Bridgerton season 4 sees Benedict Bridgerton attempting to uncover the identity of a mystery woman.

A man in smart dress slumps back in an armchair
Benedict Bridgerton is looking for a mystery woman in season 4 (Image: NETFLIX)

Bridgerton fans are bursting with excitement as the fourth season is just around the corner, with the first four episodes dropping on January 29. The upcoming season is based on Julia Quinn’s novel, An Offer from a Gentleman, and it puts Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson) in the spotlight.

In the Cinderella-esque love story, Benedict is taken aback by a mysterious woman who turns up at his mother’s famed masquerade ball. He is fascinated by the fact that she is not accustomed to such grand events and is intrigued by her intellect.

Benedict and the mystery woman share a fleeting romantic moment before she is forced to flee the ball at midnight. Desperate to track her down, Benedict calls on all sorts of friends and acquaintances, to no avail.

Little does he know, the mystery woman in silver is in fact a maid called Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), who disguised herself so she could fulfil her dream of being a member of high society. Viewers will have to wait and see whether Benedict manages to discover the truth about her background.

With viewers keen to find out when they will have access to the new episodes, here is all you need to know about what time Bridgerton season four drops.

A woman in a blue dress looks sad as she clutches a necklace
Sophie Baek is a maid in disguise in Bridgerton season 4 (Image: NETFLIX)

What is the Bridgerton season 4 release time?

The fourth season of Bridgerton is split into two parts, both comprising four hour-long episodes. The first four episodes are dropping on January 29, while the second batch will drop on February 26.

As for what time the episodes will drop, Netflix usually releases new episodes at midnight in the US and 8am in the UK. With this in mind, the first four episodes will be available to watch from 8am on Thursday.

Frustratingly, there will then be a month-long wait for the final four episodes, which will also drop at the same time of 8am. Bridgerton is a Netflix exclusive, so right now, there is no other way to watch the series.

While season four focuses on Benedict and Sophie’s story, many of the other main characters have important storylines, including Hannah Dodd’s character, Francesca Bridgerton. Francesca had an intimate wedding with Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli) at the end of the previous season.

A man and woman admire something in the distance
Francesca and John’s storyline is an important part of season 4 (Image: NETFLIX)

However, it was clear there was a spark between her and John’s cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza), who makes a surprise return in the upcoming season. Actress Dodd told Radio Times: “What can I say? I think Michaela is a character that challenges Francesca, whereas John is a character that makes space for Francesca.

“They’re both really important for Francesca to move forward. I think Francesca is very inhibited by rules of society and rules she puts on herself and expectations she puts on herself.”

She admitted there was a “confronting feeling” for Francesca, which will pose as a “challenge” for the Bridgerton sibling in the upcoming episodes. Season four also welcomes some new faces, including Harry Potter actress Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun.

Lady Gun is an evil stepmother–type figure, who’s hoping Benedict will marry one of her own daughters, Rosamund (Michelle Mao) and Posy (Isabella Wei), who are also making their debuts this season. Actress Yerin Ha is also one of the new members of the cast, with Bridgerton marking her biggest screen role to date.

The Australian Korean actress does have some impressive credits to her name, starring in HBO’s Dune: Prophecy and Netflix’s The Survivors.

Bridgerton season 4, part 1 airs on Netflix on January 29, part 2 airs on February 26