Bridgerton’s Vanishing Viscounts: The Alarming Trend of Absent Siblings and Fan Fury in Season 4

In the glittering ballrooms of Netflix’s Bridgerton, where scandal whispers through silk fans and forbidden glances ignite passions, one absence has loomed larger than any Lady Whistledown revelation: the gradual erasure of once-central characters. As Season 4 Part 1 debuted on January 29, 2026, fans eagerly tuned in for Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) enchanting Cinderella-inspired romance with the enigmatic Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). Yet, amid the masquerade masks and swirling gowns, a void echoed through the ton—where were Daphne and Anthony? The eldest Bridgerton siblings, whose love stories once anchored the series, were conspicuously missing, sparking a torrent of outrage across social media and forums. This isn’t just a plot device; it’s a pattern that’s testing the loyalty of the show’s devoted fanbase, raising questions about the future of Shondaland’s Regency juggernaut.

For those who’ve binge-watched the series since its 2020 premiere, Daphne Bridgerton’s (Phoebe Dynevor) trajectory is a cautionary tale of faded glory. Introduced as the diamond of Season 1, Daphne was the epitome of innocence and determination—a young woman navigating the marriage mart with grace, only to find fiery passion with the brooding Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Their arc was a whirlwind: from feigned courtship to genuine love, culminating in a steamy happily ever after. Audiences were captivated by Daphne’s evolution from wide-eyed debutante to empowered duchess, her chemistry with Simon setting screens ablaze. But as the spotlight shifted to Anthony in Season 2, Daphne’s presence dimmed. She made cameo appearances, offering sisterly advice and attending family events, but her story felt tacked on, a mere echo of her former self.

By Season 3, Daphne vanished entirely. No wedding attendance for Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), no sisterly support for Francesca’s (Hannah Dodd) budding romance. Fans were left scratching their heads—and venting their frustrations. “Where is Daphne? It’s like she never existed!” one Reddit user lamented in a thread that garnered thousands of upvotes. The outcry wasn’t just about screen time; it was about narrative integrity. Daphne, as the eldest sister, should logically remain a pillar of the Bridgerton family, especially with matriarch Violet (Ruth Gemmell) exploring her own romantic entanglements. Instead, her absence created plot holes—why wouldn’t she be at family gatherings? Why no mentions of her life with Simon and their son?

Phoebe Dynevor addressed the exit in interviews, expressing contentment with her arc’s closure. “Daphne’s story felt complete,” she told Variety in 2023, hinting at scheduling conflicts and a desire for new roles, like her acclaimed performance in Fair Play. Regé-Jean Page’s departure after Season 1—citing a one-season contract—further sealed Daphne’s isolation. Showrunner Jess Brownell, who took over from Chris Van Dusen, defended the choice, emphasizing the anthology-style format: each season spotlights a new sibling while weaving in family threads. But critics argue this approach shortchanges character development, turning beloved figures into ghosts of seasons past.

Enter Season 4, where the “Daphne trend” appears to infect Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his wife, Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Season 2’s Viscount was a revelation: a duty-bound rake reformed by Kate’s fierce independence and cultural depth. Their enemies-to-lovers saga, infused with Indian heritage and sizzling tension, became a fan favorite, often hailed as the series’ peak. “Kanthony” (the couple’s portmanteau) amassed a cult following, with viewers rewatching their bee-sting meet-cute and rain-soaked confessions endlessly. In Season 3, they returned for key moments—dancing at balls, announcing a pregnancy—but their screen time was curtailed, prompting initial backlash. “We deserved more Kanthony!” fans cried on X, formerly Twitter.

Part 1 of Season 4 amplified the discontent. As the episodes unfold, the Bridgerton household bustles with activity: Violet hosts the masquerade ball, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) grapples with her feminist ideals, and Benedict pursues Sophie amid class divides. But Anthony and Kate? Nowhere to be found. The show addresses this swiftly in the premiere: a servant’s offhand remark reveals they’re in India, welcoming their first child. It’s a nod to Kate’s roots, allowing the couple a cultural pilgrimage and parenthood bliss away from London’s prying eyes. Yet, this explanation felt like a band-aid on a gaping wound. Fans flooded social media with memes and rants: “BRING BACK DAPHNE, SIMON, KATE AND ANTHONY,” one X user demanded. Another quipped, “Oh Anthony you are so missed,” while a third decried it as “inconceivably criminal.”

