Another chapter in The Ton has concluded, but it’s far from the final one. The pressing question on everyone’s minds is — who will be the leading man or lady in season four?
By Hayley Peppin
“BRIDGERTON might have wrapped up another standout season — with season three being the most popular among fans to date — but viewers look forward to more passion, mystery, and elaborate hairstyles in season four.”
In April 2021, Netflix announced both the third and fourth seasons of Bridgerton in an unprecedented double renewal. Given the show’s massive global following — which even prompted the creation of a prequel series, Queen Charlotte, released between seasons two and three — it is clear why Netflix is optimistic about the Ton’s future. With the conclusion of Penelope and Colin’s will-they-won’t-they story arc at the end of season three, the question arises: what direction will the Bridgerton universe take next?
Although a few significant clues at the conclusion of season three may hint at the upcoming enticing plotline, here is what we currently understand about Bridgerton season four, along with the most persuasive fan theories.
Analysis of the Conclusion of Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton’s third season focused on the much-anticipated transformation of Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton) from friends to lovers.
In the concluding episodes of season three, Penelope and Colin ultimately find their happily-ever-after, albeit with a touch of Bridgerton drama. Right before their wedding, Colin learns that his fiancée is the daring gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown. Despite feeling deceived by her secret and after Penelope magnanimously suggests canceling their engagement, Colin decides to proceed with the marriage — although it is evident that he still harbors some hesitations about their forthcoming union.
As Colin and Penelope manage the repercussions of the recent disclosure in private, Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) also uncovers Lady Whistledown’s true identity. To avoid an undesirable arranged marriage with a man significantly older than herself, Cressida extorts Penelope, insisting on a substantial amount of money to keep quiet. Consequently, Colin enters a state of crisis and requests his older brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) to lend him the funds to settle the matter with Cressida.
Penelope is adamant that she does not require rescue and communicates this to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) in a letter, where she discloses her secret identity. With the earnings from her Lady Whistledown columns, she finances a grand ball for her sisters. During this event, she publicly declares to the Ton that she is Lady Whistledown and seeks forgiveness for the impact her gossip column had on many of them. The Queen forgives her and grants her permission to continue writing as Lady Whistledown, albeit with a greater sense of responsibility. Therefore, dear reader, this is not the conclusion of Whistledown’s writings but the beginning of a new era of truth “into the light,” as suggested by the episode title.
Colin and Penelope, a year later, are now living fulfilling lives. They rejoice in the birth of a son, who is set to inherit the Featherington legacy, bringing lasting happiness to their new family.
Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, and Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in episode 308, NetFlix
In the concluding episode, Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth child of the Bridgerton family portrayed by Hannah Dodd, marries John Stirling, played by Victor Alli, following her debut into society earlier in the season. The couple then relocates to the Scottish Highlands, where John holds the title of Earl Kilmartin. Eager for new experiences, Francesca’s independent older sister Eloise Bridgerton, played by Claudia Jessie, requests to accompany them to their new residence. This arrangement works well for John, who had also intended to invite his cousin to live with them. Before their departure, John introduces his new wife, Francesca, to his cousin Michaela Stirling, portrayed by Masali Baduza, an encounter that hints at a subtle sense of connection.
Which sibling will be the focus of Bridgerton season 4?
Showrunners have remained reticent about specifics for season four, but that hasn’t deterred fans from engaging in some speculative excitement. Showrunner Jess Brownell has even encouraged this curiosity, mentioning to Today.com that season three contains numerous clues about the future direction of the series. As avid watchers are aware, each season of Bridgerton centers around the romantic journey of a different Bridgerton sibling, following the structure of Julia Quinn’s original eight-novel series. Now, viewers are curious to see which sibling will be the focus in the upcoming season.
“I believe there are certain hints available,” mentioned Brownell in May. “It might not be entirely clear where we are headed. However, fans can definitely find some hints to analyze and speculate on.”
The initial two seasons adhered to the narratives of the first two novels, “The Duke and I” and “The Viscount Who Loved Me”. However, the Netflix adaptation surprised viewers by moving forward to “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” which tells Polin’s romantic tale. Although one might expect the creators to now return to the third book, “An Offer from a Gentleman,” which follows Benedict Bridgerton’s romantic exploits—highlighted by his passionate encounters with Lady Tilley Arnold and Paul Suarez in the third season—fans are eager for Francesca Bridgerton to become the focal character.
Despite having found genuine love with her new spouse, John Stirling, the undeniable attraction she felt upon meeting his cousin, Michaela Stirling, cannot be overlooked. Consequently, fans are hopeful that Francesca might be instrumental in introducing the franchise’s first sapphic romance, especially following the depiction of a gay romance in Queen Charlotte.
Showrunner Brownell hinted earlier that a queer romance would feature prominently in the series, marking it as a key focus when she joined the Netflix project.
“In an April interview with Pride, Brownell mentioned, “This series explores love in its various forms, and it is fitting highlight queer love and share queer narratives. Showing more queer happiness on screen was a significant priority for me when I took on the showrunner position.”
Brownell, during a recent conversation with Glamour UK, highlighted the importance of a gender-fluid approach to the source material of the popular series. “Queer audiences haven’t had the opportunity to see themselves significantly on the show, which is otherwise inclusive in many respects,” Brownell noted. “I urge viewers to empathize with those audiences and recognize the significance of allowing them to see their experiences reflected on screen.”
Some have speculated whether Eloise might also experience a romantic connection with another woman, particularly considering her rapport with Cressida this season. However, Brownell appears to suggest that this scenario is improbable, as the focus was more on emphasizing the legitimacy of women who do not prioritize romantic relationships.
Brownell shared with The Hollywood Reporter that, during their discussion, they believed it was crucial to emphasize that Eloise’s aversion to romance stems more from her current preference for intellectual activities rather than from not having found the right gender. Brownell further elaborated, expressing the desire to highlight this aspect because not all young women are solely focused on romantic relationships. While this does not rule out the possibility of Eloise embracing love in the future, it reflects her present state of mind.
Considering all factors, season 4 will most likely center on either Benedict or Francesca’s storyline; however, Bridgerton has a penchant for surprises, so only time will reveal the true focus.
“What is the release date for Bridgerton season 4?”
We regret to inform you that the fourth season of Bridgerton might not be available for a few more years. Historically, there has been a two interval between each season: the first season debuted in December 2020, the second in March 2022, and the third is scheduled for May 2024.
Showrunner Jess Brownell mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter that although they are attempting to expedite the time between seasons, there are numerous aspects to consider with such a complex production.
“We are working to try and release the seasons more quickly,” she explained, “but they require eight months to film, followed by editing and dubbing into multiple languages. Additionally, the writing process is quite lengthy. Thus, we are roughly on a two-year timeline, though we are making efforts to accelerate it within that range.”
