Netflix and Shondaland set hearts racing this Valentine’s Day with an exclusive Bridgerton celebration, offering fans an early look at Season 4’s romantic new chapter.
Hosted by Queen Charlotte herself, Golda Rosheuvel, with appearances by Jess Brownell (showrunner), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), and Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek), the event unveiled major updates, first-look photos, and a sneak peek into the season’s most pivotal moments—including the much-anticipated masquerade ball.
The Season of Love event not only reignited fans’ passion for the ton but confirmed that Season 4 will be the most faithful adaptation yet of Julia Quinn’s Offer from a Gentleman—a Cinderella-inspired romance between second son Benedict Bridgerton and the mysterious Sophie Baek.
A Season Built on Forbidden Love
With Bridgerton’s signature blend of steamy romance, societal intrigue, and emotional depth, Season 4 turns the spotlight on Benedict Bridgerton, a bohemian soul still resisting the pressures of marriage—until a chance encounter at a masquerade ball changes everything.
“Each season explores a romantic theme, and this year it’s forbidden love,” showrunner Jess Brownell shared. “We’ve spent three seasons learning the rules of high society—now we’re breaking them.”
Sophie, played by Yerin Ha, is no damsel in distress. Based on the beloved book character, she’s quick-witted, self-reliant, and unafraid to challenge the status quo—even while living under the roof of new characters Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and her daughters Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and Posy Li (Isabella Wei). Her dynamic with Benedict promises both heartache and heart-thumping chemistry.
In the Bridgerton series, Aramintha and Rosmund are prominent villains in the books and maintain that role in the show. However, experiencing these characters through performance contrasts to reading about them. The writing team chose to deepen their portrayal by examining the motivations behind their villainy and the choices they make, which may not align with our values.
Katie and Michelle bring such humanity and vulnerability to these roles that while you might not agree with their choices, you will certainly understand their motivations. For Shopie, living in the house with them is a survival mode, as she has nowhere to go, highlighting how difficult it was to be a maid in that era.
Bridgerton Season 4 Sneak Peek
Masquerade Magic and Easter Eggs
The masquerade ball, featured in Episode 1, draws direct inspiration from Regency-era tradition. But this isn’t just any ball—it’s designed to be darker, more mysterious, and emotionally charged. Think A Midsummer Night’s Dream meets Regency elegance, complete with cloud motifs, constellations, and costuming that reflects each character’s emotional arc.
Fans can expect iconic scenes straight from the book, including:
- The Masquerade Ball
- The masquerade ball will play a significant role in episode one. Traditionally, masquerade balls were held during the Regency period to allow guests to wear costumes that concealed their identities. Participants aimed to hide themselves effectively through elaborate outfits and masks. Drawing inspiration from this tradition, Brownell and her team wanted the ball to have a darker, more mysterious atmosphere, reminiscent of a fairy tale, similar to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The design will feature a cloud motif with clouds painted on the floor and a constellation included as an Easter egg for fans. The attendees’ costumes will reflect their emotional or romantic states, or they may simply follow what Julia Quinn described in her book.
- Benedict’s My Cottage with the lake nearby where Benedict will go for a swim.
Where Season 3 Left Off—and What’s Ahead
Season 4 picks up with several familiar threads:
- Penelope and Colin are now married and raising their first child. Penelope’s identity as Lady Whistledown is no longer secret—especially to the Queen.
- Anthony and Kate are returning with their new baby from India.
- Eloise and Francesca are at odds, with Francesca now married and Eloise pushed closer to her mother’s matchmaking schemes.
- Hyacinth is desperate to debut, while Gregory prepares to leave for Eton.
- Violet Bridgerton continues her sweet courtship with Lord Marcus Anderson.
As for society’s power players, Lady Danbury’s bond with the Queen will deepen, and the Mondriches are flourishing in their new role among the elite, aided by the ever-formidable Lady Danbury.
Upstairs Meets Downstairs
This season expands Bridgerton’s universe by giving long-overdue attention to “downstairs” characters like Mrs. Wilson, Footman John, and Celia, whose stories are intertwined with the lives of those “running the ton.” According to Luke Thompson, this “fresh energy” enhances the show’s emotional complexity and brings new dynamics to light.
Thompson mentioned that around two-thirds of the filming for season 4 is completed.
A Love Story Rooted in Fantasy and Reality
Brownell shared the writers’ thematic goal for Benedict and Sophie’s romance: finding love in the space between fantasy and reality.
Benedict, often lost in dreams, must ground himself in truth. Sophie, hardened by reality, must learn to dream. Their love story is poised to be the emotional heartbeat of the season.
“Yerin brings this incredible mix of humor and vulnerability,” Brownell said. “She was the only choice for Sophie.”
What the Cast Hopes Viewers Feel
- Yerin Ha: “I hope this season reminds people that love transcends class, race, and background. Sophie is independent, but her emotional journey is one of learning that vulnerability is not weakness.”
- Luke Thompson: “I want viewers to be swept away. There’s so much beauty and growth in Benedict’s story.”
Behind-the-Scenes Highlights
- The newly constructed Shepperton Studios backlot brings Georgian London to life with immersive, period-accurate sets.
Main Cast:
- Luke Thompson (Benedict)
- Yerin Ha (Sophie)
- Nicola Coughlan
- Luke Newton
- Jonathan Bailey
- Simone Ashley
- Claudia Jessie
- Ruth Gemmell
- Adjoa Andoh
- Golda Rosheuvel
- Florence Hunt
- Will Tilston
- Daniel Francis
- and more….
About Bridgerton Season 4
- Release Date: TBA
- Episode Count: 8
- Focus: Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek
- Filming Location: London, UK
- Showrunner/EP: Jess Brownell
- Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, Chris Van Dusen
