'Bridgerton' Season 4 Focuses on Benedict's Love Story, Receives Mixed Reviews
Netflix released the first part of "Bridgerton" Season 4 on January 29, 2026, centering on Benedict Bridgerton's quest for love. The season introduces Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, a maid who captures Benedict's attention at a masquerade ball, despite being from a different social class, according to Variety. Luke Thompson reprises his role as Benedict, the second son of the Bridgerton family, known for his artistic talent and diverse sexual appetites.
The series, inspired by Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" book series, premiered in 2020 and quickly became a popular hit for the streaming service. Each season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling navigating the Regency-era London marriage market. Time noted that the show follows a familiar formula: "A new class of Regency London singles enters the marriage market, navigating a gauntlet of balls... Each social (and TV) season focuses on a different noble, wealthy, and gorgeous Bridgerton sibling."
Variety's Aramide Tinubu reviewed the first part of the season, noting that it "succeeds despite Benedict and Sophie’s lackluster romance." While the review suggests some shortcomings in the central relationship, it implies other aspects of the season are compelling.
The season continues to feature the familiar elements of the series, including elaborate balls, the watchful eye of the queen, and the commentary of a pseudonymous gossip columnist. Time pointed out that the series follows a predictable arc: "Every romance begins with a meet-cute, progresses through an excruciating will-they-or-wont-they, surges somewhere around the midpoint of the season with an explosion of lust, briefly dissolves following a blowup or the revelation of a dark secret, but is repaired in time to culminate in perfect marital bliss."
The release of "Bridgerton" Season 4 is part of a broader entertainment landscape, with other news including Stephanie Hsu, Juliette Lewis, Rachel Dratch, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez joining the Broadway revival of "The Rocky Horror Show," and Michael Mayo receiving Grammy nominations for his jazz album "Fly," according to multiple news sources.
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