A new poster for Bridgerton Season 4 has arrived, confirming that the next chapter in the popular Netflix series will focus on a Cinderella-style romance for Benedict Bridgerton. The streaming service shared the new visual alongside a detailed look at the upcoming season, which is based on Julia Quinn‘s third book, An Offer from a Gentleman. The new season will be released in two parts, with Part 1 arriving on January 29, 2026, and Part 2 following on February 26, 2026.
The story moves the spotlight to the family’s artistic second son, Benedict, played by Luke Thompson. Benedict has been reluctant to settle down, but his views change dramatically after a chance encounter at a masquerade ball. He becomes fascinated with a mysterious guest known only as the “Lady in Silver,” unaware that she is actually Sophie Baek, a resourceful maid played by newcomer Yerin Ha.
Benedict and Sophie’s Cinderella Romance Story
Season 4 draws direct inspiration from the classic Cinderella fairy tale, a connection confirmed by the actors. “The storyline is a bit of a twist on ‘Cinderella.’ You remember being told those stories as a child — the magic and the romance of them,” Luke Thompson told Netflix’s Tudum site. The central plot involves a secret identity and love across social classes, as Benedict falls for the “Lady in Silver” he meets at a ball, not knowing she is a maid in the same house.
Showrunner Jess Brownell explained the challenge for Benedict’s character this season. “Benedict’s free-spiritedness is both natural and genuine, but he uses it as a crutch,” Brownell said. “This season, we’re interested in watching what happens when he finally starts to let people in”. Yerin Ha described what attracted her to the role of Sophie. “What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles — something that she constantly has to overcome,” she said. “Whether it’s this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict”.
New and Returning Characters in Season 4
The new season introduces several key characters who will shape Benedict and Sophie’s world. Katie Leung joins the cast as Lady Araminta Gun, a widow and mother determined to see her daughters succeed in high society. Her daughters are played by Michelle Mao as the ambitious Rosamund Li and Isabella Wei as the more dreamy Posy Li. Showrunner Brownell noted that Rosamund is “a marriage mart pro chess player” who, along with her mother, sees Benedict as “quite the catch this season”.
A host of familiar faces from the Bridgerton family and the ton will return. This includes Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, who must now navigate society knowing her identity as Lady Whistledown is public. Golda Rosheuvel returns as Queen Charlotte, who is shown in new photos receiving a mysterious message that will likely play a role in the season’s drama. Other confirmed returning cast members include Jonathan Bailey (Anthony), Simone Ashley (Kate), Luke Newton (Colin), Claudia Jessie (Eloise), and Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton).
“The scripts that Jess [Brownell] and her team have come up with are dynamite. They’re really, really, really exciting,” Luke Thompson shared about the new season.
Fan Excitement and Early Reactions on Social Media
On the official Netflix Facebook page, the announcement of the January 29 premiere date received thousands of reactions and comments. Fans immediately connected the new storyline to the Cinderella narrative. One commenter noted, “So this season is Cinderella. Got it. I did not read the books but clearly Benedict is into this girl in the blue dress, who is actually a maid”. Others discussed the growing importance of side stories as the series develops.
While full episodes are not yet available, Netflix has released first-look photos and a teaser trailer that introduces the masquerade ball where Benedict and Sophie first meet. The period drama is known for its modern soundtrack covers, extravagant costumes, and romantic storylines, all expected to continue in this new season. The official trailer can be viewed on Netflix’s YouTube channel and social media pages.
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How to Watch Season 4 Early and Global Fan Events
In a special treat for dedicated fans, Netflix is offering an early viewing of the Season 4 premiere. The Bridgerton Season 4 Premiere Masquerade: A Live Stream Event were scheduled for January 14, 2026. This virtual event featured an exclusive screening of Episode 1, along with red carpet coverage from the global premiere in Paris, hosted by Clara Amfo and Karima Charmi. Fans must RSVP on Netflix’s Tudum website to gain access.
This event is part of Netflix’s larger “Season of Love” campaign, which includes various fan activities around the world. Activations are planned in multiple countries, including Australia, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, the UK, and the United States. Fans can attend “Bridgerton, A Candlelight Experience” concerts featuring music from the show or visit Netflix House locations in Dallas and Philadelphia for themed photo opportunities and merchandise.
A new official Bridgerton podcast will also launch, hosted by Alison Hammond. For the first time, this companion podcast will be available to watch directly on Netflix in the U.S., and on YouTube elsewhere. The podcast will offer behind-the-scenes details and deeper dives into the show’s storylines.
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