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Among the Netflix library, Bridgerton remains one of their most reliable hits. Turns out that putting a bunch of sexy people in period dress and having them act out scandalous storylines is a great way to engage viewers - something they probably picked up from Downton Abbey. But fans of the original Julia Quinn books might have been surprised when Bridgerton Season 3 was not an adaptation of Bridgerton Book 3. The reason is simply that Netflix wanted to let Benedict and Sophie's romance plot develop a bit more before they brought it to life.

Why did Netflix skip the third Bridgerton book?

Eagle-eyed romance readers will know that, while Netflix's season 3 will focus on Penelope and Colin, Bridgerton book 3 was not. Book 3 was, in fact, about Benedict.

As for why they skipped ahead, showrunner Jess Brownell had a fairly straightforward answer. "We've spent two seasons really getting to know Penn and Colin," she said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "We've been watching Penn's crush and seeing how oblivious Colin is to it. That's a dynamic that you can only play out for so long before something has to change. This really felt like the right time to lean into what's been set up with them. On the Benedict side, he's such a fun character and such a fan favorite that we are really excited to play with him for a little bit more and let him have more fun before he settles down."

The good news is that we are getting the Benedict storyline we've been craving. Bridgerton Season 4 is all about Benedict and Sophie's relationship, which is coming in two parts in 2026. Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 lands on Netflix on January 29, 2026 and Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 will arrive on February 26, 2026.

Whether its the bane of your existence or the object of all your desires (or both), Bridgerton is back. Read all our spoiler-y thoughts on Bridgerton season 3 here, and then delight at a guide to how to watch all of Bridgerton (and the spinoff), how to read the Bridgerton books (all 16 of them!), an our exclusive interview with the show's costume designer John Glaser, as well as some recommended reads for all Bridgerton fans.