Who Will Be The Star Of Bridgerton Season 4? This Time It's Way More Complicated (2024)

This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 and Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books.

In the finale of Bridgerton season 3, the three eldest Bridgerton siblings set off on new storylines, but the period drama has not confirmed which of them will lead season 4. Theories about Bridgerton season 4's star typically revolve around Benedict, Eloise, or Francesca. Going by Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books, Benedict should have starred in season 3, which makes his story a good choice for season 4. However, Eloise's story traditionally comes after Colin's, and Francesca became surprisingly significant in season 3. Based on Bridgerton season 3's ending, it could be any of them.

The end of Bridgerton season 3 dropped several hints about where Bridgerton season 4 is headed. Francesca's story kicked into high gear as she set off for Scotland with her new husband, John, and his cousin, Michaela. Eloise's plot took an unexpected turn when she decided to accompany Francesca to Scotland with the intention of seeing the world. Then, as per usual, Benedict was left drifting, but an exciting change seemed to be heading his way.

Bridgerton Season 3's Ending Sets Up 2 Possible Stars For Season 4

Francesca Or Benedict Could Lead Season 4

This section contains spoilers for Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books, "An Offer From a Gentleman" and "When He Was Wicked"It seems most likely that Francesca or Benedict will be the star of Bridgerton season 4. In terms of story, Francesca has the most going on out of the three oldest and unwed Bridgertons. In season 3, she met John Kilmartin, married him, and is now going to live at his estate in Scotland, along with his charming cousin. All of this perfectly sets up Francesca's romance. In Julia Quinn's When He Was Wicked, Francesca Bridgerton's marriage to John ends when he dies unexpectedly. After that, her true love story with Michael, now known as Michaela, begins.

Despite these solid moves toward Francesca's story, Benedict is also still in the running as season 4's star. During Bridgerton season 3's finale, Benedict and Eloise chat on the Bridgerton swings, and Benedict reveals that his next life lesson might change him completely. This "lesson" could almost certainly be his love story. Later, the biggest hint about Benedict's story is dropped when he mentions Lady Bridgerton's masquerade ball the following spring. In to An Offer from a Gentleman, this is where he will first meet his future wife, Sophie.

Why Benedict Should Be The Star Of Season 4

Benedict Needs Direction

Although Francesca's love story is set up and ready to go, Benedict should be Bridgerton season 4's main character. Benedict already lost his starring role to Colin in season 3, so losing it again to Francesca would be disappointing. Plus, it would be strange for Bridgerton to continue pushing off his story. Benedict is also in desperate need of some direction. Although Lady Arnold and her lover Paul were a fun side plot in season 3, Benedict has been lacking purpose for far too long. As he noted in the season 3 finale, he needs a major change.

Benedict should also be season 4's star because Francesca simply feels too new. Bridgerton season 3 is the first time audiences have gotten to know Francesca since she was away in season 1 and had no plot in season 2. Therefore, to see her become the star so quickly might feel jarring. It also doesn't help that she was recast in season 3. Overall, viewers need to get to know Francesca more before being able to root for her romance. If Benedict leads Bridgerton season 4, then there will be plenty of time to fall in love with her.

Could Eloise & Francesca's Story Be A Spin-Off?

Eloise & Francesca Will Have A Story Of Their Own

In the case that Francesca does not become the star of Bridgerton season 4, there is potential for a Bridgerton spinoff. Now that Francesca and Eloise are away in Scotland, audiences may see much less of them in Bridgerton. A way to curb this is if Netflix creates a Bridgerton spinoff based on Eloise and Francesca's travels. By giving them a whole series, audiences could see more of Eloise's search for knowledge and Francesca's complex relationship with John and Michaela. This spinoff could help set up the dynamics that will become so important in Francesca's season.

Though Francesca and Eloise's time in Scotland could be a Bridgerton spinoff, it seems unlikely that this will happen. In reality, Bridgerton season 4 will probably make time each episode to check in on the sisters. Viewers won't get to see as much, but their story will still be told. This is also assuming that Francesca will not be the star of Bridgerton season 4, which she very well could be. At this point, anything could happen in the world of Bridgerton.

Bridgerton

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Drama

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From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, Netflix’s Bridgerton is based on the romance novels of the same name by author Julia Quinn. The series follows the eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth, as they search for love during the social season and navigate life in Regency-era England.

Cast

Will Tilston , Rege-Jean Page , Ruth Gemmell , Luke Thompson , Isabella Cortese , Martins Imhangbe , Julie Andrews , Phoebe Dynevor , Ruby Stokes , Ruby Barker , Claudia Jessie , Adjoa Andoh , Nicola Coughlan , Golda Rosheuvel , Charithra Chandran , Ben Miller , Jonathan Bailey , Florence Hunt , Polly Walker , Shelley Conn , Joanna Bobin , Luke Newton , Simone Ashley

Release Date

December 25, 2020

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Julia Quinn , Chris Van Dusen , Jess Brownell , Abby McDonald , Joy C. Mitchell

Creator(s)

Chris Van Dusen