This instalment of the show is sure to be the talk of the ton
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
Since its first season came out on Netflix in 2020, this Regency-era period drama has garnered a loyal fan base. We keep tuning in to see the Bridgerton siblings’ epic Regency-era love stories unfold. The show has become increasingly queer over the seasons, and in the last instalment, DIVAs were excited to see a future sapphic story hinted at.
What do LGBTQIA+ fans have to look forward to this time around? Which of the cast members will be returning? How many episodes will there be? Keep reading to find out. But first I, of course, must warn you that there will be major spoilers for seasons one to three of Bridgerton.
When will Bridgerton’s fourth season come out?
Like the show’s third season, season four will be released in two parts. The first instalment of this chapter will come out on 29 January, with the second following on 2 February.
How many episodes will there be?
There will be a total of eight spellbinding episodes in this season.
Which Bridgerton sibling will this season focus on?
We love that each season of the show focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling’s love story. So far, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), Anthony (Johnathan Bailey) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) have all found their love match. Viewers were delighted to find out that fan-favourite Benedict (Luke Thompson) would find his match this time around.
What do LGBTQIA+ fans have to look forward to this time around?
The show features many openly LGBTQIA+ actors such as Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Jonathan Bailey and Jessica Madsen (Cressida Cowper).
As well as hinting at a future WLW storyline between Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd in season three, Ruby Stokes in seasons one and two) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), the show has explored queerness through some MLM characters, including Benedict. We’re all eager to see how the show continues to explore Benedict’s pansexuality in this instalment.
Will there be any new cast members?
Most excitingly, Yerin Ha (Dune: Prophecy) will be playing Benedict’s love interest, Sophie Baek. We’ll also see Katie Leung (Harry Potter) join as Lady Araminta Gun. We’ll also see Michelle Mao (My Nights Glow Yellow) and Isabella Wei (1899) join as Rosamund Li and Posy Li, respectively.
Lady Aramintha Gun is twice-married and twice-widowed and has two daughters, Rosamund and Posy, making their debut onto the marriage mart this season. Rosamund is beautiful and, like her mother, determined to get whatever she sets her mind to. Posy is the youngest and is softer than both her older sister and mother. She’s known for putting her foot in her mouth.
Who will be returning to the cast?
As well as Luke Thompson, we can also look forward to following confirmed familiar faces: Johnathan Bailey, Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton, Victor Alli as John Stirling, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley, Masali Baduza and Hannah Dodd, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, Daniel Francis as Lord Marcus Anderson, Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Hugh Sachs as Brimsley, Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton and Polly Walker as Portia Featherington.
Which book is this instalment based on?
This instalment will be loosely based upon Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer From A Gentleman. It’s a Cinderella-esque tale that sees Sophie Beckett living as a maid to her stepmother and stepsister. When she meets Benedict at a masquerade ball, there are immediate sparks, but her true identity is hidden from Benedict.
What will this season be about?
There will be some pressure on the very bohemian Bridgerton, Benedict, to find a love match. While both his older and one of his younger brothers are happily married, he is loath to settle down. At least until he has an enthralling experience with a masked woman at his mother’s masquerade ball.
Is there a trailer?
Yes! To see suspense, sparks flying and lots of secrecy, press play below.
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