Bridgerton fans fume as Netflix drops 'devastating' season 4 update

The Shonda Rhimes production, adapted from Julia Quinn's beloved novels, debuted in 2020, captivating audiences with the romance of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page).

Following the seasons focused on Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) finding love with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), and Colin Bridgerton's (Luke Newton) fiery affair with Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), the true Lady Whistledown.

Now, all eyes are on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) as he becomes smitten with Sophie Beckett (Yerin Ha).

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A teaser shared by the official Bridgerton Instagram account gave fans a glimpse of Benedict's first encounter with Sophie at an opulent ball, also announcing when the new episodes will arrive.

However, viewers will have to be patient, as the release date is quite distant, leaving many fans disgruntled.

"Dear readers, there is certainly much to celebrate, indeed," read the caption accompanying an image of Lady Whistledown's society papers, which stated: "Dearest Gentle Reader, Rarely is this author granted the opportunity to share with you such information.

"It is with great pleasure I can announce Bridgerton shall return for Season 5 and 6. Do celebrate accordingly. And in the meantime, do prepare yourselves, for Bridgerton Season 4 shall debut in 2026. It would seem this author is going to be quite busy. Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown."

Fans expressed their disappointment in the comments section upon learning that season four would premiere next year.

"Girl make haste!! Wdym 2026?!" one viewer exclaimed in response to the long wait for a show's culmination. Another lamented their age progression: "I'm gonna be 40 when this show ends i'm 29."

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"Don't make us wait too long please!" pleaded a concerned fan, while another implored with urgency: "Guys I'm gonna need it to be like 1/1/26 or I hate you."

The announcement of two additional seasons left many fans thrilled, eagerly speculating about which Bridgerton sibling storylines would unfold next.

"AMAZING NEWS!!!!!!!! now who is Season 5 and who is S6????" questioned an eager fan, and another celebrated the news: "BEST DAY EVER."

While fans are on tenterhooks for the new releases, sneak peeks into upcoming scenes tease the interactions ahead. The scenes showcase Benedict Bridgerton's enchantment with Sophie at a masquerade ball, captured by the allure of her gaze amidst a chandelier’s glow—all discordant with his status as a sought-after bachelor.

Beyond the buzz of anticipation, first-look photos suggest a continuation of the show's famed sensuality, depicting an intimate moment where Benedict kisses Sophie’s hand, alongside glimpses of returning beloved characters like Penelope and Eloise, played by Claudia Jessie.