Bridgerton fans have officially lost their collective composure.
The long-awaited trailer for the Netflix show’s season four, part one has finally landed, and within minutes fans were declaring emotional devastation, Cinderella comparisons and outright disbelief that this is actually happening.
The new season, described as ‘fairy tale-inspired,’ shifts focus to the famously bohemian second Bridgerton son Benedict (Luke Thompson), and if the early reaction is anything to go by, viewers have been more than ready.
One fan, @polinprophecy, wrote: ‘I cant wait for this omg im dying merry christmas to me!!!!’
From the very first shots, the trailer leans into fantasy, with a glittering masquerade ball and a mysterious woman in silver.
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It did not take long for the Cinderella parallels to start flying. ‘It’s giving Cinderella!’ posted @MsAnjaliB, while @KosokoPrec53344 announced: ‘A Cinderella season? I’m seated!’
Another fan, @wthparkjimin, echoed the sentiment with a simple but telling: ‘A Cinderella story? 😍’
This season’s love story pairs Benedict with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a resourceful maid working in the household of the formidable Araminta Gun (Katie Leung).
At his mother’s masquerade ball, Benedict becomes enchanted by a masked Lady in Silver, setting off a romantic obsession that sends him searching high society for her true identity. The twist, of course, is that the woman he yearns for is already right in front of him.
As the synopsis reveals, Benedict enlists the reluctant help of his sister Eloise to track down the mysterious guest, unaware that Sophie and the Lady in Silver are one and the same – and the only hint he has to go off is the single glove she left behind as the bell tolled midnight.
When fate brings them together again, he is forced to confront his feelings for a woman society tells him he cannot have, while still clinging to the fantasy of someone he believes exists just beyond his reach.
‘OMG I HAVE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS I CAN’T COPE…THE BALL, THE YEARNING, THE LAKE SCENE,’ wrote @FIFI1992, summing up the collective meltdown.
Others were already clocking the tonal shift: ‘Omg so it’s going to be a steamy fairytale season?’ asked @kimmyskl.
Behind the scenes, the eight-part season comes from Shondaland and showrunner Jess Brownell, promising the familiar Bridgerton mix of tantalising regency romance.
The central question driving Benedict’s story is whether love can survive the rigid class divisions of Regency society, and whether he can learn to see fantasy and reality as one before it is too late.
While Benedict finally takes centre stage, much of the Bridgerton family is already settled.
Francesca is married to John Stirling, Anthony to Kate, Colin to Penelope, and Daphne to the Duke of Hastings, though Daphne and Simon are not expected to appear this season.
Still, season four makes it clear that unfinished business remains for at least one Bridgerton sibling.
Thankfully, fans will not be left waiting long for the new story. Bridgerton season four will arrive on Netflix in two parts, with part one premiering on January 29 and part two following on February 26.
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