Dearest gentle reader, the ton is abuzz with the most scandalous and delightful news. The wait for the next chapter of the Regency era phenomenon is finally over. Bridgerton Season 4 has officially made its grand entrance on Netflix, shifting the spotlight to the artistic and elusive second son, Benedict Bridgerton.

If you have been pining for more sweeping ballroom dances and secret rendezvous, this season delivers in spades. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything happening in the newest installment of the series.

Benedict Bridgerton Takes Center Stage

While previous seasons focused on the eldest siblings and the long awaited union of Colin and Penelope, Season 4 finally gives Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) his time to shine. Known for his bohemian spirit and reluctance to join the marriage mart, Benedict finds his world turned upside down when he encounters a mysterious woman at a masquerade ball.

The season is based on the third book in the Julia Quinn series, titled An Offer from a Gentleman. Fans who have read the novels know that this story takes a heavy cue from the classic Cinderella fairytale. Benedict becomes obsessed with finding the “Lady in Silver” who vanished into the night, unaware that she is much closer than he realizes.

Meet Sophie Baek the New Leading Lady

The most exciting addition to the cast is Yerin Ha, who portrays the enigmatic Sophie Baek. In a refreshing update from the source material, the show introduces Sophie with Korean heritage, continuing the series’ commitment to a diverse and inclusive Regency world.

Sophie is not a typical debutante. As the illegitimate daughter of an earl, she has been relegated to a life of service under the watchful and cruel eye of her stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun. Her journey from a hidden maid to a masked beauty at the Bridgerton ball is the emotional core of the season. The chemistry between Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha is already being hailed as some of the best in the show’s history.

Key Plot Twists and The Masquerade Ball

The masquerade ball hosted by Violet Bridgerton serves as the catalyst for the entire season. This event is where the visual opulence of the show reaches new heights, with stunning silver gowns and intricate masks.

Beyond the central romance, Season 4 dives into the fallout of Penelope Featherington being revealed as Lady Whistledown. High society is still reeling from the news, and Penelope must navigate her new life as a wife and mother while continuing to wield her pen. Additionally, we see more of Francesca Bridgerton as she navigates her own complex feelings following her move to Scotland.

Release Date and Streaming Schedule

Netflix has opted for a split release strategy for this season to keep the anticipation at a fever pitch.

• Part 1: Episodes 1 to 4 premiered on January 29, 2026.
• Part 2: Episodes 5 to 8 are set to arrive on February 26, 2026.

Each episode is approximately one hour long, providing plenty of room for the intricate subplots and lavish production design that fans adore. The two part release allows viewers to savor the slow burn of Benedict and Sophie’s forbidden romance before the grand finale.

Filming Locations and Visual Grandeur

The production returned to many iconic locations to maintain the authentic feel of the series. Ranger’s House in Greenwich once again serves as the exterior for the Bridgerton family home, while Hampton Court Palace provides the backdrop for many royal gatherings.

A notable new addition to the scenery is Loseley Park in Surrey, which features heavily in the countryside sequences of the story. The costumes remain a highlight, with the “Lady in Silver” gown expected to become as iconic as Daphne’s blue silks or Kate’s vibrant teals.

As Benedict trades his sketches for a chance at true love, the stakes have never been higher for the Bridgerton family. Whether you are a dedicated fan of the books or a lover of the Netflix adaptation, Season 4 promises a magical blend of fantasy and reality.