What's happened
Bridgerton's fourth season is now streaming on Netflix, focusing on Benedict Bridgerton's romance with Sophie. The season is split into two parts, with the first four episodes available today and the rest arriving on February 26. It features new cast members, classical covers, and a subdued central romance compared to previous seasons.
What's behind the headline?
The decision to split season four into two parts reflects Netflix's broader strategy to boost engagement and subscription retention through staggered releases. The subdued romantic scenes suggest a shift in tone, possibly aiming for broader appeal or responding to audience feedback about the show's steamy reputation. The introduction of new cast members and musical covers indicates an effort to refresh the series, but the less passionate central romance risks alienating fans expecting high chemistry. Overall, the season's success will depend on how well it balances new storytelling elements with the core appeal of Bridgerton's world-building and character dynamics.
What the papers say
Business Insider UK highlights the show's evolving cast and timeline, noting that Daphne, a key character, will not appear in season four but may return in future seasons. The Scotsman discusses the new focus on Benedict and the introduction of new characters like Sophie Baek and Lady Araminta Gun, emphasizing the show's expansion of its cast and storylines. The NY Post criticizes the season for its lack of steam and weaker central romance, suggesting a departure from the show's original provocative appeal. The Scotsman also reports on the season's split release schedule, noting the frustration among fans over the wait for the second part, while some see it as a marketing strategy. Overall, the coverage reflects a mix of excitement for new content and concern over tonal shifts and release formats.
How we got here
Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn's novels, has become a major Netflix hit, with each season focusing on a different family member's love story set in Regency-era England. The series is known for its mix of romance, class politics, and elaborate visuals. Season four centers on Benedict Bridgerton, with new characters and a split-season release pattern becoming a recent trend for Netflix shows.
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Netflix, Inc. is an American technology and media services provider and production company headquartered in Los Gatos, California. Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California.
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Bridgerton is an upcoming British period drama streaming television series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes, and based on Julia Quinn's bestselling novels set in the competitive world of Regency London high society.