Dearest readers, Lady Whistledown has delivered the news we’ve all been waiting for. Netflix has officially renewed Bridgerton for not just one, but two more seasons—guaranteeing our return to Mayfair through Seasons 5 and 6. The announcement came just in time to accompany the release of another much-anticipated teaser for Season 4, which is set to premiere in 2026. If you thought you had seen enough scandal and ballgown drama, think again.
Season 4: A Cinderella Twist for Benedict
Season 4 promises to shine the spotlight on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), who steps out of the shadows and into the limelight for his own grand love story. His journey unfolds with the mysterious Lady in Silver—soon to be known as Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha—during a lavish masquerade ball hosted by Lady Bridgerton. Fans are already buzzing about the Cinderella-inspired plot, which will explore themes of class, identity, and forbidden romance in the Regency era.
Netflix’s trailer gives a tantalizing look at Benedict and Sophie’s first encounter, dripping with the kind of slow-burn romance that the series is famous for. Expect opulent sets, breathtaking gowns, and a touch of Lady Whistledown’s ever-watchful eye as secrets unravel across Mayfair.
How Queer is ‘Bridgerton’?
Bridgerton has long teased at queer representation, but how much of that will fully bloom in Season 4 remains to be seen. Netflix’s official trailer didn’t reveal much in terms of LGBTQ+ storylines, but fans are hopeful that whispers from the ton will finally be heard.
In previous seasons, hints of Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) bisexuality were teased, and Season 3’s steamy threesome moment seemed to confirm what fans had long speculated. His relationship with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) is set to take center stage in Season 4, but the ton is abuzz with rumors that his fluidity may still be part of his journey. Showrunner Jess Brownell hinted that Benedict’s arc will explore more of his identity, suggesting that the Regency’s most artistic Bridgerton isn’t quite ready to settle down just yet. “Benedict has always been a little lost—or free depending on the way you want to look at it,” she said.
Season 3 also hinted at a queer romance with the young Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd). While her journey is still under wraps, fans are speculating about her chemistry with Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), John Stirling’s cousin. In a twist on Julia Quinn’s novels, Francesca is set to explore a same-sex romance that could shake up Mayfair’s rigid traditions. Showrunner Jess Brownell, who is queer herself, has expressed a desire to ensure LGBTQ+ stories have happy endings, saying, “When approaching a queer story, it’s very important to me that we are able to see a queer happily-ever-after and not let it be queer trauma.”
Whether Season 4 delivers on these promising hints remains to be seen, but if the past is any indication, Bridgerton is just getting started with its exploration of love in all its forms.
The Legacy Continues
The announcement of Seasons 5 and 6 has solidified Bridgerton as one of Netflix’s flagship series. Each of the previous three seasons ranked among Netflix’s Most Popular, with Seasons 1 and 3 currently holding spots in the platform’s Top 10. The global success of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story only further proves that the ton’s grip on our hearts isn’t loosening anytime soon.
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes, alongside showrunner Jess Brownell, is set to continue steering the ship, ensuring more ballroom drama, scandalous letters, and whispered secrets for years to come. Lady Whistledown, it seems, won’t be putting down her quill anytime soon.
Mark Your Calendars
With Benedict’s Cinderella-esque tale on the horizon and the promise of two more seasons, Bridgerton is showing no signs of slowing down. Dust off your finest gloves and prepare for another wild ride through the ton. Season 4 lands in 2026—and it’s just the beginning.
