entertainment / Wednesday, 27-Aug-2025

I'm So Glad Bridgerton Season 4 Is Restoring My Favorite Non-Romantic Pairing After Season 3 Changed It

Bridgerton season 4's debut is many (many) months away, but Netflix has unveiled many teases and sneak peeks at the upcoming episodes, which promise that one iconic duo will return. The alternative history romance TV series, created by Chris Van Dusen, is based on Julia Quinn's book series of the same name, following the Bridgerton family's love stories. Whereas the first three seasons chronicled Daphne's, Anthony's, and Colin's romances, respectively, Bridgerton season 4 will bring Benedict's tale to life.

Netflix hasn't announced a release date for Bridgerton season 4 yet, but many predict it will premiere sometime in 2026.

Benedict's love story technically unravels in the third Bridgerton book — An Offer from a Gentleman. However, the Netflix series decided to skip over his novel and adapt Colin's, which is the fourth in the series (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton) and focuses on his and Penelope Featherington's relationship. Consequently, Bridgerton has to circle back to Benedict in season 4, depicting his romance with Sophie Baek. The upcoming episodes of the alternative history romance will still focus on other plotlines, of course, and fully revive one of the show's most important friendships.

Penelope & Eloise Are Back To Being Friends In Bridgerton Season 4 & That's Such A Relief

Netflix Released A Photo Of Penelope & Eloise In Season 4

Eloise is shocking while holding hands with Penelope in Bridgerton season 4 image
Eloise is shocking while holding hands with Penelope in Bridgerton season 4 image

Out of the 17 first-look photos from the set of Bridgerton season 4 (per Tudum by Netflix), one picture features Eloise and Penelope walking arm in arm down the street, solidifying their friendship. Penelope is smiling at the Bridgerton sibling, while Eloise is looking back at her friend with her mouth agape in apparent shock. Although Bridgerton season 3's ending teased that Eloise and Penelope are back on track after their fight, it's reassuring to see proof. Plus, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed that the two are "more bonded than ever" in season 4 while speaking with Entertainment Weekly.

Bridgerton Season 4 Cast

Role

Luke Thompson

Benedict Bridgerton

Yerin Ha

Sophie Baek

Golda Rosheuvel

Queen Charlotte

Jonathan Bailey

Anthony Bridgerton

Simone Ashley

Kate Bridgerton

Adjoa Andoh

Lady Danbury

Claudia Jessie

Eloise Bridgerton

Luke Newton

Colin Bridgerton

Hannah Dodd

Francesca Bridgerton

Ruth Gemmell

Violet Bridgerton

Nicola Coughlan

Penelope Bridgerton

Florence Hunt

Hyacinth Bridgerton

Will Tilston

Gregory Bridgerton

Polly Walker

Portia Featherington

Jessica Madsen

Cressida Cowper

Martins Imhangbe

Will Mondrich

Emma Naomi

Alice Mondrich

Victor Alli

John Stirling

Masali Baduza

Michaela Stirling

Daniel Francis

Lord Marcus Anderson

Julie Andrews

Lady Whistledown (voice)

Katie Leung

Lady Araminta Gun

Michelle Mao

Rosamund Li

Isabella Wei

Posy Li

Hugh Sachs

Brimsley

Since season 1, Eloise and Penelope have been one of Bridgerton's best relationships. Despite the Netflix series mostly revolving around romance, friendships are just as important in the story. Eloise and Penelope had a falling out at the end of season 2 when Eloise learned that Penelope was Lady Whistledown and effectively ended their friendship. The coldness between them continued throughout most of Bridgerton season 3. However, as time went on, Eloise and Penelope's changed dynamic started showing signs that the duo would eventually return to normal. Now, they will be fully reunited in season 4.

Related
Bridgerton Season 4’s Returning Characters Make One Big Daphne Problem Even Worse

Bridgerton season 4 is set to see the return of countless beloved cast members, which will only make the absence of one character even worse.

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Penelope & Eloise's Season 3 Feud Was Necessary For The Story, But I'm Glad They're Back

Season 3 Had To Follow Through On What The Season 2 Finale Started

Yes, it was frustrating watching Eloise and Penelope at odds with one another in Bridgerton season 3. The distance between them was necessary, though. Eloise rightfully felt betrayed by her friend, and the Netflix series had to see that story through to develop both characters. As Brownell told Entertainment Weekly, "Their trials and tribulations last season have added new depth to their friendship." Now that plotline has (thankfully) come to an end, it's a major relief that Eloise and Penelope are back to being best friends in Bridgerton season 4.

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Your Rating

Bridgerton
7/10
85
8.8/10
Release Date
December 25, 2020
Network
Netflix
Directors
Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson
Writers
Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin

Cast

See All
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ruth Gemmell
    Lady Violet Bridgerton
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Luke Thompson
    Benedict Bridgerton

Creator(s)
Chris Van Dusen

Sources: Tudum by Netflix, Entertainment Weekly

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