and 6, with future installments expected to focus on other Bridgerton siblings, including Eloise and Francesca. This long-term commitment from the streaming giant signals confidence in the show’s enduring popularity and its ability to reinvent itself with each new love story.

As the world settles in to watch Benedict’s search for his mysterious Lady in Silver, one thing is clear: Bridgerton Season 4 is set to deliver a heady mix of romance, intrigue, and opulence. Whether love will conquer the chasm of class and secrecy remains to be seen, but with Shonda Rhimes at the helm and a cast brimming with talent, viewers are in for an unforgettable ride. Mark your calendars for February 26, when the story’s second half promises to bring even more drama, heartache, and—if history is any guide—plenty of surprises.