Author Julia Quinn Reveals the ‘Bridgerton’ Series Could Break the Book Sequence Again (Picture Credit – Roberto Filho)
Julia Quinn, author of the original book series, spoke with US Weekly about the franchise inspired by her novels and what lies ahead. While there’s no official word yet on what’s coming after the end of ‘Bridgerton‘ Season 4, Quinn revealed that “I know who is scheduled next.” The series has already been renewed for both a fifth and sixth season ahead of Season 4’s premiere, which is officially set for 2026. Season 4 will centre around Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), bringing a Cinderella-like storyline to the screen.
With the renewal news, fans are speculating based on the original book order that Seasons 5 and 6 will spotlight Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) and Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), respectively. However, Quinn says, “It could always change, like, [the order] has changed in the past.” For instance, Season 3 and Season 4 were reversed from the book sequence, with Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) taking the lead in Season 3, even though their story is in book four, ‘Romancing Mister Bridgerton’. Now, the plot of book three, ‘An Offer From a Gentleman’, will be the focus of Season 4 with Benedict and Sophie.
This fluidity in adaptation has kept fans on their toes and added an exciting unpredictability to the beloved series. While book loyalists may have expected a strict one-book-per-season format, the showrunners’ decisions to shift timelines have allowed for deeper character development and stronger arcs. It also helps weave in new characters and subplots that weren’t as prominent in the original novels, but enrich the show’s broader world.
Benedict Bridgerton’s story is one that fans have long anticipated. As the second eldest Bridgerton sibling, Benedict has often been shown as playful, artistic, and slightly aloof. Season 4 promises to bring a more emotionally layered portrayal of his journey as he falls for Sophie, a woman far below his social station. With its themes of class divide, mistaken identity, and forbidden love, ‘An Offer From a Gentleman’ is one of the most fairytale-esque stories in the series—a stark contrast from the more socially grounded romance of Season 3.
Meanwhile, speculation around Seasons 5 and 6 continues to grow. Eloise Bridgerton, a fan favourite known for her wit, independence, and resistance to traditional gender roles, would undoubtedly bring a fresh and modern energy if her book were adapted next. Francesca, on the other hand, offers one of the most emotionally complex and mature love stories in the series. Her journey through loss, love, and second chances would mark a tonal shift, providing space for quieter, more introspective storytelling.
As anticipation builds, it’s clear that ‘Bridgerton’ isn’t just retelling love stories—it’s reimagining how each sibling’s path to love can reflect deeper themes of identity, agency, and transformation. Whether the show sticks to the book order or not, fans can rest assured that every season will bring heart, heat, and just enough drama to keep the ton talking.