Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell previously estimated that season 4 would be ready around two years following season 3’s release, meaning it should premiere sometime in the spring of 2026.
Bridgerton is set in the early 1800s during the Regency era in London. Every year, girls of a certain age make their debut into society to meet eligible suitors. Since the Bridgerton family is noble and belongs to high society, their daughters are no exception. Daphne made her debut in season 1; Eloise in season 2; and Francesca in season 3. Meanwhile, as the second-oldest sibling, Benedict has been eligible to marry for a long time. However, since he’s a man, Benedict can get away with holding off on marriage (which will change in Bridgerton season 4).
Benedict Marries Sophie Beckett In Bridgerton: Their Book Romance Explained
The Netflix Show Hasn’t Introduced Sophie Yet
Netflix confirmed that Bridgerton season 4 will tell Benedict’s love story via their X account. According to the streaming platform’s tease regarding the upcoming episodes, season 4 will seemingly remain faithful to Benedict’s book (An Offer from a Gentleman). It reads:
“Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down — until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.”
“Lady in Silver” refers to Sophie Beckett,the woman Benedict marries in the Bridgerton books. Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of Richard Gunningworth, Earl of Penwood. Since her mother died in childbirth, Sophie’s father took her in as his ward, claiming that she was an orphan (therefore, not his child). The earl later married a horrid woman with two daughters who treated Sophie poorly, especially after her father died, and her stepmother forced her to be a servant. Sophie’s story should sound familiar as it mirrors the “Cinderella” fairytale.
Bridgerton Book
Main Character
Publication Date
The Duke and I
Daphne
January 5, 2000
The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony
December 5, 2000
An Offer from a Gentleman
July 3, 2001
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Colin
July 1, 2002
To Sir Phillip, With Love
Eloise
July 1, 2003
When He Was Wicked
Francesca
June 29, 2004
It’s In His Kiss
Hyacinth
June 28, 2005
On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory
June 27, 2006
One night, Sophie sneaks out to attend a masquerade ball hosted by members of the ton. There, she meets Benedict, and the two talk and dance all night. Unfortunately, Sophie leaves to avoid getting caught by her stepmother, and Benedict doesn’t learn her true identity. Sophie’s stepmother later discovers her escapade and kicks her out, and she doesn’t see Benedict again for two years. Benedict secures Sophie a job as a maid in the Bridgerton house, and the two fall in love, despite the scandalous nature of their relationship. Nevertheless, Benedict and Sophie persist and marry in the Bridgerton books.
A Bridgerton season 4 casting call for a new character named “Emily” fits Sophie’s description, leading many to believe that “Emily” is a code name for Benedict’s love interest.
Will Bridgerton Season 4 Stick To Benedict’s Book Story?
Season 3’s Teases Suggest 1 Element Of Benedict’s Story Will Remain The Same
Based on the ending of Bridgerton season 3 (and Netflix’s above announcement), season 4 should remain true to Benedict’s story from the books. While saying goodbye to her favorite brother before leaving for Scotland, Eloise mentioned their mother’s masquerade ball. Benedict confirmed his attendance at the ball by stating, “I will be there, hiding out about behind a mask, avoiding eligible ladies like the plague.”
Given that two years transpire before Benedict and Sophie see each other again, though, it’s more than likely that Bridgerton season 4 will speed up the couple’s romance.
Bridgerton season 4 will undoubtedly feature the iconic masquerade ball where Benedict meets Sophie in An Offer from a Gentleman. However, other than that important part of Benedict’s love story, it’s unclear what else the writers will adapt or change from the novel. Given that two years transpire before Benedict and Sophie see each other again, though, it’s more than likely that Bridgerton season 4 will speed up the couple’s romance. Plus, season 3’s reveal regarding Benedict’s sexuality should change a few elements of his storyline in Julia Quinn’s book series.
What Happens To Benedict & Sophie After They’re Married
Will Benedict Stick Around After Bridgerton Season 4?
If Bridgerton continues to push its previous main characters to the background after their respective seasons, one could expect Benedict to have less screen time after he marries Sophie. Nevertheless, in the book series, Benedict and Sophie have four children — Charles, Alexander, William, and Violet. The couple have a rough start and a long journey to the altar, but Benedict and Sophie live happily ever after in Bridgerton.