The fury stems from more than nostalgia; it’s about the show’s promise of a interconnected family saga. Julia Quinn’s novels, on which Bridgerton is based, feature recurring appearances by married siblings, offering continuity and depth. In the books, Daphne remains a supportive sister, attending weddings and dispensing wisdom. Anthony, as head of the household, is omnipresent, guiding his siblings through scandals. The series’ deviations—while innovative in diversity and steamy subplots—risk alienating book purists who crave that familial warmth. “The absurdity of writing Kate and Anthony out while hosting balls at their house is peak laziness,” a fan tweeted, highlighting the irony of the masquerade occurring at the Bridgerton estate without its viscount and viscountess.

Thankfully, hope glimmers for Kanthony enthusiasts. Netflix’s official Tudum cast guide confirms Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley’s return for Part 2, set to drop on February 26, 2026. A trailer snippet teases their arrival, baby in tow, promising guidance for Benedict’s tumultuous romance. Brownell elaborated in a Teen Vogue interview: “Sending them to India leaves the door open for returns, schedules allowing.” She stressed fairness to actors juggling projects—Bailey starred in Wicked and Fellow Travelers, while Ashley led Picture This and voiced in 10 Lives. This pragmatic approach acknowledges Hollywood realities, but fans argue it undermines the ensemble dynamic.

This trend isn’t unique to Bridgerton. Anthology romances like The Crown or Downton Abbey often sideline characters post-arc, but Bridgerton’s family focus amplifies the issue. Compare to Quinn’s books: siblings evolve together, with married couples influencing later plots. Daphne mentors younger sisters; Anthony’s authority shapes family decisions. The show’s format—split seasons, high production demands—exacerbates absences, but solutions exist. Flashbacks, voiceovers, or even spinoffs could bridge gaps. Us Weekly floated ideas like a Kanthony India adventure or Daphne-Simon domestic bliss series. With Queen Charlotte proving spinoff success, why not explore these?

Fan reactions reveal deeper frustrations. On Reddit’s r/BridgertonNetflix, threads dissect the “Daphne effect”: “Simon doesn’t need to be there for Daphne to appear,” one user argued. Instagram comments echo: “We rather Daphne and the Duke.” The backlash peaked pre-Season 4 with trailer complaints: “Fans furious over absence of two key characters,” Yahoo reported. It’s not just about missing faces; it’s emotional investment. Viewers bonded with Daphne’s vulnerability, Anthony’s growth—seeing them fade feels like betrayal.

Looking ahead, this trend could doom future seasons. Eloise’s book arc involves a secret correspondence; Francesca’s remarriage after widowhood promises drama. If they vanish post-spotlight, the family fabric unravels. Brownell hints at balance: Colin and Penelope return in Season 4, avoiding the “disappointing trend.” Yet, Daphne’s permanent exit—Dynevor confirmed no return—sets a precedent. “I can live with Daphne missing Season 4, but need her for Francesca’s story,” ScreenRant opined.

Season 4 shines elsewhere: Benedict’s bisexuality exploration adds layers, Sophie’s class struggle resonates. Ha’s performance as the “Lady in Silver” captivates, her chemistry with Thompson electric. Subplots like Violet’s garden romance with Marcus (Daniel Francis) and Eloise’s activism keep the pace brisk. Ratings soar—8.7/10 on IMDb—proving the formula works. But absences risk diminishing the magic.

As Part 2 approaches, fans hold breath for Kanthony’s triumphant return. Will Anthony counsel Benedict on love across classes? Will Kate’s maternal wisdom guide the family? If so, it could redeem the trend. But if sidelining persists, Bridgerton might lose its heart—the unbreakable sibling bond. In a world of fleeting romances, we crave enduring family ties. Dear Netflix, heed the ton’s whispers: bring back the vanished, or risk a scandalous revolt.