Netflix Unveils Bridgerton Season Four Cast Lineup

Dearest gentle readers, the wait is finally over: Netflix’s beloved regency romance series, Bridgerton, has returned for its much-anticipated fourth season, and fans across the globe are already abuzz with excitement. Released on January 29, 2026, the new season marks a significant turning point for the show, ushering in fresh faces and shifting long-standing dynamics within the world of the Ton. This time, the spotlight falls on Benedict Bridgerton, the second-eldest son, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and romance that promises to captivate both die-hard followers and newcomers alike.

Season four is adapted from Julia Quinn’s third novel in the Bridgerton series, An Offer from a Gentleman, and Netflix officially revealed back in July 2024 that Benedict would take center stage. As reported by Variety and confirmed by Netflix, Luke Thompson returns to portray Benedict—a free spirit who, after years of living in the shadow of his siblings’ conventional lives, finds his world upended by a mysterious woman in a silver dress. That woman is Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, whose arrival not only sparks Benedict’s curiosity but also challenges his views on love, class, and destiny.

Yerin Ha, an Australian actress known for her roles in Paramount+’s Halo and the upcoming Dune: Prophecy, steps into the role of Sophie, who is first introduced at a masquerade ball. Disguised and enigmatic, Sophie soon reappears in Benedict’s life—this time as a servant in Mayfair, setting the stage for a romance filled with longing, secrets, and societal obstacles. As Insider notes, Ha’s performance brings a new energy to the series, and her chemistry with Thompson is already being praised by fans and critics alike.

The new season also welcomes a host of supporting characters, both familiar and new. Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan reprise their roles as Colin and Penelope Bridgerton, now in supporting capacities after leading the previous season. Their characters, especially Penelope, continue to navigate the fallout from her secret identity as Lady Whistledown—a revelation that has only complicated her life further. Newton, previously known for Disney’s The Lodge, and Coughlan, a fan-favorite from Derry Girls, bring depth and humor to their roles, providing a steady anchor for the evolving ensemble.

Returning as Francesca and John Kilmartin, Hannah Dodd and Victor Alli find themselves back in London after a stint in Scotland, adding a layer of familial warmth and subtle intrigue to the social season. Dodd, who joined the cast in season three, has previously starred in Enola Holmes 2 and Eternals, while Alli’s credits include Death on the Nile and Andor. Their on-screen chemistry continues to win over audiences, and their storyline offers a quieter counterpoint to Benedict and Sophie’s whirlwind romance.

One of the season’s most notable changes is the reduced presence of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). As Town & Country reports, the couple—whose romance dominated season two—are absent from the first part of season four, with their return slated for the season’s finale, airing as part two on February 26, 2026. Bailey, now a bona fide A-lister thanks to roles in Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good, and Ashley, known for Sex Education and the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2, have both seen their careers soar since joining the Bridgerton universe.

Meanwhile, Masali Baduza’s Michaela—John Kilmartin’s cousin—makes a brief but memorable appearance at the end of part one, hinting at a larger role in the second half of the season. Baduza, previously the lead in the BBC’s Noughts + Crosses, brings a new dynamic to the cast, especially with the adaptation’s decision to reimagine the character from the original novels.

No regency drama would be complete without a formidable antagonist, and this season’s villain is Lady Araminta Gun, played by Katie Leung—best known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films. As the widow of the Earl of Penwood and the archetypal evil stepmother, Lady Araminta’s machinations threaten to upend Sophie’s life and ambitions. Her daughters, Posy and Rosamund, are portrayed by Isabelle Wei and Michelle Mao, respectively. Wei, recognized from Netflix’s 1899 and Black Doves, plays the kinder Posy, while Mao, recently seen in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, channels her character’s disdain for Sophie with convincing flair.

Behind the scenes at Penwood House, David Moorst and Fiona Marr play Alfie and Irma, two servants instrumental in supporting Sophie’s journey to the masquerade ball. Moorst, in his first major television role, and Marr, familiar to fans of My Fault: London, add depth to the world-building, highlighting the often-overlooked staff who keep the grand houses running.

The Bridgerton household staff also step into the limelight this season. Geraldine Alexander returns as Mrs. Wilson, the housekeeper, with Oli Higginson as John, Sophie Lamont as Celia, and Gracie McGonigal joining as Hazel. Their expanded roles offer a glimpse into the daily workings of the Bridgerton estate and the class divides that define the era.

Of course, Lady Portia Featherington (Polly Walker) is back, now facing a new challenge in the form of her housekeeper, Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne). Walker’s portrayal of the cunning matriarch has long been a fan favorite, and Ashbourne’s increased screen time adds a layer of intrigue to the Featherington household. Ashbourne, a veteran of British television, brings nuance to the role, and her real-life partnership with Andy Serkis is a fun tidbit for fans.

Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel, remains a central figure in the series, her regal presence and sharp wit undiminished. Accompanied by Adjoa Andoh’s Lady Agatha Danbury and Hugh Sachs’s loyal secretary Brimsley, the royal court continues to drive much of the season’s high-stakes drama. Rosheuvel and Andoh, both stalwarts of British television, infuse their characters with gravitas and warmth, while Sachs’s Brimsley provides moments of levity and heart.

Martins Imhangbe and Emma Naomi return as Will and Alice Mondrich, whose ascent from working-class origins to society’s upper echelons offers a fresh perspective on social mobility in the regency era. Their friendship with the Bridgertons and Lady Danbury’s endorsement of Alice as a potential friend for the Queen add complexity to the ever-shifting social landscape.

Rounding out the new additions are Billy Boyle and Susan Brown as Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree, caretakers of Benedict’s country home, My Cottage. Brown, recognized for her role as Septa Mordane in Game of Thrones, and Boyle, a fixture in British theater and television since the 1970s, lend authenticity and humor to their roles, further enriching the ensemble.

Notably, several familiar faces are absent this season, including Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter), Harry Dankworth (James Phoon), and Philippa Featherington (Harriet Cains). Their departures, as reported by Town & Country, make room for the new characters and allow the narrative to focus more tightly on Benedict and Sophie’s evolving relationship.

With its lush costumes, intricate social maneuverings, and a cast that seamlessly blends established stars with exciting newcomers, season four of Bridgerton proves that the series still has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. As viewers await the release of part two, the stage is set for more romance, scandal, and intrigue—hallmarks of a show that continues to redefine period drama for a new generation.

For now, fans can savor every twist and turn as Benedict and Sophie’s story unfolds, confident that the world of Bridgerton remains as vibrant and compelling as ever.