The much-anticipated trailer for Bridgerton Season 4 has finally arrived, but the festive gift from Netflix has left a significant portion of the show's devoted fanbase feeling anything but merry. Released on Christmas Day, the two-minute teaser has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with viewers expressing fury over the glaring omission of two beloved characters.
What the Season 4 Trailer Reveals
Netflix unveiled the first look at the new season on 25 December, focusing the narrative on the central romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). The storyline adapts Julia Quinn's third novel, An Offer from a Gentleman, presenting a Cinderella-inspired tale.
The teaser shows Sophie working as a maid, longing for the glamorous life of the ton, before she disguises herself to attend the Bridgerton masquerade ball. There, she shares a captivating dance with Benedict, who is instantly intrigued. The magical encounter is cut short when Sophie flees at midnight, leaving behind a single glove. Benedict is then shown determined to find the mystery woman who captured his heart.
The season will be released in two parts: the first four episodes arrive on 29 January, followed by the next four on 26 February.
The Source of Fan Outrage
While the trailer features glimpses of other family members like Colin (Luke Newton) and Francesca (Hannah Dodd), fans were quick to notice a major absence. Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his wife, Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), the Viscount and Viscountess who lead the household, are completely missing from the teaser.
This omission has provoked a fierce backlash on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). One incensed fan wrote, "Clearly we understand Kathony had their season... but it truly doesn't make sense that the VISCOUNT and VISCOUNTESS Bridgerton, the literal HEADS of the household are nowhere to be seen."
Another viewer pointed out a narrative inconsistency, questioning, "Are you aware large parts of this season are at the home of the Viscount and Viscountess? Where are they?" This sentiment was echoed by others who found it absurd that the family estate is being used for events while its owners are conspicuously absent.
Uncertain Futures and Lingering Questions
Although it has been confirmed that both Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley will appear in the new season, their screen time remains a point of concern. If the treatment of previous lead couples in Season 3 is any indication, their roles may be reduced to mere cameos in only a few episodes.
Fans have not held back their disappointment, with further comments highlighting the perceived imbalance. "Another Polin scene in carriage but ZERO seconds of Kanthony," noted one viewer, while another joked about the couple being on a perpetual honeymoon to accommodate other storylines.
The intense reaction underscores the deep connection audiences have with these characters and their expectation that the heads of the Bridgerton family should maintain a visible presence. All will be revealed when Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 premieres globally on Netflix on Thursday, 29 January.
