Bridgerton Season Four, Vol. 1 Review

Dearest gentle readers,

Rejoice! Bridgerton is back, and this author is delighted to announce that the show’s fourth season is truly a gem. Focusing on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), bohemian second son and renowned rake of the ton, Bridgerton turns away from high society to tell the fairytale romance of Benedict and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a young maid from Penwood House.

Volume One places audiences in the heart of chaos, as the ton eagerly prepares for the new season: Violet Bridgerton is meticulously preparing her masquerade ball, Queen Charlotte demands gossip of Lady Whistledown, and as always, Benedict spends his days in pursuit of scandalous pleasure, with Eloise continuing to proudly reject the idea of marriage as a whole.

From The Waltz through to An Offer From a Gentleman, Season Four confidently upholds the shows idyllic and decadent reputation for there is no expense spared in ensuring audiences are immersed fully into the ton. In an era of CGI and the daunting normalisation of A.I. usage across the film industry, flowers must be given to the show, as it continues to captivate viewers with vibrant natural landscapes, flamboyant garments and adorned mise en scène which permeate every episode.

Perhaps it is the strength of the production design, then, which allows the players to perform with such ardor season after season — the richness in visuals allowing for performances rooted in realism, catalysing a chemistry amongst the cast that feels grounded, exciting and new every episode.

Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha star as our romantic leads for Season Four and their connection – of Shondaland standard – is palpable. Yet, their story feels inherently singular compared to the previous romances of the show. The Bridgerton family are no strangers to scandal, and so the utterly tantalising slow burn between Benedict and Sophie is such a magical story to watch unfold. A game of reluctant cat and mouse, both Thompson and Ha’s performances as Benedict and Sophie are perfused by a childlike wonder and innocence, which leaves you yearning for their union to Violet Bridgerton-esque degree.  

Where Season Three got lost in the repercussions of revealing Penelope Featherington (the darling and incomparable Nicola Coughlan) as Lady Whistledown, Season Four settles in the resolution of her unmasking, allowing for the rekindling of friendships, the catalysing of new romances and the resumption of the typical ton madness – some may even utilise the infamous gossip column in pursuit of their own desires.

Throughout Volume One, Thompson and Ha are supported in the classically Bridgerton way: with an endlessly entertaining ensemble, and plethora of infamous love song needle-drops – orchestral, of course — and Part One of Season Four is a vivid, youthful must-watch.

Benedict and Sophie’s romantic unravelling is suspenseful, wondrous and enticing. And so readers, this author is certainly excited to see the romance between a certain Bridgerton brother and masked maid unfold. 

★★★★

Part One: January 29th 2026 and Part Two: February 26th 2026 / Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Katie Yeung, Nicola Coughlan, Julie Andrews, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Golda Rosheuvel / Showrunner: Jess Brownell / Netflix / 15