First Look at Bridgerton Season 4—Could It Finally Redeem the Book Accuracy After Season 3’s Letdown?

The first look at Bridgerton season 4 makes me confident about the upcoming season’s accuracy, especially after the disappointment of Bridgerton season 3. Recently, Netflix released an exclusive first look at Bridgerton season 4. This segment includes images and videos of Benedict and Sophie in Bridgerton season 4, as well as familiar and new faces. This first look provides a glimpse behind the scenes of the making of this upcoming season, which is based on An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn, the third installment in the Bridgerton books.

As a long-time fan of the Bridgerton books, this first look makes me so excited. Benedict and Sophie’s romance is one of my favorites in the series, and there is a lot to look forward to regarding Benedict’s book story in Bridgerton season 4. However, I was somewhat apprehensive about the show’s next season because, while Bridgerton season 3 is my overall favorite, I expected more book accuracy for Colin and Penelope’s story. However, Bridgerton season 4’s first look has quelled any worries I had regarding book accuracy, and I am now confident that Bridgerton season 4 will deliver.

Bridgerton Season 4’s First Look Is A Promising Sign Of A Faithful Adaptation Of An Offer From A Gentleman

Bridgerton’s Showrunner Promises Season 4 Is The Most Book Accurate Season Yet

There is a lot of content to devour in Bridgerton season 4’s first look. Netflix released a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into Bridgerton season 4’s production, showing various aspects of Violet Bridgerton’s masquerade ball. Many familiar characters wear exciting costumes, including Eloise Bridgerton as Joan of Arc and Penelope Featherington as a pirate. Jess Brownell, Bridgerton‘s showrunner, also revealed several exciting images, including a first look at Sophie Baek’s renowned silver gown and Penelope and Colin’s baby.

Netflix also hosted a panel that included Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek), Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Brimsley (Hugh Sachs), and showrunner Jess Brownell. They answered many questions about the upcoming season while still holding on to exciting secrets. Despite all the information, one fact remains clear after the 2025 Season of Love event—Bridgerton season 4 will be the most book accurate season thus far—a considerable relief after the disappointment of season 3’s lack of book accuracy.

Bridgerton Season 3 Was Good, But It Was No Match For Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

Bridgerton Season 3 Let Down Colin Bridgerton & Penelope Featherington.

Colin and Penelope are another favorite Bridgerton couple, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is one of my favorite books. Therefore, it was a surprise that Bridgerton season 3’s adaptation of Colin and Penelope’s romance was underwhelming. Although watching Colin and Penelope fall in love was beautiful, it is impossible to ignore the disparities between Bridgerton season 3 and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Of course, no book adaptation is perfect, but Bridgerton season 3’s book changes were primarily not for the better.

Bridgerton season 3 never focused on Colin long enough for his arc to shine. It was wonderful to watch Colin find love and find someone who loves him for who he is, but it doesn’t change the fact that the show ignored his arc, his lack of purpose, and how they connect to his relationship with Penelope. Furthermore, one of the best things about their relationship in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is that they eventually get together. Colin travels the world searching for his purpose, while Penelope learns who she is, gains the confidence to be herself, and knows her worth.

When Colin and Penelope fall in love, they are grown adults who have experienced life and are ready to settle down and start a family. While Colin and Penelope getting married much earlier in the show is a pleasant surprise, starting a family immediately makes them just like every other couple in the ton. This narrative decision eliminates the unique characteristics of Colin and Penelope’s romance and lessens the impact of their romance and their individual storylines. As a result, I was considerably worried going into Bridgerton season 4, but everything we learn about the upcoming season alleviates my concerns.

Bridgerton Season 4 Might Even Be Better Than An Offer From A Gentleman

Bridgerton Season 4 Will Be Book Accurate While Removing The Problematic Parts

Although An Offer from a Gentleman is one of my favorite books in Julia Quinn’s series, it still has some problematic aspects, like most of the Bridgerton books. Benedict asking Sophie to be his mistress is expected, given their notable class differences. However, Benedict cannot accept or respect Sophie’s rejection, so he blackmails her into working for his mother. It would not be an issue if Benedict were primarily motivated by Sophie’s safety. However, the narrative clearly indicates Benedict wants Sophie to work for his mother because he cannot take no for an answer.

Of course, Benedict is no different from the other Bridgerton male protagonists, and he is undoubtedly one of the better ones. Furthermore, Bridgerton has done a great job in eliminating the men’s toxic traits from the books. Although similar events will occur in Bridgerton season 4, the show will likely frame this situation as Benedict looking out for Sophie instead of ensuring she is within reach so that he can continue to harass her. Instead of relentlessly pursuing her, Benedict and Sophie will likely become friends and spend time together until their chemistry explodes.

Therefore, Bridgerton season 4 will likely be better than An Offer from a Gentleman. Once Bridgerton‘s showrunner promised book accuracy, the show would follow the book while eliminating the problematic parts. It is refreshing to know that Bridgerton season 4 is shaping up to be an excellent adaptation, and it is undoubtedly a relief for those who wanted more book accuracy in Colin and Penelope’s story in Bridgerton season 3.