Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from the Bridgerton books.

Summary

It’s official —Bridgertonseason 4 will (finally) adapt Benedict’s love story fromJulia Quinn’sBridgertonbook series, meaning that fans will meet the second eldest’s future wife and see him settle down for good. The Netflix TV show centers around the Bridgerton family, consisting of the matriarch Violet and her eight children — Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. Like the eight-book series,everyBridgertonseasonfollows one character and their romance. Season 1 was about Daphne. Season 2 revolved around Anthony. Season 3 depicted Colin’s love story. Now,Benedict will step into the spotlight in season 4.

Bridgertonshowrunner Jess Brownell previously estimated that season 4 would be ready around two years following season 3’s release, meaning it should premiere sometime in the spring of 2026.

Eloise and Benedict play chess in Bridgerton season 2

Bridgertonis set in the early 1800s during the Regency era in London. Every year, girls of a certain age make their debut into society to meet eligible suitors. Sincethe Bridgerton familyis noble and belongs to high society, their daughters are no exception. Daphne made her debut in season 1; Eloise in season 2; and Francesca in season 3. Meanwhile,as the second-oldest sibling, Benedict has been eligible to marry for a long time.However, since he’s a man,Benedict can get away with holding off on marriage(which will change inBridgertonseason 4).

Benedict Marries Sophie Beckett In Bridgerton: Their Book Romance Explained

The Netflix Show Hasn’t Introduced Sophie Yet

Netflix confirmed thatBridgertonseason 4 will tell Benedict’s love storyvia theirXaccount. According to the streaming platform’s tease regarding the upcoming episodes,season 4 will seemingly remain faithful to Benedict’s book (An Offer from a Gentleman).It reads:

“Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down — until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.”

Claudia Jessie as Eloise in Bridgerton.

“Lady in Silver” refers to Sophie Beckett,the woman Benedict marries in theBridgertonbooks. Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of Richard Gunningworth, Earl of Penwood. Since her mother died in childbirth, Sophie’s father took her in as his ward, claiming that she was an orphan (therefore, not his child). The earl later married a horrid woman with two daughters who treated Sophie poorly, especially after her father died, and her stepmother forced her to be a servant.Sophie’s story should sound familiar as it mirrors the “Cinderella” fairytale.

The Duke and I

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton playing cards with drinks in front of him in Bridgerton season 3 episode 2

On the Way to the Wedding

Gregory

August 21, 2025

One night, Sophie sneaks out to attend a masquerade ball hosted by members of the ton. There, she meets Benedict, and the two talk and dance all night. Unfortunately, Sophie leaves to avoid getting caught by her stepmother, and Benedict doesn’t learn her true identity. Sophie’s stepmother later discovers her escapade and kicks her out, and she doesn’t see Benedict again for two years.Benedict secures Sophie a job as a maid in the Bridgerton house, and the two fall in love,despite the scandalous nature of their relationship. Nevertheless, Benedict and Sophie persist andmarry in theBridgertonbooks.

ABridgertonseason 4 casting call for a new character named “Emily” fits Sophie’s description, leading many to believe that “Emily” is a code name for Benedict’s love interest.

03171239_poster_w780.jpg

Will Bridgerton Season 4 Stick To Benedict’s Book Story?

Season 3’s Teases Suggest 1 Element Of Benedict’s Story Will Remain The Same

Based onthe ending ofBridgertonseason 3(and Netflix’s above announcement), season 4 should remain true to Benedict’s story from the books. While saying goodbye to her favorite brother before leaving for Scotland,Eloise mentioned their mother’s masquerade ball.Benedict confirmed his attendance at the ball by stating, “I will be there, hiding out about behind a mask, avoiding eligible ladies like the plague.”

Given that two years transpire before Benedict and Sophie see each other again, though, it’s more than likely thatBridgertonseason 4 will speed up the couple’s romance.

Bridgertonseason 4 will undoubtedly feature the iconic masquerade ball where Benedict meets SophieinAn Offer from a Gentleman.However, other than that important part ofBenedict’s love story, it’s unclear what else the writers will adapt or change from the novel. Given that two years transpire before Benedict and Sophie see each other again, though, it’s more than likely thatBridgertonseason 4 will speed up the couple’s romance. Plus, season 3’s reveal regardingBenedict’s sexualityshould change a few elements of his storyline in Julia Quinn’s book series.

Bridgerton Has Already Set Up Its Perfect Eloise Replacement For After Her Book Story

Once the Netflix TV series Bridgerton adapts Eloise’s book story, the show thankfully already seems to have the perfect character to replace her.

What Happens To Benedict & Sophie After They’re Married

Will Benedict Stick Around After Bridgerton Season 4?

IfBridgertoncontinues to push its previous main characters to the background after their respective seasons, one could expect Benedict to have less screen time after he marries Sophie. Nevertheless, in the book series,Benedict and Sophie have four children— Charles, Alexander, William, and Violet. The couple have a rough start and a long journey to the altar, but Benedict and Sophie live happily ever after inBridgerton.

Bridgerton

Cast

Bridgerton, released on June 04, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.