After two years of waiting, season four of “Bridgerton” finally premiered on Netflix, with part one releasing on Jan. 29 and part two arriving on Feb. 26.
This season shifts the focus to Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, one of the more free-spirited members of the Bridgerton family. Unlike several of his siblings, Benedict has spent past seasons resisting the expectations of society and refusing to settle down. However, his perspective begins to change when he meets a mysterious woman known only as the “Lady in Silver.” That woman is Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, a character whose background and independence create a compelling twist on the typical love story often seen in the series.
From the moment Benedict first sees Sophie at the masquerade ball, he is completely swept off his feet. What he does not realize at first is that Sophie comes from a working-class background and is living a life far removed from the glamour of London’s high society. This class divide adds tension to their relationship and sets up one of the central conflicts of the season.
Sophie’s mindset is also very different from that of many of the young women. Rather than actively seeking a husband, she values her independence and is resistant to entering a relationship that might limit her freedom. Because of this, Benedict must prove that he is worthy of her trust and respect, not just her affection.
While season four was still enjoyable, the central storyline felt predictable. In previous seasons, the writers found ways to complicate traditional romance tropes or introduce unexpected emotional stakes. This season, the narrative leaned more heavily into a classic fairy-tale structure. The mysterious meeting at a ball, the hidden identity and the romance between people from different social classes let this season fall neatly into a traditional Cinderella story mold.
That fairy-tale atmosphere is, at the same time, one of the season’s strengths. The chemistry between the actors playing Benedict and Sophie gives their relationship a dreamy and emotional quality that fits well with the tone of the show. Their scenes together feel intimate and heartfelt, making it easy for viewers to root for their relationship. At the same time, the series continues to expand on the lives of its supporting characters, which I was happy to see.
Critically, the season has been generally well received. Many reviewers have described it as a return to form after the previous installment. It currently holds around an 80% critic score, suggesting that the combination of romance, drama and lavish production continues to resonate with audiences.
The show’s signature elements — elegant costumes, elaborate sets and dramatic social events — remain just as visually impressive as ever.
“Bridgerton’s” well-known orchestra covers of pop hits, including Taylor Swift’s“Wildest Dreams” and Billie Elish’s “Bad Guy”, elevated the social events of the season, leaving viewers craving a fifth season. Now, because of television shows like “Bridgerton,” other films and series are starting to incorporate covers of modern pop songs. For example, “Wuthering Heights” incorporated modern artists such as Charli xcx into their soundtrack, blending contemporary soundtracks with orchestra.
While some viewers may find the pacing slower than earlier seasons, season four still delivers what fans love most about “Bridgerton:” sweeping romance, beautiful production design and addictive storytelling. Sometimes love takes time, patience and growth, and perhaps that is the true message of the season — that true love is worth waiting for.