bridgeton Season 4 Part 1 aired on Netflix on January 29. The new series shifted the focus to Benedict Bridgerton’s love life, but fans quickly noticed that two well-known characters were missing. Married couple Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, played by Jonathan Bailey and Simon Ashley, did not appear in the first half of season four.

The news sparked a lot of speculation among viewers, especially since the pair had a major impact on storylines in previous seasons of Bridgerton.

Anthony and Kate (played by Jonathan Bailey and Simon Ashley) are absent bridgeton The first part of season 4 saw them go to India to welcome their baby, but they are sure to return in part two.

Why no Kate and Anthony? bridgeton Season 4 Part 1?

The roots of Anthony and Kate’s absence date back to season three, when the couple first found out they were having a baby. Anthony suggested visiting Kate’s hometown in India so their children could connect with both sides of the family.

The idea became a reality bridgeton Season 4 Part 1. The Season 1 opener revealed that the newlyweds had moved to India to have their baby. Their off-screen story is told through household staff such as Celia, Mrs Wilson and John Footman, who talk about the birth of the young heir, so that even when the couple are outside of London society they are gently informed.

When Bailey and Ashley didn’t appear in the Season 4 trailer, fans became concerned about the cast’s absence. The answer to these concerns came in February 2025 when the cast confirmed at a Bridgerton fan event that both actors would appear in the second half of the season.

Showrunner Jesse Brownell explained that shipping the couple overseas was a smart storyline decision because it gave the show time and space to accommodate the cast’s availability without leaving viewers wondering what happened to them.

Furthermore, Brownell emphasized that the move to India was not a permanent change, but rather a temporary plot device that allowed the writers to keep options open for future appearances. “I’ve said many times that Anthony and Kate will be back with their children in the subsequent chapters of Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1,” she said.

Read more: Beatles biopic reveals first look at four main actors playing legendary musicians

For more details please see bridgeton Season 4 Part 1

Since Anthony and Kate are temporarily out of the picture, bridgeton The first part of Season 4 shifts the focus to another brother: Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. The new season follows Benedict’s hesitant steps towards love, ignited by a mysterious encounter with the so-called Lady in Silver at a masquerade ball.

It was later revealed that the masked lady was Sophie Baek, played by Ha Ye-rin. Sophie is a smart maid who serves under the strict Madame Araminta, played by Katie Leung. While Benedict is searching for a woman in high society who will fascinate him, he has no idea that Sophie and the Lady in Silver are one and the same.

The season unfolds Benedict’s dilemma as he tries to understand his love for Sophie and the idea of ​​a masked woman, while Sophie finds her way through social status and self-identity.

Claudia Jessie’s Eloise Bridgerton lends a helping hand to Benedict’s quest, bringing another dimension to the series’ iconic sibling relationship.

bridgeton Season 4 Part 1 was inspired by a fairy tale, A Gentleman’s Proposal, the third Bridgerton novel by Julia Quinn.

The series also focuses on the themes of social class and emotional growth. Sophie is portrayed as a tough and smart girl who tears the world apart with her eyes and a bit of fear, but still has hope in her heart.

In addition to its central love story, Bridgerton Season 4 extrapolates the universe of the original series with additional characters, both returning and new, and epic locations.

Read more: Apple acquires film and TV rights to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive series

bridgeton Season 4 Part 2 will be released on February 26, 2026 and will continue the story of Benedict and Sophie and bring back Anthony and Kate.