As Bridgerton returns for its fourth season, the spotlight finally settles on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. After being part of the Netflix juggernaut since its debut, Thompson now steps into the role of romantic lead as Benedict’s love story with Sophie, portrayed by Yerin Ha, takes centre stage. For the actor, the shift feels less like a leap and more like a carefully timed arrival.
Reflecting on the scale of Bridgerton and what it means to be part of a show watched by millions across the world, Thompson doesn’t downplay its significance. In today’s fragmented viewing landscape, he sees such reach as something extraordinary. “There is so much content nowadays, so many shows,” he told The Hindustan Times. “Yet to be in a show that commands the attention of millions of viewers, to break through this physical assault of our attention, it’s the dream as actors.” He adds that the cultural reach of the series continues to amaze him. “You never think you’ll get to be in front of millions of people all over the world and be in a show that transcends different cultures.”
Despite the heightened visibility that comes with leading a Bridgerton season, something that previously propelled Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey and Luke Newton into global fame, Thompson approaches the prospect with measured curiosity. “I am curious about it, because I don’t really know how it’s going to be,” he admitted. He believes the experience can be enjoyable as long as there’s a clear separation between personal life and public perception. “If you can set a really clear boundary between the public you and the private you, actually you can enjoy the attention for what it is.” After all, he sees projection as an inherent part of acting. “People see all sorts of things when they see the show… But you want to live in people’s imagination, and what a great thing to be able to do that,” he said with a laugh.
Apart from telling the story of Sophie and Benedict, the new season also continues the story of Nicola Coughlan as Penelope and Luke Newton as Colin as they navigate marital life. They now have a baby named Elliot. Her gossip column continues to be active as well. Meanwhile, Violet's simmering romance for Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) brews further this season. We also see glimpses of Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd)'s marital life with Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli).
The upcoming chapter also introduces new faces, including Katie Leung, Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei, expanding the ensemble further. The fourth season is adapted from Julia Quinn's books of the same name, where the fourth one is based on An Offer From a Gentleman.
Several familiar faces will return to the series, including Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews voicing Lady Whistledown and Polly Walker, among others. The returning cast also features Emma Naomi, Hugh Sachs, Florence Hunt, Will Tilston, Martins Imhangbe, Masali Baduza, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Michelle Mao.
Like the previous seasons, Bridgerton Season 4 will also arrive in two instalments. The first part will debut on January 29, 2026, with the second half scheduled to drop on February 26, 2026.