Since first premiering on Netflix in 2020, Bridgerton has taken the world by storm (though one could argue it was perfectly timed to do so with its initial holiday drop), but it’s also become a bit of a cultural phenomenon in its own right. The day before preparing to write this review, I spotted series-branded Dove body wash in the aisle of my local Target, as obvious a sign as any that Bridgerton has become more than a show at this point; it’s a brand. Despite all the collabs and tie-in products that bear the familiar Shondaland series’ logo, however, the arrival of a new season — and the promise of a new love story along with it — is always highly anticipated, with the backdrop of Regency-era England conveniently doubling as a welcome escape.
I’ll admit that I didn’t originally have high expectations for the return of Bridgerton this year, even though I’ve found things to love about all three seasons that have aired to date, from irresistible tropes to standout performances (Nicola Coughlan is the heart and soul of this franchise, and I won’t hear any argument to the contrary). If anything, my doubt didn’t lie with the show itself, but with the believability that its latest romantic hero could measure up to what preceded him. While Luke Thompson‘s Benedict Bridgerton is technically the second son of the titular family, he’s the fourth member to earn their own love story, on the heels of his siblings Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), and Colin (Luke Newton).
However, as any longtime Regency romance reader will tell you, second sons have a well-earned reputation for steering clear of deeper commitment, and Benedict, up until this point, has displayed no indication of wanting to properly settle down. The show itself has hardly had the opportunity to build Thompson up as a leading man, either, especially while needing to devote attention to other romances. The success of Season 4 would rest not only on his shoulders but also on whoever was cast to completely upend Benedict’s world. Thankfully, Bridgerton‘s latest return brings with it a breath of fresh air in newcomer Yerin Ha, whose character, Sophie Baek, allows the story to expand its scope beyond the wealthiest members of the ton. While Season 4, adapted from author Julia Quinn‘s novel An Offer From a Gentleman, certainly draws inspiration from the classic Cinderella fairy tale, the upstairs/downstairs love story that gradually unfolds between its two leads turns Bridgerton into an even better version of itself.
What Is ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 About?
Benedict Bridgerton (Thompson) has no intention of settling down anytime soon, having favored a more non-conforming lifestyle over the show’s past three seasons — though he visibly balks at being thought of as a “rake” (aka, a Regency-era bad boy). However, his mother, Violet (Ruth Gemmell), has never been one to let any of her children deter her from a potential matchmaking opportunity. The Bridgertons’ upcoming masquerade ball provides the perfect atmosphere for her oldest unmarried son to find a potential bride. Benedict rolls in late with a poor excuse for a costume, expecting another unmemorable night before he encounters a mysterious woman in silver. Their time together is admittedly brief, but she leaves a lasting impression on him — as well as one of her gloves when she flees their private interlude at midnight.
With nothing more than their conversation details to go on, Benedict becomes obsessed with this beautiful stranger and is determined to unmask her once and for all; however, tracking her down within the ton might be impossible — because she isn’t a high-ranking member of society. Benedict’s woman in silver is actually Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid who snuck into the Bridgertons’ masquerade to enjoy how the other half lives for a night. By morning, she’s back to doing household chores and tending to her stepmother Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and stepsisters Rosamund (Michelle Mao) and Posy (Isabella Wei). For Sophie, her encounter with a handsome gentleman was a bold transgression that she’ll never be able to repeat since her stepmother is already looking for any excuse to kick her out.
The other close and extended members of the Bridgerton family have their own unique problems. After publicly revealing herself as Lady Whistledown, Penelope (Coughlan) is admittedly very content in her marriage to Colin (Newton), but struggles to balance her commitments to her family with Queen Charlotte’s (Golda Rosheuvel) demands for gossip. Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) is next in line for marriage but clashes with her younger sister Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) over social season aspirations. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) seems happy with her new husband John Stirling (Victor Alli) but secretly struggles during their intimate moments. Bridgerton matriarch Violet has been experiencing feelings for Lady Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) brother Marcus (Daniel Francis) and wrestles with whether to indulge in romance.
