The smash-hit Regency Era romance has kept heart fluttering for three seasons already, and Netflix has preemptively renewed Bridgerton for season 4. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton concerns the various members of the titular family who strike out and try to find love on the “ton” during the Regency Era of English history. Known for its colorful designs and anachronistic approach to its historical subject, Bridgerton has wooed audiences with its charm and steamy romance since it debuted on Netflix in 2020.
Yet another feather in Netflix’s cap, Bridgerton quickly became one of the streamer’s most popular programs and its reputation has grown in the years since. A spinoff was produced in 2023 entitled Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, and the streaming juggernaut became a franchise before it even released a third season. The best period dramas are always lavish spectacles, but Bridgerton has managed to up the ante and has spurred on a boom in anachronistic period pieces. Netflix’s preemptive renewal for season 4 means fans won’t have to worry, and Bridgerton’s future seems secure.
Bridgerton Season 4 Latest News
Simone Ashley Will Return As Kate Sharma
The lack of Kate in season 3 caused a stir within the Bridgerton fanbase, but it remains to be seen if her character will appear more in season 4.
As production continues on the next installment of the Regency Era romance, the latest news confirms that Kate Sharma will return to Bridgerton season 4. The news was broken by Kate actor Simone Ashley in an interview with Glamour where she finally set the record straight on her character’s season 4 status. “I know that I am returning, but that’s all I can say,” said Ashley, quelling fears she wouldn’t be back at all. The lack of Kate in season 3 caused a stir within the Bridgerton fanbase, but it remains to be seen if her character will appear more in season 4.
Ashley’s full comments: I know that I am returning, but that’s all I can say. I absolutely adore the show, and the more I can be a part of it, the better. They’ve been really kind to work around my schedule.
Bridgerton Season 4 Is Confirmed (And The Book Is Chosen)
Netflix Preemptively Renewed Season 4 & The Book In Focus Is Set
Unlike other series which leave their fans twisting in the wind for months as they wait to learn the fate of their favorite show’s future, Netflix made the early decision to renew Bridgerton. Following the success of season 2, the streamer wasted no time when preemptively renewing Bridgerton for seasons 3 and 4 simultaneously. Though the future beyond season 4 is still undecided, more seasons of the Regency Era romance are likely in the works.
With buzz still fresh surrounding the third season of Netflix’s big hit, season 4 has already stolen the spotlight with the announcement that Benedict will be the subject of the next story. This means the book being adapted for the upcoming seasons is likely Quinn’s An Offer from a Gentleman, the third in the publication order. To commemorate the start of filming in September 2024, Netflix shared an image of Ha and Benedict star Luke Thompson together for the first time. See the post by Netflix on X (formerly Twitter) below:
Bridgerton Season 4 Cast
Penelope & Colin Are Already Confirmed To Return
A few near-certain returns include the likes of Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury, and most of the Bridgerton clan should also be back. Jonathan Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton found his true love in Kate (Simone Ashley) in season 2, and Bailey is confirmed to return in season 4 alongside Ashley’s Kate. Meanwhile, Benedict (Luke Thompson), Eloise (Claudia Jessie), and Francesca (Hannah Dodd) have yet to have their romantic moments in the sun, so they’ll need to reprise their roles.
In a radical change established at the end of Bridgerton season 3, it seems Julie Andrews will not return as the voice of narrator Lady Whistledown, after Penelope dropped her persona to continue her society paper under her own name. The question of whether Anthony and Kate will actually return from India is also a pressing one, but Anthony’s responsibility as Viscount and head of his family means he can’t stay away forever.
One new character we know will play some part in Bridgerton season 4 is Masali Baduza’s Michaela Stirling, who immediately catches Francesca’s eye. Fans of the book will recognize the source of her name, and can probably piece together what part she will play in Francesca’s story going forward. Likewise, Yerin Ha has joined season 4 as Sophie Baek (renamed from Sophie Beckett in the books), Benedict’s love interest.
The presumptive main cast of Bridgerton season 4 includes:
| Actor | Bridgerton Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Nicola Coughlan | Penelope Featherington |
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| Luke Newton | Colin Bridgerton |
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| Jonathan Bailey | Anthony Bridgerton |
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| Simone Ashley | Kate Bridgerton |
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| Luke Thompson | Benedict Bridgerton |
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| Yerin Ha | Sophie Baek |
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| Claudia Jessie | Eloise Bridgerton |
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| Hannah Dodd | Francesca Bridgerton |
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| Victor Alli | John Stirling |
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| Ruth Gemmell | Violet Bridgerton |
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| Will Tilston | Gregory Bridgerton |
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| Florence Hunt | Hyacinth Bridgerton |
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| Polly Walker | Portia Featherington |
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| Golda Rosheuvel | Queen Charlotte |
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| Adjoa Andoh | Lady Danbury |
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Bridgerton Season 4 Story Details
Which Bridgerton Sibling Gets Their Love Story Next?
Author Julia Quinn has revealed that the book for Bridgerton season 4 has already been selected, but that specific book hasn’t been announced yet. Of the 8 books in the Bridgerton series, the third book, An Offer from a Gentleman, which chronicles the love story between Sophie and Benedict is the logical next step since Benedict is confirmed to be the lead in the upcoming fourth season.
In the book, the stoic bachelor saves a young woman named Sophie by offering her employment within his mother’s household. Turns out, the lowly servant-girl is actually the daughter of an Earl who has been cast out by an evil stepmother. In keeping with the Cinderella-like storyline, Sophie secretly attends a masquerade ball as the mysterious Lady in Silver, and accidentally captures the heart of Benedict. Though that could be the basic framework of the season, the inevitable changes that Netflix will make are uncertain.
What we know tangibly about where season 4’s story may be heading is that we’ll likely see the fallout of Penelope’s decision to reveal herself as Lady Whistledown. She made enemies along the way, and says herself that people may come after her. On top of that, we’ll see more of Penelope and Colin’s wedded life, since they will remain in the Ton. There are also lots of unresolved story elements, in a way that feels less like the usual way Bridgerton ends its seasons, but that does make for exciting prospects.
