All the latest gossip from the Bridgerton season 4 Paris premiere

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Bridgerton cast, producers, writers, and fans all joined together at the esteemed Palais Brongniart in Paris — and what a magical evening it was! The masquerade-themed event was hosted by British TV host Clara Amfo and French radio personality Karima Charni. The most special part of the evening was that fans who couldn’t make the event in-person were able to tune in via an exclusive live stream from the Tudum website.

While the cast graced the red carpet with stunning gowns, tuxes, and flawless hair and makeup, in-person attendees engaged in audience questions, predictions, and just the right amount of swooning over their favorite Bridgerton characters.

We also got to enjoy a special ballet performance by French dancers, Guillaume Diop and Léonore Baulacon — one which has fans eager for more "Season of Love" balls in the coming episodes.

[Caution: this post contains SPOILERS about the Bridgerton season 4 episode 1 premiere].

Classical covers from Bridgerton season 4 episode 1

One way that the Bridgerton producers put a modern spin on this period romance franchise is by using classical covers of popular pop music. Former seasons have seen covers from artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, BTS, Madonna, Maroon 5, and Ariana Grande. In case you missed the premiere episode, Netflix released the first three feature covers of season 4 in a post on X (below).  

These song choices are perfect for kicking off the love story between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek. After several seasons "on the market," Benedict has no hope for finding a partner with whom he feels a deep connection. He remarks in episode 1 that the women of the ‘ton are too shallow for him, too privileged; though he doesn’t let this stop him from various flings. 

Sophie, on the other hand, knows her "place" in society. She plays the role of a maid or servant, but she’s paid crumbs by her cruel stepmother. She is also unaware that her stepmother has kept her dowry from her, which would make her much more acceptable for Benedict to marry. This is why Sophie must keep her identity from Benedict when they meet at the first ball of the season on Bridgerton season 4 episode 1.

Sparks fly in the Bridgerton season 4 premiere

During the Paris Bridgerton premiere, fans and live stream attendees joined the cast in watching the very first episode of the season, two weeks ahead of when the series drops on Netflix. As I tried to suppress my critical eye for seeing how closely the show would follow the book, I felt very pleased with how the season begins.

Lady Bridgerton, also known as Violet, comes in fierce by not cutting Benedict any slack for his bachelor shenanigans. Fans see that Violet’s patience has run thin with Benedict’s avoidance of his responsibility to marry. There is a good bit of social and aristocratic pressure that goes along with her desperation to keep the Bridgerton family name respected and beloved within the ‘ton.

Violet storms in while Benedict is with a mistress and demands his timeliness to the first ball of the season, which would normally be hosted by Lady Danbury. We find out later in the episode why Lady Danbury passed the torch to Violet. Benedict complies, but not quite with the timeliness Violet had hoped. 

Queen Charlotte makes her grand appearance at the ball (tall hair and all), seeking the diamond of the season as per usual. It’s every young woman’s dream in the ‘ton to be selected as the season’s diamond, because it almost guarantees a dramatic increase in suitors. There is one woman who could care less about being chosen, and that’s Eloise Bridgerton! She announces to her best friend, Penelope, that she has decided to be a spinster, vowing to never marry. 

It doesn’t take the Queen very long to dismiss the women in attendance, and she shifts her focus instead to selecting the most eligible bachelor. She confers with Penelope and demands her to deliver juicy gossip that might help her select the most eligible bachelor of the season. Somehow the Queen’s gaze lands on Benedict, and her mind is set that he should be the given the title. Penelope hastily shares her disapproval, naming him in fact as the least likely to marry in the entire ‘ton. Unfortunately, this doesn’t convince the Queen. 

Finally, the moment comes where Benedict spots Sophie at the ball. He notices that he has never noticed her before, and that she seems in awe about the whole experience. She stands still, elegant and smiling, gazing admiringly at the ballroom chandelier. She seems to be in her own world until Benedict invites himself in… and that, ‘dearest gentle readers’, is where I will leave the suspense. Let the love at first waltz begin!

Are there clues to the Francesca/Michaela romance?

On Bridgerton season 3, Francesca’s marriage to John Sterling is quick and relatively quiet. The Bridgerton season 4 premiere gives fans a quick check-in with how the couple is doing. Already, we see that Francesca is agreeable, but pensive. She’s hoping to have more time in Scotland with John, but there’s one problem: they’ve been living with members of both of their families, including John's cousin Michaela.

In the episode, John says that he notices Francesca and Michaela have kept their distance at their home in Scotland, so he feels that Francesca may be displeased with their living arrangements. If you’ve read the books, you know there’s more to the story! TV Insider reported, in an interview with Hannah Dodd, that, Francesca isn’t totally aware of her feelings upon meeting Michaela in Bridgerton season 3, but she knows that it’s different than the feelings she has for John. 

Dodd comments that Francesca’s focus in season 4 is still very much on her husband, John, including thoughts of a growing family. It is likely that as their story evolves, and hints about John’s death begin, we will get more context on Francesca and Michaela’s growing attraction. We’re still two books away from Francesca’s story, but the suspense is already growing in season 4!

Where to catch Luke Thompson after Bridgerton season 4

As the Bridgerton franchise fandom increases, viewers will be on the lookout for the cherished cast in other roles. So far, we know from the Daily Record, that Luke Thompson is currently in production for a movie role honoring the life and tragic death of Scottish actor, Ian Charleson. The film title is Elsinore and is expected to release this year.

Bridgerton season 4 vol. 1 premieres on Thursday, Jan. 29 on Netflix.