WithBridgertonseason 4 on the horizon, many are excited about Benedict stepping into the spotlight, and while that is compelling in and of itself,the series must also focus on avoiding a major problem that plagued the past two seasons.Netflix’s romance show is based on Julia Quinn’s book series of the same name.Every season ofBridgertonadapts one novel and focuses on one Bridgerton sibling’s love story, with season 1 depicting Daphne’s, season 2 following Anthony’s, and season 3 revolving around Colin’s. Now, it’s time for Benedict’s romance to play out on the small screen in season 4.
Bridgertonseason 4 is expected to premiere in 2026.
Followingthe ending ofBridgertonseason 3, part 2, season 4 will pick up after Colin and Penelope’s wedding (and Penelope giving birth to their first child) and shift focus to the second-eldest Bridgerton sibling — Benedict. Although the third book in Quinn’s series follows Benedict’s arc, while the fourth is about Colin’s, the show skipped over it to fast-track Colin and Penelope’s romance. Season 4 will circle back to Benedict and finally adapt his relationship with Sophie Baek. Of course,Benedict and Sophie’s love story is highly anticipated, butBridgertoncan’t afford to continue replacing one established couple with the next.
Bridgerton Seasons 2 & 3 Failed To Focus On The Previous Season’s Main Couple
Daphne, Simon, Anthony, & Kate Have Been Pushed To The Background
Once oneBridgertonseason ends and its couple gets married, the Netflix series tends to throw them to the side in the following season.Simon wasn’t in season 2 at all, while Daphne only appeared in a handful of episodes,and neither returned for season 3. Meanwhile,Anthony and Kate were absent for most ofBridgertonseason 3. Based on reports, they will have limited screen time in season 4, as well.
Given that Regé-Jean Page (who plays Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings intheBridgertoncast) left after season 1, it makes sense why he has been missing. It’s unfortunate, but his disappearance is understandable. However, the same can’t be said for Daphne, Anthony, and Kate, especially whenDaphne wasn’t there for Colin and Francesca’s weddings in season 3,and Anthony and Kate didn’t attend Francesca’s nuptials. Their absences are illogical, and the Netflix series doesn’t do much to give acceptable reasons why they’re gone. Hopefully, that will change in season 4.
Colin & Penelope Are Set For A Decent-Sized Role In Bridgerton Season 4
Penelope Is Still Lady Whistledown
The good news is that all signs point towardsColin and Penelope having more significant roles inBridgertonseason 4than the two other established couples did in the past. For starters, Penelope is Lady Whistledown, making her one of the show’s most dominant figures.meaning Penelope has to have an important presence in season 4. As for Colin, his actor, Luke Newton, isn’t as much of a breakout star as Jonathan Bailey (who plays Anthony) or Regé-Jean Page was after their seasons, opening his schedule to appear more in season 4.
Hugh Sachs
Brimsley
So, since Colin and Penelope are set to have somewhat significant roles inBridgertonafter their season, they will be the first ones to accomplish this feat. The Netflix romance series can finally break the disappointing pattern of ignoring a relationship once their season finishes.Bridgertoncan also give focus to a couple and their parenthood journey,incorporating something new into the show.
Bridgerton’s Future Isn’t Going To Work If Every Main Couple Disappears After Their Season
Audiences Will Start To Lose Interest
Hopefully, the assumption that Colin and Penelope will be inBridgertonseason 4, way more than Simon and Daphne were in season 2 or Anthony and Kate were in season 3, is correct. The show simply isn’t going to work if every important couple vanishes after their season ends. The writers will run out of stories if that happens. It’s difficult to imagine a world whereevery Bridgerton siblinghas moved on by the time Hyacinth’s romance rolls around and the series is still running.Viewers will lose interest if their favorite characters are gone,meaningBridgertonmust break this trend sooner rather than later.
