The countdown is on for the return of the ton's most scandalous society, as Bridgerton season four prepares to debut on Thursday, 29 January. This time, the spotlight shifts to the romantic pursuits of the family's artistic second son, Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson.
Why Benedict's Story Was the 'Easiest to Adapt'
Showrunner Jess Brownell has revealed that adapting Benedict's narrative from Julia Quinn's novel, An Offer From A Gentleman, proved surprisingly straightforward for the Netflix production team. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Brownell explained that the source material's structure lent itself perfectly to television.
"It lent itself really closely to television structure for a love story," she said. "There are just a lot of rich set pieces that gave us juicy conflict and high stakes. I think fans will be happy to see quite a few of the set pieces from the book in the show."
This comes after Netflix deviated from the book order last season by focusing on Penelope and Colin's story, making Benedict's long-awaited central turn a highly anticipated event for fans.
The Search for the Lady in Silver
The core of the new season revolves around Benedict's encounter with a mysterious Lady in Silver at a masquerade ball. Netflix has already teased the character, who is Sophie Beckett, portrayed by Yerin Ha.
The official synopsis sets the scene: "Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down—until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother's masquerade ball." His subsequent search for the masked woman will form the heart of the season's drama.
A Full Family Affair and Future Plans
While Benedict's romance takes centre stage, Brownell confirmed that Season 4 will not neglect the rest of the sprawling Bridgerton clan. The show aims to keep all siblings involved in the unfolding story.
"It's a season where we try to make sure all of the siblings feel present in some way," Brownell shared. She gave the example of Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), who shares a close bond with Benedict and will be "involved in his search for the masked woman this year."
Looking beyond the imminent premiere, the future of the hit series is secure. Netflix has already greenlit seasons five and six. Filming for the fifth series is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with widespread speculation that it will adapt To Sir Phillip, With Love, focusing on Eloise's story.
With high stakes, beloved book scenes, and the promise of more family drama, Bridgerton's fourth season is poised to captivate audiences once again when it arrives on Netflix next month.