An Upstairs/Downstairs Romance Changes ‘Bridgerton’ for the Better in Season 4
Dubbing Bridgerton comfort-food viewing isn’t inaccurate when considering its setting. Historical romance is rooted in fantasy removed from harsher realities; there’s something appealing about being immersed in such a world. However, amid fancy balls and elegant clothing accompanied by Vitamin String Quartet‘s contemporary covers (of which there are still plenty), Bridgerton has largely overlooked background characters whose efforts make social season possible. That changes in Season 4 when servants finally earn increased focus; some even step into the foreground for the first time. Sophie is already positioned differently from any other Bridgerton lead we’ve met so far; having grown up outside society’s elite circles allows her to act as a window into another part of this world — offering a refreshing change of pace for the show.
The current working class appears content in their roles — Mrs. Wilson (Geraldine Alexander) has no intention of leaving her position at Bridgertons’, while Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) works for Featheringtons across the street but increasingly refuses “gifts” like hand-me-down dresses when she wants fair pay instead. Their storyline parallels rising tensions between Lady Danbury and Queen Charlotte; cracks in their long friendship begin showing after Agatha expresses interest in pursuing life beyond royal service.
‘Bridgerton’ Seasons 5 and 6 Lead Romances Officially Confirmed
Season 4 will debut at the end of the month.
Sophie faces even worse circumstances when her stepmother suspects she’s been behaving outside propriety boundaries for servants. This leads to one of Season 4’s biggest surprises: Katie Leung gives a devastatingly complex performance, revealing new layers over four episodes provided for review and culminating in one dynamic scene. Sophie and Araminta’s relationship is defined by shared grief despite Araminta refusing acknowledgment; Leung’s strength elevates her character beyond mere villain stereotypes defining classic fairy tale inspirations. Sophie’s stepsisters aren’t fleshed out as much initially but hint at more developments when Part 2 drops next month.
‘Bridgerton’ Is the Best It’s Ever Been in Season 4 Part 1
The expectations for Bridgerton, after three seasons so far, are undoubtedly higher than ever. A split-season release strategy may not endear new viewers but truthfully, these first four episodes are among the best ever produced thanks largely to a new leading lady. Yerin Ha is luminous as Sophie Baek, balancing sincere naivety about ton’s inner workings with clear-eyed cynicism about societal limitations on her class. Her journey this season pushes against expectations while allowing glimmers of hope for something more — it’s clear why Benedict falls for her without knowing relevant details.
Apart from that, Thompson reveals new layers to Benedict hinted at previously while playing him more sensitively than his book counterpart — yet, he’s arguably at his best when leaning fully into rakish romance hero territory.. From lake scenes topping Anthony’s Season 2 swim to naughty moves overshadowing Colin’s careful dress-fixing after Season 3’s carriage scene — Thompson shines brightest when sharing screen time with his co-star. Benedict and Sophie keep running into each other post-masquerade without knowing each other’s true identities—this allows them both to create charming dynamics filled with romantic tension and yearning as Benedict begins considering pursuing an unconventional relationship.
Past seasons struggled balancing main romances with supporting storylines but fortunately Season 4 builds on improved strategies developed last season by devoting ample time both individually and collectively towards Benedict and Sophie’s evolving dynamic — helped by each episode exceeding an hour long. This might border on lengthy for some viewers but since it lays romantic foundations for upcoming seasons while ensuring fan-favorite book scenes receive deserved attention—this choice serves most cast members well while introducing several other couples alongside main pairings like Francesca and John representing intimacy post-marriage or Violet taking relationships further with Marcus introducing mature romance elements into mix. Still,, some characters have been pushed into background without development due growing ensemble size which signals it may be time either formally exit or adopt significant roles within overall story.
The minor drawbacks aside,, Season 4 already raises bar for Bridgerton , thanks compelling new lead Yerin Ha alongside spotlighting underappreciated working-class perspectives within Regency society while continuing prioritize primary reason viewers tune in repeatedly: seemingly insurmountable journey towards happily ever afters ahead! There’s no telling how Benedict and Sophie’s romance will unfold across remaining episodes but Part 1 leaves tantalizing notes likely leaving audiences desperate wanting more!
