After Bridgerton season 3, theories will immediately rise about which Bridgerton sibling will be the star next: Benedict, Eloise, or Francesca.

Bridgerton-Eloise-Claudia-Jessie-Benedict-Luke-Thompson-Francesca-Hannah-Dodd

Netflix’s hit period romance series, Bridgerton, follows a very specific formula wherein each season follows the romantic journey of one of the eight Bridgerton siblings, and as season 3 gets closer to its premiere, many are wondering which Bridgerton will be up next. At this time, there are three characters who are mostly likely to be the next star of Bridgerton based on their age and the order in which Julia Quinn’s novels were written. These characters include Benedict, Eloise, or Francesca. However, Netflix’s Bridgerton has taken creative liberties before, which means the series could go in any direction.

Finding out which Bridgerton sibling will be next is not just a matter of fan favorites. This choice has a serious effect on the series. For example, Colin and Penelope’s love story was not the third book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, but it was the right move to have them star in season 3 due to the significant role Penelope has taken in Bridgerton season 1 and 2. To wait any longer likely would have made fans impatient. The same goes for the other Bridgerton siblings. Time is of the essence, so making the right choice is pivotal.

Why Bridgerton Season 4 Could Be Benedict’s Story

He is second oldest and was skipped over for Colin

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton playing cards with drinks in front of him in Bridgerton season 3 episode 2
Benedict stands in front of his easel looking off in Bridgerton. 
Colin Bridgerton and Benedict Bridgerton with mocking laughter aboard their carriage in Bridgerton season 3 trailer Luke Thompson as Benedict resting hand on side of face and smiling slightly in Bridgerton season 2 episode 3 Benedict and Genvieve Bridgerton

The most obvious candidate for being the star of Bridgerton season 4 is Benedict Bridgerton. Benedict’s story is the third book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, and notably, his story was skipped over in favor of Colin and Penelope. The decision definitely makes sense in terms of how Bridgerton has laid out its plot points, however, this also makes Benedict’s story a ticking clock. Now that the show has skipped over him, everyone is wondering when it will come back around. Luckily, opting to make Benedict the star of Bridgerton season 4 makes plenty of sense.

Benedict could be the next Bridgerton star because of his age. Of the eight Bridgerton siblings, he is the second eldest. What this means is that Benedict, like Anthony, is nearing an age where it is a bit strange that he has not found love yet. And furthermore, he has been an eligible bachelor longer than his other siblings. Therefore, his time should come soon. Furthermore, Benedict brings a different type of story to the table.

In some ways, he is an outcast like Penelope, however his sexuality and artistic leanings make him even more unique from past Bridgerton stories.

Why Bridgerton Season 4 Could Be Eloise’s Story

Eloise has played a bigger role

Eloise laughs while reading Whistledown's pamphlet on the couch in Bridgerton Season 1 Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton Standing Together in Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 7 Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton in a print shop in Bridgerton season 2 Luke Newton as Colin, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Luke Thompson as Benedict, Ruth Gemmell as Violet and Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3 Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton Looking Perplexed in Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 8

Another top contender for Bridgerton season 4 is Eloise. Eloise’s story is the fifth book in the Bridgerton series, making her a strong candidate for season 4. However, it is more than just book order that makes Eloise perfect for next season. Like Penelope, Eloise has played a large role in Bridgerton for the past two seasons. She has always stood out due to her bookish, stubborn personality, and season 3 will see her and Penelope’s relationship take a new turn. Overall, Eloise’s story has always been top of mind, so putting it off for another season could be risky.

Where Benedict’s story is urgent because of his age, Eloise’s is urgent because of how much of her story has already been told. It seems likely that Bridgerton season 3 will see Eloise and Penelope’s friendship work itself out, so if Eloise is not the star of season 4, the show will have to come up with something else to fill up Eloise’s time. Though the series still needs to lay the foundation of her romance, it is unclear whether that will be enough to continue putting her story off. In this way, Benedict and Eloise are on ticking timelines.

Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Books In Order
Which Bridgerton Sibling It 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

Why Bridgerton Season 4 Could Be Francesca’s Story

Francesca is now of courting age

Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton and Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3's stills Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3 trailer Francesca Bridgerton and Lady Violet Bridgerton standing next to each other, facing the camera in Bridgerton season 3 trailer Jonathan Bailey as Anthony and Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3 Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton season 3's stills

The final Bridgerton sibling that could take the spotlight is Francesca. Although the odds of her starring in season 4 are much slimmer than her older siblings, there still is a chance that she could take the lead. This is mainly because, in Bridgerton season 3, Francesca will finally be of courting age. Therefore, from season 3 and beyond, Francesca will have the ability to be courted, and in turn, to fall in love. Francesca’s story does not have the urgency of Benedict and Eloise’s, but this could be a benefit to it.

Where Benedict and Eloise both have stories that are more arduous due to their unique personalities, Francesca’s story would likely be more like Daphne’s in Bridgerton season 1. Francesca is not stubborn or different in any way, or at least not in a way that has been explored yet in Bridgerton. Therefore, her more simple story could be a good choice after Penelope and Colin’s romance, which is definitely more for the wallflowers than the diamonds of the season. Francesca certainly makes a good case for being the star of season 4.

Who We Think Bridgerton Season 4’s Main Character Will Be

Benedict is the smartest choice for Bridgerton season 4

behind the scenes of a bridgerton ball season 3Most likely, Benedict will be the star of Bridgerton season 4. Of the three Bridgerton siblings able to be the center of next season, Benedict is the strongest candidate. The series already skipped his story, and in some ways, this was a good thing. Penelope got her story, and Bridgerton gave itself time to explore Benedict in season 3. However, after Bridgerton season 3, it would be wise to dive into the second eldest’s story. Benedict presents an interesting tale, and he is a Bridgerton sibling that audiences know less about. Therefore, his season could feel really fresh and exciting.

Bridgerton season 3 is set to premiere in two parts on May 16 and June 13, and it is likely that soon after that, the show will announce who is next in the line-up. Until then though, there is much to be excited about in the Bridgerton universe. Season 3 will not only show off Colin and Penelope’s story, but it will also develop the other Bridgertons’ stories as well. Ultimately, this could give a clue as to where the show is going next. Bridgerton has a lot to offer now, and in the future.