The wait for the next chapter in the world of the Ton has an official timeline. Bridgerton Season 4 will premiere on Netflix in 2026, finally bringing Benedict Bridgerton’s long-awaited romance to the forefront. The new season, which finished filming in mid-2025, will introduce a Cinderella-inspired story, new characters poised to cause drama, and the return of many familiar faces.
The Central Love Story: Benedict and Sophie
The upcoming season shifts its focus to Benedict Bridgerton, the family’s artistic and bohemian second son, played by Luke Thompson. After watching his older brothers Anthony and Colin find love, Benedict, who has been reluctant to settle down, finally has his head turned. His love interest is Sophie Baek, a resourceful maid with her own dreams and secrets, portrayed by Yerin Ha.
Their story begins at a masquerade ball, where Benedict is instantly captivated by a mysterious “Lady in Silver.” Unbeknownst to him, this captivating figure is Sophie. This sets up a classic fairy tale romance with a Bridgerton twist, exploring the stark contrast between the glamorous lives of the ton and the realities for the working class who serve them.
Luke Thompson shared his excitement about the scripts, highlighting the balance the story strikes. He said:
“What’s striking about Season 4 is that it’s the struggle between a proper old-school fairy tale — the romance of it — and the actual reality of the world. Both are true. You have to hold both of them — the romance and the reality — in your hand. In its best version, ‘true love’ happens in the middle of that.”
Yerin Ha described being drawn to Sophie’s character because of the immediate obstacles she faces, including battles around social status and hidden feelings.
New Faces in the Ton: The Li Family
Season 4 introduces a new family that is sure to stir up trouble, closely tied to Sophie’s world. The characters were announced by Netflix in late September 2024.
- Lady Araminta Gun, played by Katie Leung, is a twice-widowed matriarch determined to secure a prosperous match for at least one of her two daughters debuting this season. Described as fabulous, discerning, and blunt, she does not respond well to anyone or anything that threatens her standing in society.
- Rosamund Li, played by Michelle Mao, is Araminta’s eldest daughter. Beautiful, vain, and eager to please her mother, Rosamund is a pro in the marriage market. She sets her sights on Benedict Bridgerton this season and is determined to get what she wants.
- Posy Li, played by Isabella Wei, is Rosamund’s younger sister. Also making her debut, Posy is often overlooked by her mother. She is described as dreamy, unserious, and chatty, with a tendency to put her foot in her mouth.
Showrunner Jess Brownell provided insight into the family dynamics, noting, “While Rosamund has become her mother’s mini-me — a marriage mart pro chess player — Posy is dreamy and often unserious, much to her mother’s disapproval.” She added that Araminta and Rosamund are so focused on their own goals that the Bridgerton family barely registers for them at first, “beyond the fact that Benedict proves to be quite the catch this season.”
Returning Favorites and Key Subplots
While Benedict’s romance is the centerpiece, the ensemble cast will continue their journeys. Simone Ashley is confirmed to return as Kate Bridgerton, offering viewers a continued look into her married life with Anthony. The friendship between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) is also set for more screen time. Showrunner Jess Brownell stated, “They’re more bonded than ever! Their trials and tribulations last season have added new depth to their friendship.”
Other returning cast members include Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Luke Newton as Colin, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. The show will also continue to explore Francesca Bridgerton’s unfolding story.
Production Details and Release Window
Production for Bridgerton Season 4 officially began on September 16, 2024, and wrapped up on June 20, 2025. The season was filmed at the newly constructed backlots of Shepperton Studios outside London. While Netflix has confirmed the 2026 release year, the showrunner has noted that the series is on a roughly two-year pace between seasons due to the extensive eight-month filming schedule and post-production requirements, which include editing and dubbing into multiple languages.
Fans received a first look at the season during a Valentine’s Day 2025 event, which featured photos and a clip from the pivotal masquerade ball where Benedict first sees Sophie. The series has also been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, ensuring more stories from the Ton for years to come.
Also Read: Bridgerton Season 4 Release Dates Accidentally Revealed by Netflix
Credits: Netflix Tudum
