The countdown has officially begun for the return of one of streaming’s most dominant franchises. Bridgerton, the period drama that has been a ratings staple since its debut during the height of the pandemic in 2020, is set to drop the second half of its fourth season on Netflix in just two weeks.
While the first four episodes of Season 4 premiered successfully on January 29, 2026, audiences have been left waiting for the resolution to the show’s latest romantic entanglement. The final batch of episodes is scheduled to arrive on February 26, 2026. The series remains a statistical powerhouse for the streamer; the inaugural season racked up 113 million views in its first 91 days, cementing its place in the all-time top 10 English-language series, while Season 3 followed closely with 106 million views.
This current chapter has upended the show’s usual formula by shifting the focus “downstairs.” Season 4 explores the dynamic between the aristocracy and their staff in 19th-century Mayfair, centering on the romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha), a maid who sneaks into a masquerade ball. The class disparity has introduced a grittier conflict than in previous years; Benedict’s initial suggestion of a secret affair rather than a public courtship sparked significant backlash among fans and the character of Sophie alike. Viewers will find out if they can bridge that divide when the season concludes later this month.
Looking beyond the current release, the franchise’s future is secure. Netflix has already greenlit Seasons 5 and 6. Showrunner Jess Brownell has expressed a desire to adapt Julia Quinn’s entire eight-book series, giving each sibling their turn in the spotlight, suggesting the show could run through an eighth season if the viewership numbers hold.
High-Profile Drama Castings
While Bridgerton dominates the romance conversation, Netflix is also bolstering its prestige drama slate with heavyweight talent. Emmy winner Jeremy Strong, best known for his role in Succession, has signed on to lead the adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s acclaimed novel Crossroads.
Strong will star as a Midwestern pastor in the early 1970s whose family begins to unravel following a church scandal. The series is described as a “darkly funny, epic American family drama” where each member chases freedom in different directions. This project marks a significant expansion of Strong’s relationship with the streamer, as he is also attached to star in the upcoming adaptation of The Boys From Brazil from The Crown creator Peter Morgan.
Updates from Showtime and Peacock
Over at Showtime, production is ramping up for the fourth and final season of the survival thriller Yellowjackets with a key change to the main cast. Nia Sondaya, who portrays the teen version of Akilah, has been promoted to series regular. Sondaya took over the role in Season 2, replacing Keeya King.
The promotion raises stakes for the character’s survival. In the Season 3 finale, Akilah disappeared after a confrontation with Lottie, leaving her fate ambiguous. Since an adult version of Akilah has never been shown in the present-day timeline, fans are speculating that the final season might reveal she actually made it out of the wilderness alive. While Showtime confirmed in October that this will be the show’s swan song, a premiere date remains under wraps.
Meanwhile, Peacock is adding star power to the sophomore season of The Day of the Jackal. The streamer has cast Weruche Opia (I May Destroy You) and Pablo Schreiber (Orange Is the New Black) as series regulars. They join Eddie Redmayne, who is returning as the elusive assassin. Details regarding Opia and Schreiber’s characters are currently being kept quiet.
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