It’s been a long time coming, but Bridgerton season 3 finally began airing with the drop of four episodes on May 16. The comeback season took a one-month break before completing with its last four episodes on June 13, but that wait was nothing compared to the two years we waited after season 2. While we hope there wouldn’t be as long of a wait for season 4, that’s not looking likely.

Back in April 2021, Netflix renewed Bridgerton for two more seasons, which was the official order for seasons 3 and 4. Now that season 3 has already been filmed and belongs to viewers, all eyes are on the next chapter. Before season 3 part 2 even hit our screens, fans wanted to know when season 4 starts filming and, most pressingly, who the season will center on.

We’re sharing everything we know so far about Bridgerton season 4, which admittedly isn’t much, but keep this page bookmarked. We’ll keep it updated with all of the latest news!

Filming might start in summer 2024

An official production timeline for Bridgerton season 4 hasn’t been announced by Netflix as of the release of Bridgerton season 3 part 2 in June, but rumors began swirling back in April that season 4 would kick off production in June.

Film Updates, a popular movie and television update account on social media, posted on April 25 that filming begins in June. It’s worth noting that the account didn’t provide a source for this bit of news, but it’s definitely in line with predictions.

On April 22, Refinery29 shared a story featuring quotes from showrunner Jess Brownell at an Australian premiere event for season 3. The outlet asked the Bridgerton boss who season 4 would be centered on (more on that later), but she also gave a bit of an update on where they are in the writing and production process. “We are in the middle of writing it right now,” she said.

During the season 3 part 2 premiere in June, Brownell spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about season 4 and revealed that the fourth season likely won’t be released until 2026. The showrunner said that though they are trying to release the seasons more quickly, the show will probably stick to its pacing of a season dropping every two years. So, it’s going to be a bit of a wait.

Here’s what the showrunner told the publication:

“We are working to try and put the seasons out more quickly, but they do take eight months to film and then they have to be edited, and then they have to be dubbed into every language. And the writing takes a very long time as well, so we’re kind of on a two-year pace, we’re trying to speed up but somewhere in that range.”

If filming doesn’t end up beginning sometime in June as rumored, production likely wouldn’t begin until later this year, which would bring the filming process into 2025. With post-production time included, we’re looking at season 4 being released sometime in 2026, hopefully sooner (in the first couple months of the year) rather the later (in summer or fall).

The lead isn’t being revealed yet

Prior to the release of season 3 part 2, no one has given away who the lead of Bridgerton season 4 will be. Shonda Rhimes has vowed not to announce whose story the next season will tell ahead of time, since doing so for season 3 ruffled a few feathers. On the red carpet of the season 3 premiere, Claudia Jessie responded to questions about whether she could be the lead of season 4 as Eloise, but the actress said she didn’t know who’s leading season 4.

In spite of the secrecy revolving aroung the subject of season 4, Rhimes and Brownell have both said they know how will be the season’s lead. Brownell told Refinery29, “I can tell you thatI know who it’s gonna be,” putting extra emphasis on the fact that she knows who it is but will not spill the beans. Rhimes, too, confessed to having planned the seasons up until the sixth or seventh, just so the creative team has a vision and a plan for the series moving forward. (Netflix has not officially renewed Bridgerton beyond season 4 as of this writing.)

Obviously, Eloise could be in the running for the protagonist of season 4, though Benedict (Luke Thompson) could also be up next since his story was skipped in order to tell Colin and Penelope’s sooner. After watching season 3 part 1, fans will also notice Francesca (Hannah Dodd) getting into the society mix, meaning her story could be coming soon, too. Unfortunately, we’ll have to remain patient until the powers that be make the exciting season 4 lead announcement.

Season 3 part 2 ending spoilers

While the Bridgerton season 3 finale doesn’t reveal who will lead season 4, the episode does drop a few hints regarding the contenders. Francesca marries Lord Kilmartin and plans a move to Scotland with her new husband and Eloise, who’s tagging along to see more of the world. John’s cousin Michaela Stirling will also be joining them, which introduces a queer storyline for Francesca.

Meanwhile, Benedict explored his pansexuality in season 3, engaging in a threesome with Tilley and Paul. When Tilley suggests having an actual one-on-one relationship with Benedict, he turns her down and insists he’s not looking for anything serious… or is he?

The final part of season 3 also revealed that Anthony and Kate are expecting a baby, and they travel to India to welcome their child amongst Kate’s family. Colin and Penelope, too, have a child, a son who becomes the new Featherington heir. Penelope maintains her Lady Whistledown column, though the ton now knows who’s behind the words. Both of these couples will expectedly take a backseat to the season 4 leads, though they will surely have new developments and storylines as well.