Season 4 of Bridgerton delivers the long-awaited Benedict spotlight, with his Cinderella-inspired romance with maid Sophie Baek. This season was released in two parts, with the final episodes dropping on February 26th. Sophie is the daughter of a nobleman who died, leaving her under the control of her cruel stepmother, Araminta. Despite his rake, or flirtatious reputation and aversion to marriage, Benedict falls in love. Their first meeting at a masked “Lady in Silver” ball feels straight out of a fairy tale and leads to plenty of tension and chemistry between them. Bridgerton is one of the most popular Netflix originals, and this season definitely had big shoes to fill after the overwhelmingly negative reviews of last season. Season 4 can be judged based on the central romance between Sophie and Benedict, the Bridgerton “vibe,” and how the show portrays class and power.
Sophie and Benedict star in this season as forbidden lovers, following a Cinderella storyline. Society and class play a huge role in this season, causing a push-and-pull relationship between the two. The dynamic this season almost feels predictable, but the tension between them draws the viewers into the love story. Society’s rigid class barriers amplify their tension, contrasting sharply with prior seasons’ more polished, society-bound romances, while weaving in bold identity explorations for Benedict and his sister Francesca.
Bridgerton Season 4 continues its lavish commitment to Regency-era spectacle, pouring countless hours into ballgowns, wigs, and sets that outshine past seasons. However, there are mixed reviews about how far the show is going with modern makeup and nails. In the first season, Daphne was seen to have little to no makeup and simple outfits and style, which felt more authentic and transformed the viewers to the past. In recent seasons, like season 3, characters like Penelope are seen with heavy eye makeup and acrylics, which scream modern influencer vibes over period accuracy. This “dress-up” aesthetic undermines the time-travel illusion, turning lush escapism into a glossy costume party. In season 4, they have been weaning off the excessive makeup; hopefully, in season 5, they revert to the style of season 1, most fans’ favorite season. The 19 custom wig pieces for the Queen push creative boundaries, blending historical nods with fantastical flair that commands attention. This season’s hairwork feels like the show’s most ambitious yet, rewarding close-ups with unparalleled detail.
Overall, Season 4 of Bridgerton spotlights Benedict and Sophie’s forbidden romance with lush spectacle and class tensions that pull viewers in, despite predictable beats and a lingering shadow from Season 1 and 2’s unmatched spark. Season 4 also marks a milestone for queer representation and having an asian leading love interest for the first time. The lavish gowns and style are the show’s visual pinnacle, despite the missteps against the period authenticity, though signs of dialing back offer hope for Season 5. It doesn’t reclaim the throne but delivers charm for fans ready to embrace the fairy-tale story.
