Everything about 'Bridgerton' season 4: Clues, release date, and potential leads

Fans of the Regency-era romance 'Bridgerton' are buzzing with anticipation for season 4, but the question remains: which Bridgerton sibling will take centre stage?  While the Netflix series loosely follows Julia Quinn's book series, there's always the potential for surprises as the show evolves.

After season 1 focused on Daphne and Simon, and season 2 explored Anthony and Kate's love story, season 3 shifts the spotlight to Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. However, this doesn't necessarily guarantee that Benedict, Eloise, or Francesca will be the next lead.

Showrunner Jess Brownell teased to Refinery29 in April 2024 that clues about season 4 can be found within the finale of season 3.  She also confirmed that the writers were already working diligently on the upcoming arc.

Potential Leads for Season 4

While fans eagerly speculate, there are at least three strong contenders for the season 4 lead:

Benedict Bridgerton: His delayed love story with Sophie could finally unfold.

Eloise Bridgerton: Her friendship with Penelope hangs in the balance, and her budding connection with Sir Phillip provides ample material for a captivating storyline.

Francesca Bridgerton: Her character, now portrayed by Hannah Dodd, has a more prominent role in season 3, potentially setting her up as the next lead.

Departures from the Books and LGBTQIA+ Representation

Brownell hasn't ruled out deviations from Quinn's books but aims to remain faithful to the show's vision.  However, she has expressed a strong desire to showcase more LGBTQIA+ characters as the series progresses. This shift was hinted at with the 'Queen Charlotte' spinoff, providing hope for more inclusive storylines within the main 'Bridgerton' narrative.

Release Date and Returning Cast

While a set release date hasn't been announced, Brownell confirmed in April 2024 that season 4 was already in production. Fans can expect the return of beloved characters like Penelope, Colin, Benedict, Eloise, Francesca, Lady Danbury, Queen Charlotte, and of course, the voice of Lady Whistledown.  Whether previous stars like Regé-Jean Page or Phoebe Dynevor make cameos remains to be seen.

With plenty of source material and an evolving vision, 'Bridgerton' promises to continue delivering captivating romance, drama, and a touch of the unexpected in season 4.