Netflix’s opulent period drama Bridgerton returns for its fourth season, splitting into two parts with Benedict Bridgerton’s romantic entanglements taking center stage amid a whirlwind of societal expectations and personal revelations.

Season 4 premieres its first four episodes on January 29, 2026, followed by the concluding quartet on February 26, continuing the anthology format that adapts Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels while expanding the Regency-era universe created by Shonda Rhimes. Produced by Shondaland in association with Netflix, the season stars Luke Thompson as the free-spirited Benedict, second eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, whose artistic pursuits collide with unexpected connections. Filmed across historic English estates like Blenheim Palace and Wilton House, the production wrapped principal photography in June 2025 after a 10-month shoot, boasting a budget exceeding $100 million for lavish sets, costumes, and orchestral covers of contemporary hits. Early metrics project over 80 million views in the first week, building on Season 3’s record 45.1 million in its debut frame.

The narrative centers on Benedict’s journey, loosely inspired by Quinn’s An Offer from a Gentleman, reimagined with fresh twists to fit the series’ inclusive lens. Thompson’s Benedict, previously a charming supporting player, steps into the spotlight as he navigates London’s glittering balls and bohemian art circles, encountering Sophie Baek, portrayed by newcomer Yerin Ha, a mysterious figure with ties to the ton’s underbelly. Their meet-cute at a masquerade—echoing the show’s signature anonymity—sparks a slow-burn courtship complicated by class divides and family duties. Ha, a Korean-Australian actress known for her role in Halo, brings quiet strength to Sophie, her wardrobe evolving from modest gowns to ethereal silks that symbolize ascent. Subplots weave through the ensemble: Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) explores intellectual freedoms abroad, while Francesca (Hannah Dodd) adjusts to married life, her arc intersecting with new suitor Lord Stirling (James Phoon).

Returning favorites anchor the season’s emotional core. Jonathan Bailey reprises Anthony for advisory scenes, his Viscount duties tempered by fatherhood, while Nicola Coughlan’s Penelope Featherstonehwaite navigates Whistledown’s legacy with Colin (Luke Newton) by her side. Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) presides over the marriage mart with sharper wit, her goldfish obsession yielding comedic gold. Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) mentors Sophie, drawing parallels to her own past, and the Featheringtons—led by Polly Walker’s Portia—scheme anew for financial stability. New additions include Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, Francesca’s confidante with hints of future romance, and Daniel Francis as Lord Anderson, a wealthy widower courting Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell).

Visually, the season dazzles with cinematographer Alicia Robbins’ lush palettes—emerald greens for garden trysts, sapphire blues for midnight confessions. Costume designer John Glaser, succeeding Ellen Mirojnick, crafted over 2,000 pieces, incorporating sustainable fabrics like recycled silks for eco-conscious flair. Hair and makeup head Erika Ökvist amplifies diversity with intricate updos and bold pigments, Sophie’s transformation sequence a highlight. The soundtrack, orchestrated by Kris Bowers, reimagines Taylor Swift’s “Enchanted” as a waltz and Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” for a pivotal ball, covers performed by the Vitamin String Quartet to maintain period authenticity.

Thematically, Season 4 probes identity and belonging, Benedict’s artistic soul clashing with societal molds while Sophie’s resilience challenges rigid hierarchies. Showrunner Jess Brownell, in a Vanity Fair preview, emphasized “earned happily ever afters,” balancing romance with growth—Eloise’s correspondence with a female philosopher nods to queer undertones teased for future seasons. The split release mirrors Netflix’s strategy with Stranger Things, building anticipation; Part I ends on a cliffhanger involving a forged invitation, Part II resolving with a grand wedding. Intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot ensured choreography reflected consent and character depth, scenes steamy yet story-driven.

Production navigated challenges gracefully: a brief delay due to UK weather shifted outdoor shoots, resolved with LED walls for controlled lighting. The cast, expanded to 40 principals, bonded through Regency etiquette workshops, Thompson crediting Ha’s chemistry reads for instant spark. Rhimes, executive producing remotely, shaped scripts via Zoom, infusing modern dialogue into historical frames—”darling” and “spill the tea” pepper conversations.

Reception builds on predecessors, with early screenings at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival earning standing ovations. Critics praise Thompson’s charisma, Variety calling him “the Bridgerton we’ve waited for,” while The Hollywood Reporter lauds Ha’s “quiet fire.” Social media under #BridgertonS4 buzzes with 5 million mentions pre-premiere, fan theories dissecting trailer clues like a silver mask. Merchandise—teas from Harney & Sons, gowns via Torrid collaborations—flies off shelves.

Looking ahead, the format teases Season 5 focusing on Eloise, renewal confirmed through 2028. Bridgerton balls pop up globally, London’s immersive experience sold out for 2026. For viewers, Season 4 promises escapism with substance—love letters in a digital age.

Bridgerton Season 4 doesn’t just entertain; it enchants, proving the ton’s allure endures. As Benedict declares in the trailer, “Some rules are meant to be rewritten.” With secrets unveiled and hearts entwined, the ballroom awaits—prepare to swoon.