Bridgerton season four part one is officially out now on Netflix, sweeping viewers back into the glittering, scandal-filled world of Regency-era London with a fresh wave of romance, intrigue, and breathtaking spectacle. Dropping its first four episodes on January 29, 2026, the new installment shifts the spotlight to Benedict Bridgerton, the family’s charming, free-spirited second son, as he embarks on a captivating love story that echoes the timeless magic of Cinderella—yet infused with the show’s signature steamy tension, sharp wit, and emotional depth.

From the moment the opening credits roll, the ton feels alive again. The familiar orchestral swells give way to modern pop covers reimagined as classical pieces, setting an immediate tone of playful subversion. Part one wastes no time plunging into the season’s central mystery: the masquerade ball hosted by Violet Bridgerton, where masks conceal identities and desires run unchecked. Benedict, portrayed with effortless charisma by Luke Thompson, has spent previous seasons dodging matrimony, preferring artistic pursuits, bohemian adventures, and fleeting affairs over the constraints of society. His reluctance to settle down—despite Anthony and Colin’s happy unions—has made him the eternal bachelor, a rake in spirit if not always in action.

The masquerade changes everything. Amid swirling gowns and flickering candlelight, Benedict locks eyes with a mysterious woman in silver. She is enchanting, witty, and utterly unafraid to challenge him. Their dance is electric, their conversation crackling with chemistry that feels both forbidden and inevitable. When the clock strikes and she vanishes into the night, leaving only a glove behind, Benedict is left obsessed. He spends the ensuing episodes searching for his “Lady in Silver,” unaware that fate has already brought her back into his orbit in a very different guise.

That woman is Sophie Baek, played by the luminous Yerin Ha in her breakout role. Sophie is no debutante from the upper echelons of society; she is a resourceful lady’s maid, sharp-eyed and resilient, who has endured hardship and cruelty to survive. Disguised and daring, she sneaks into the ball for one stolen night of freedom—a moment that alters the course of her life. Ha brings a quiet intensity to Sophie, blending vulnerability with unyielding strength. Her performance grounds the fairy-tale elements in raw humanity: the pain of being overlooked, the fire of hidden dreams, the quiet defiance against a world that deems her unworthy.

The adaptation draws heavily from Julia Quinn’s An Offer from a Gentleman, the third book in the Bridgerton series, but Netflix has made thoughtful updates. Sophie’s surname changes from Beckett to Baek, a nod to Ha’s Korean heritage that adds cultural richness without altering the core narrative. Sophie is still the illegitimate daughter of an earl, raised by a vindictive stepmother (Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, delivering delicious villainy) who treats her as little more than a servant. The class divide is stark: Benedict’s world of privilege clashes with Sophie’s reality of labor and secrecy. Yet their connection transcends status. In stolen moments—working in the Bridgerton household, sharing glances across rooms, exchanging words that carry double meanings—they build something real, even as Benedict grapples with his idealized memory of the masked stranger.

Part one masterfully builds romantic tension. Episode one, “The Waltz,” reintroduces the Bridgerton family with warmth and humor. Violet (Ruth Gemmell) frets over her unmarried son, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) offers reluctant assistance in the search, and the younger siblings add comic relief. The masquerade sequence is a visual feast: opulent sets, lavish costumes in jewel tones, and choreography that makes every twirl feel intimate. Benedict and Sophie’s first dance is a standout—Thompson and Ha move with such natural grace that viewers feel the spark through the screen.

Subsequent episodes deepen the stakes. Sophie enters the Bridgerton household under false pretenses, creating delicious near-misses and charged encounters. Benedict wrestles with his growing affection for the “maid” while chasing the fantasy of the Lady in Silver—a classic case of not seeing what’s right in front of him. The show leans into the upstairs-downstairs dynamic, exploring themes of class, identity, and self-worth with more nuance than previous seasons. Sophie’s backstory unfolds gradually: flashbacks reveal her mother’s death, her stepfamily’s cruelty, and her quiet determination to carve out dignity in a world that denies her agency.

Supporting characters shine as always. Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton) offer glimpses of settled domestic bliss, while Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) provide sage, teasing advice. Lady Whistledown’s narration—now in new hands—adds layers of gossip and commentary, keeping the ton’s scandals bubbling. The soundtrack remains a highlight: instrumental covers of Olivia Rodrigo’s “bad idea right?” and Taylor Swift’s “Enchanted” weave modern emotion into Regency elegance, amplifying key romantic beats.

What elevates part one beyond mere escapism is its emotional core. Benedict’s journey is not just about finding love; it’s about confronting his own avoidance of commitment. Thompson delivers a layered performance—playful on the surface, quietly conflicted beneath. Ha matches him perfectly, her Sophie radiating inner strength even in moments of vulnerability. Their chemistry crackles: a brush of hands in a hallway, a shared laugh over a spilled tray, a heated argument that ends in charged silence. The show balances levity with gravity, reminding viewers that beneath the gowns and gossip lie real human struggles.

The production values are, as ever, exquisite. Costumes dazzle with intricate embroidery and flowing silks; sets transport viewers to lavish ballrooms and cozy drawing rooms; cinematography captures London’s fog-shrouded streets and sunlit gardens with painterly beauty. Shonda Rhimes’ influence is evident in the diverse casting and inclusive storytelling—Sophie Baek’s presence expands the ton’s world, offering fresh perspectives on belonging and ambition.

As part one concludes on episode four, “An Offer from a Gentleman,” the stage is masterfully set. Benedict stands at a crossroads, torn between fantasy and reality. Sophie faces impossible choices, her secrets threatening to unravel everything. Cliffhangers tease heartbreak, revelation, and the promise of deeper passion when part two arrives on February 26.

Bridgerton season four part one doesn’t just continue the saga—it reinvigorates it. With Benedict and Sophie’s story at its heart, the series explores love across divides, the courage to be seen, and the thrill of being truly known. In a world of masks and masquerades, the most powerful unmasking is emotional truth.

Viewers are already buzzing. Social media overflows with reactions: fans swooning over Benophie (Benedict and Sophie) chemistry, praising Ha’s star-making turn, debating class commentary, and counting down to part two. The show remains a cultural phenomenon—sexy, smart, and unapologetically romantic.

Dearest gentle readers, grab your fans and settle in. The ton is in full bloom, and this season’s romance is one for the ages. Bridgerton is back, and it’s never looked—or felt—better.