Fans of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton have been eagerly awaiting the story of Benedict Bridgerton. His moment finally arrived with the global premiere of Season 4, Part 1 on January 29, 2026. The new season introduces Yerin Ha as the leading lady, Sophie Baek. Her portrayal has generated a wave of positive reactions from viewers and critics alike. Audiences are praising her magnetic screen presence and the fresh energy she brings to the beloved Regency-era drama.
This season adapts Julia Quinn’s third novel, An Offer From a Gentleman. It tells a Cinderella-inspired story of a masquerade ball, a mysterious Lady in Silver, and a love that crosses social class lines. For the first time in the show’s history, a central romance develops between a member of the aristocracy and a person who works “downstairs”.
The Fan and Critical Response to Yerin Ha’s Performance
The reaction to Yerin Ha’s debut as Sophie has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, viewers have been quick to express their admiration for the new star and the character she brings to life.
Fans flooded Netflix’s official announcement posts with comments celebrating the arrival of “Benophie,” the affectionate nickname for the Benedict and Sophie pairing. One fan declared the release “THE BEST DAY OF JANUARY WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!!” while others shared their immediate emotional investment, with one stating, “I already made the popcorn and I have a box of tissues for this season”. Early viewers noted the season’s fidelity to its source material, with one fan raving, “Why is Bridgerton s4 so true to the book like every f* scene is on point?”.
At the series’ glamorous premiere event in Paris, Yerin Ha experienced the power of the show’s fandom firsthand. She described the fans as “truly so lovely” and reflected on the series’ hopeful message about love and acceptance. For Ha, the warm reception underscored why Bridgerton resonates so deeply with a global audience.
Bringing Sophie Baek from Page to Screen
Portraying Sophie required a deep connection to the character’s core. Yerin Ha described the source novel as her “Bible,” highlighting her commitment to honoring author Julia Quinn’s original vision. She aimed to capture Sophie’s unique blend of kindness, inner fire, and resilience.
“What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles โ something that she constantly has to overcome,” Ha explained. “Whether itโs this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict.”
A significant and meaningful change from the books is Sophie’s last name. In Quinn’s novels, the character is Sophie Beckett. For the series, the creative team changed it to Sophie Baek to reflect Yerin Ha’s Korean-Australian heritage. Ha has spoken about how empowering this change was, as it allowed her identity to naturally inform the character without the story becoming solely about cultural explanation.
“A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and thatโs why changing a name can be so powerful,” Ha said. “To make Sophieโs name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering.”
A Season That Explores New Social Territory
Season 4 marks a distinct shift for Bridgerton by directly exploring a romance across a strict class divide. While maids and servants have always been part of the show’s backdrop, their world has never been so central to a main love story. This “upstairs-downstairs” dynamic offers a new perspective on the ton’s glittering world.
Both Ha and her co-star, Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, have expressed enthusiasm for this new direction. Ha called it a “blessing” that grounds the show and introduces a different energy.
“I think it just really opens up whole new doors for Bridgerton,” Ha told Metro. “Itโs the fourth season now, so itโs nice to have a change of energy and pace.”
Luke Thompson agreed, noting that the season balances fantasy with a stronger flavor of reality. Veteran cast members also welcomed the fresh perspective. Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury, appreciated that the season engages with class in British society, acknowledging the people whose work keeps the grand households running.
The Central Relationship: Benedict and Sophie
The chemistry between the two leads is a cornerstone of the season. Yerin Ha credits Luke Thompson with making her feel welcomed and supported from their very first meeting. She described him as her “mental support pillar” throughout the challenging filming process.
Their characters’ journey is one of intense yearning and missed connections. Benedict becomes obsessed with finding the mysterious Lady in Silver he met at a ball, unaware that she is Sophie, a maid now working for his family. A major turning point, which Ha admitted left her “fuming” when she read the script, occurs when Benedict, swept up in passion, asks Sophie to be his mistressโa proposal that fails to recognize her worth or desires.
“It reminds her of her mom. It reminds her of her identity in this place and how tough it has been for her growing up in this world,” Ha said of Sophie’s reaction to the offer.
Global Release Schedule and How to Watch
Bridgerton Season 4 is being released in two parts on Netflix globally.
- Part 1, consisting of the first four episodes, premiered on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- Part 2, with the final four episodes, will be released on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The release is accompanied by Netflix’s “Season of Love” campaign, which includes global fan events, themed merchandise, and a new official podcast hosted by Alison Hammond.
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Yerin Ha’s Journey to the Ton
For Yerin Ha, this role is a milestone. The 28-year-old Korean-Australian actress was born in Sydney and trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Before joining the ton, she was best known for her role as Kwan Ha in the Paramount+ series Halo and has also appeared in Dune: Prophecy and other projects.
She has spoken openly about battling imposter syndrome upon landing such a coveted role in a massive global hit. Stepping into the intimate and “raunchy” scenes the show is known for was initially daunting. However, her performance demonstrates a confidence and depth that has won over the audience, proving she is more than deserving of her place as Bridgerton’s newest leading lady.
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