Key Points
- Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 debuted on Netflix on February 26, 2026.
- Critics praised the season’s emotional storytelling, romantic tension, and character growth.
- The storyline centers on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and newcomer Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).
- Reviewers highlighted standout performances from Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie among the Bridgerton siblings.
- The season was released in two parts, with Part 2 concluding the narrative arc.
Critical Reception
The second half of Bridgerton Season 4 has been met with largely positive reviews, with critics noting its blend of romance, heartbreak, and social commentary.
Simon Gallagher of ComicBook.com praised the season’s mix of drama and intrigue, writing that it delivered “heartbreak, belated heroic returns, sex, and the mystery element that’s been missing since Penelope was revealed to be Lady Whistledown.” While acknowledging imperfections, he concluded the four-episode release was “another gold star for Shondaland.”
Nicholas Brooks of CBR emphasized the chemistry between Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha, calling their portrayal of Benedict and Sophie “impeccable.” He described the season as “the most heartfelt and immensely satisfying take on a traditional fairy-tale romance.”
Improvement Over Part 1
Aramide Tinubu of Variety noted a significant improvement compared to the first half of the season. She argued that while Part 1 leaned heavily on a “Cinderella” trope, Part 2 moved beyond it, exploring themes of passion, loss, and the risks faced by women in high society. Tinubu praised the final episodes as “beautifully detailed,” allowing returning characters to evolve while setting up future storylines.
Liz Hersey of Screen Rant echoed similar sentiments, commending the season’s embrace of the forbidden romance trope. She wrote that Benedict and Sophie’s love story retained a “fairytale quality” while deepening its emotional resonance.
Context: Bridgerton’s Cultural Impact
Since its debut in 2020, Bridgerton has become one of Netflix’s most successful franchises, blending period drama with modern sensibilities. Season 4 continues the tradition of focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling each season, this time spotlighting Benedict.
The show’s ability to balance lavish romance with commentary on class and gender expectations has helped it remain a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations across social media and fan communities.
What Happens Next?
With Season 4 Part 2 now complete, attention turns to the future of the franchise. Netflix has already confirmed additional seasons, and critics suggest the groundwork laid in these episodes positions the series for compelling new love stories. Fans can expect more announcements about Season 5 in the coming months.
