A multitude of Netflix subscribers are cancelling their memberships out of frustration following a dispiriting update on the status of Bridgerton’s fourth series that has slashed viewers’ hopes.
Currently in production, the beloved period drama Bridgerton is expected to unveil its fourth season in 2026. Despite assurances that fan-favourite characters will make a comeback, the audience’s spirits sank with the disclosure that one crucial cast member might not return for the new series, reports The Express.
Simone Ashley, who captivated audiences as Kate Bridgerton in the second and third seasons, has not been confirmed to feature in the forthcoming instalment. The omission of her name from recent casting news has notably upset fans.
Disheartened followers have taken to social media platforms to voice their discontent. A viewer confesses: “I have yet to finish Bridgerton Season 3 and can’t imagine returning if Simone Ashley isn’t in Season 4.” Another fan voiced their breaking point, stating: “I cancelled my Netflix.”
“I haven’t watched anything on it in months, and while I was looking forward to Benophie, I’ll enjoy all their edits on SM now instead. Bridgerton has treated Simone Ashley like garbage, and that was really the last straw for me”, as noted by the Manchester Evening News.
Ashley shone in the spotlight as the female lead of Bridgerton’s second series next to her love interest Anthony Bridgerton, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey. She made a brief appearance in the third chapter before her character embarked on a journey to India with her husband for their child’s cultural education.
The eagerly-anticipated fourth season of Bridgerton will see Jonathan Bailey returning as Anthony Bridgerton, embarking on new adventures. Yerin Ha joins the cast as Sophie Baek, who is set to capture the heart of Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson in what promises to be an engaging plotline.
The notable additions to the Bridgerton series include Katie Leung taking on the character of Lady Araminta Gun and newcomers Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei portraying Rosamund Li and Posy Li, respectively.
Sharing insights about the forthcoming season with Tudum, Luke said: “What’s striking about Season 4 is that it’s the struggle between a proper old-school fairy tale – the romance of it – and the actual reality of the world. And both are true. You have to hold both of them – the romance and the reality – in your hand. In its best version, ‘true love’ happens in the middle of that.”
Season four won’t be short on talent, with Victor Alli joining as John Stirling and the return of Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury. Julie Andrews continues her role as the voice behind the enigmatic Lady Whistledown, while Lorraine Ashbourne reprises her role as Mrs. Varley.
Newcomer Masali Baduza steps in as Michaela Stirling, and Nicola Coughlan will once again enchant audiences as Penelope Bridgerton.
