Bridgerton Season 4 Unveils Benedict’s Romantic Journey

Netflix’s wildly popular Regency-era romance, Bridgerton, is set to sweep viewers off their feet once again with the much-anticipated arrival of Season 4. This time, the spotlight shifts to Benedict Bridgerton, the family’s second eldest son, whose bohemian spirit and artistic sensibilities have long set him apart from his siblings. With a release strategy designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats, the season will unfold in two parts, promising a fresh wave of drama, romance, and intrigue in the opulent world of the ton.

For those eager to mark their calendars, Netflix has confirmed that Part 1—comprising the first four episodes—will be available to stream starting at midnight PT (3 a.m. ET) on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The remaining four episodes, making up Part 2, will drop exactly four weeks later on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This staggered release follows the successful two-part rollout of the previous season and mirrors Netflix’s approach with other flagship series, such as Stranger Things. The move is clearly designed to maximize anticipation and conversation around the show’s biggest moments.

Season 4 draws its inspiration from Julia Quinn’s third novel in the Bridgerton series, An Offer from a Gentleman. As reported by Town & Country, showrunner Jess Brownell aimed to craft a love story that feels both timeless and modern. “The idea of being a humble housemaid who the prince chooses and sees as being the special one amongst an entire crowd,” Brownell explained, “There’s real wish fulfillment there, but it was important for us to have a modern take on it and not have Sophie just be a damsel in distress who’s waiting for Benedict to choose her. She is someone who’s focused on her own life and her survival in her station.”

This season’s romantic lead, Sophie Baek, is played by Australian actress Yerin Ha. Sophie is the daughter of an earl, but her life takes a dramatic turn when her cruel stepmother forces her into servitude. Her fortunes change, at least for one enchanted evening, when she attends a masquerade ball in disguise as the mysterious “Lady in Silver.” Benedict, unaware of her true identity, is immediately captivated, setting the stage for a Cinderella-inspired romance that blends fantasy with the realities of class and ambition in Regency England.

The official episode titles for Part 1 have been revealed, further stoking fans’ curiosity: “The Waltz,” “Time Transfixed,” “The Field Next to the Other Road,” and “An Offer from a Gentleman.” Part 2 will pick up the story with “Yes or No,” “The Passing Winter,” “The Beyond,” and “Dance in the Country.” Each episode promises to deliver the series’ trademark mix of lavish sets, sumptuous costumes, and simmering romantic tension.

Returning to the cast are many beloved faces: Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley reprise their roles as Anthony and Kate, while Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan return as Colin and Penelope—whose own love story took center stage in Season 3. Claudia Jessie is back as Eloise, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth, Will Tilston as Gregory, and Hannah Dodd as Francesca, now married to John Stirling (Victor Alli). Ruth Gemmell returns as the family matriarch, Violet Bridgerton, alongside Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. Julie Andrews once again lends her iconic voice to Lady Whistledown, the show’s omniscient narrator.

Fans can also expect to see the likes of Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe), Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi), Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne), Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), Brimsley (Hugh Sachs), and Portia Featherington (Polly Walker). New arrivals include Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and her daughters, Rosamund (Michelle Mao) and Posy (Isabella Wei), who are making their debut on the marriage mart.

Netflix’s exclusive streaming rights mean that viewers worldwide—including those in India and Australia—will have access to the new episodes simultaneously. For Australian fans, the first four episodes will land at 7 p.m. AEDT, with corresponding release times for other states and territories. The global appeal of Bridgerton is undeniable, and Netflix has already confirmed that the series will continue for at least two more seasons beyond this one, as announced via an exuberant Lady Whistledown post on Instagram: “Dearest Gentle Reader… It is with great pleasure I can announce Bridgerton shall return for seasons five and six. Do celebrate accordingly. And in the meantime, do prepare yourselves, for Bridgerton season four shall debut in 2026.”

In the run-up to the premiere, Netflix has released a tantalizing teaser trailer. In it, viewers catch a glimpse of Benedict and Sophie’s first, fleeting encounter. Lady Whistledown’s voiceover sets the tone: “With each passing season, one is known to experience plenty of ups and downs. So then we must ask ourselves: do we rise to the occasion? As always, time, and this author, will tell.” The brief clip hints at the forbidden nature of their romance, with the two lovers brushing fingers as they pass on a grand staircase.

For those eager to dive back into the world of the ton, all prior seasons of Bridgerton are currently available for binge-watching on Netflix. The streaming giant offers several subscription tiers: Standard with ads at $7.99 per month, Standard (ad-free) at $17.99 per month, and Premium (ad-free) at $24.99 per month. There’s no free trial at this time, so a subscription is required to catch the latest episodes as soon as they drop.

As for the story itself, viewers can expect a blend of fantasy and reality, with Benedict’s journey from artist to suitor challenged by Sophie’s grounded perspective. The dynamic between the two leads promises to be more balanced than the traditional fairytale, with Sophie portrayed as a woman determined to survive and thrive despite her circumstances. Showrunner Jess Brownell has teased that fans should anticipate not just steamy romance and lavish balls, but also emotional highs, family drama, and even cameos from couples featured in previous seasons.

With the show’s signature glamour, wit, and emotional depth, Bridgerton Season 4 is poised to captivate audiences anew. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply in search of escapist entertainment, the next chapter in the Bridgerton saga promises to deliver everything viewers have come to love—and perhaps a few surprises along the way.

As the clock ticks down to the season’s release, the only certainty is that hearts will race and tongues will wag throughout the ton once more.