Bridgerton has finally confirmed that Benedict will be the star of season 4, which comes as a great relief considering how much his story has already been delayed. In May and June 2024, Netflix released Bridgerton season 3, following the love story between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Reviews were both incredibly positive and vaguely disappointing. Many felt that the main couple struggled for screen time, while other characters were involved in pointless storylines. Now, the stakes are much higher for Bridgerton season 4. The period drama must redeem itself with the next Bridgerton.

Since the end of Bridgerton season 3, theories have flown about which Bridgerton will be the next star. Arguments have been made for Eloise, Francesca, and, of course, Benedict. Over the seasons, Benedict has been portrayed as the laidback, adventurous comic relief of the Bridgerton family. While other siblings debate their futures and learn to love, Benedict is getting into all kinds of low-stakes mischief. However, now that he’s the star, Benedict must take on a much more important role in Bridgerton season 4. Ultimately, this seems like the best choice for his character and the show at large.

How Bridgerton Changed Benedict’s Book Story & Season Order

Benedict Was Delayed For Colin

Although Benedict has been chosen for Bridgerton season 4, he wasn’t always the show’s first pick. For the first two seasons, Bridgerton followed the order set out by Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books. Her first book, The Duke and I, portrayed Daphne and Simon. Her second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, followed Anthony and Kate. However, Bridgerton season 3 completely turned the tables. Rather than take on Benedict’s story, which is penned in Quinn’s third book, An Offer from a Gentleman, the show skipped to Colin and Penelope’s story. This order change left subtle but important problems in its wake.

Although Benedict’s antics can be entertaining, after three seasons it begins to feel as though the show doesn’t know what to do with him.

Mainly, Bridgerton’s order change hurt Benedict by leaving him somewhat afloat. Season 3 was supposed to be his season, yet he spent the episodes forming a relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold (and her friend) that ultimately ended. Although Benedict’s antics can be entertaining, after three seasons it begins to feel as though the show doesn’t know what to do with him. Worse, his storylines start to take away from the main couple. If Benedict spent another season as a supporting character, he might have become more of an annoyance than a fun-loving character.

Bridgerton Season 4 Being Benedict’s Wasn’t Certain – But Needed To Happen

Benedict Had Nowhere Else To Go

It is a relief that Benedict is the romantic lead of Bridgerton season 4, because his story easily could have been delayed another season. The end of Bridgerton season 3 set up massive storylines for Francesca, implying that she could become season 4’s star. Even Eloise had a fair shot as she decided to travel to Scotland with Francesca. Meanwhile, Benedict remained alone at the Bridgerton house with nothing to do but wait for the next courting season. In this way, it is reassuring that Bridgerton won’t jump all the way to Francesca, despite the seeds they have planted.

Every Bridgerton Book In Order
Who The Book Follows

The Duke and I
Daphne

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony

An Offer From a Gentleman
Benedict

Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Colin

To Sir Phillip, With Love
Eloise

When He Was Wicked
Francesca

It’s In His Kiss
Hyacinth

On The Way to the Wedding
Gregory

All in all, Benedict’s story needs to happen right now. His love story has already been delayed once, and the results were mixed. Though Lady Tilley Arnold was interesting, Benedict ended up in the same place he always has: alone and without purpose. After three seasons, it is definitely time to see Benedict have some important storylines and character growth. Plus, Bridgerton season 3 subtly set up Benedict’s story by mentioning Violet’s masquerade ball. According to An Offer From a Gentleman, this is where Benedict will meet his future love interest. Therefore, Bridgerton must jump right into his story.

What To Expect From Benedict’s Story In Bridgerton Season 4

Benedict’s Cinderella Love Story Explained

This section contains spoilers for An Offer From a GentlemanBenedict’s Bridgerton story is a bit different from those of his siblings. In some ways, it follows similar patterns as the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Based on An Offer From a Gentleman, Benedict will meet a young woman named Sophie at his mother’s masquerade ball. They will have an instant connection, but Benedict will be unable to find her again. That is because Sophie is actually a servant for her step-mother. However, when Sophie gets assigned a spot at the Bridgerton household, her and Benedict’s romance has the chance to blossom.

Overall, Bridgerton season 4 will be a welcome change. Though the glitz and glamour of the ton is always fun to look at, Benedict’s story will bring a refreshing change of pace. Sophie’s status as a servant will create a new kind of tension that audiences have rarely seen before from Bridgerton. Most importantly, viewers will finally see Benedict in an important, leading role. With all this in mind, Bridgerton season 4 is sure to be a great installment.