After months of anticipation, Bridgerton has returned with the first part of its highly awaited season 4, available on Netflix since January 29. But instead of uniting its global fanbase in praise, the new episodes have ignited a storm of controversy. With a masked Cinderella-like romance, a split-season release strategy, and bold creative choices, Bridgerton is once again at the heart of streaming’s most passionate debates.
Behind The Mask, A Story Fans Already Know
The focus of this season shifts to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), long portrayed as the charming, freedom-loving artist of the family. Now, he steps into the romantic spotlight, facing a transformative encounter at a masked ball where he meets the mysterious Sophie Beck (Yerin Ha), a young woman trapped in the shadows of an oppressive stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung).
This central storyline draws heavily from An Offer from a Gentleman, the third novel in Julia Quinn’s series. But while the original book is a fan favorite, its adaptation has sparked a wave of criticism. Some viewers feel the narrative leans too heavily on classic fairy tale tropes, comparing it unfavorably to Cinderella or Princess Sarah. The resemblance, for many, lacks originality and emotional weight.
The portrayal of Sophie is also under scrutiny. While her resilience is central to the plot, many fans argue that her character feels too soft and one-dimensional. On social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, viewers have voiced frustration with the lack of chemistry between the two leads, calling the romantic arc “uninspired” and “forgettable”.
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Romance Or Rebellion? Fans Question Benedict’s Path
Another hot-button issue is the evolution of Benedict himself. Once celebrated for his rebellious spirit and artistic soul, his choices this season seem to confuse long-time fans. Several critics point out inconsistencies in his character development, suggesting that his motivations are murky or poorly written.
But nothing has caused more division than the abundance of intimate scenes. While steamy encounters are a staple of the Bridgerton brand, some viewers feel season 4 goes overboard. With more explicit content packed into the first four episodes, some claim the narrative gets lost in the spectacle. Critics describe the scenes as excessive and unnecessary, disrupting the flow of the story and overshadowing emotional beats.
For other fans, though, these moments are what keep Bridgerton vibrant and daring. They argue that sensuality has always been part of the series’ identity and that dialing it back would compromise its unique tone. The clash of opinions highlights how divided the audience has become, with some calling the season the “worst yet” while others declare it the most “intense and passionate” chapter so far.
A Fractured Release Strategy Fuels Frustration
If the plot has not divided fans enough, Netflix’s release plan certainly has. Just like with season 3, the streamer has opted for a split drop: the first four episodes are available now, while the remaining four will arrive on February 26, 2026. The month-long gap is part of a strategic move to retain subscribers, but it is testing fan patience.
Many argue that the binge-watching experience, a core part of Bridgerton’s appeal, is broken by this approach. Some say it would have been better to wait and release the full season at once. The pacing and emotional momentum suffer, they claim, when the story is chopped in half.
