Jonathan Bailey is officially returning to Bridgerton Season 4, confirming what fans have been hoping for since the eldest Bridgerton sibling sailed off to India with his wife at the end of Season 3. While the upcoming season shifts its spotlight to Benedict Bridgerton’s romantic journey, Bailey has made it clear that Anthony will continue to play a role in the family drama, and he’s fully committed to being there for the long haul.
Anthony’s Confirmed Return Across Future Seasons
Bailey addressed speculation about his involvement in the series during interviews throughout 2024 and 2025, assuring fans that he has no intention of stepping away from the Bridgerton world. Speaking to Good Morning America in August 2024, he confirmed his participation in Season 4, saying he plans to support the younger Bridgerton siblings as the show continues to explore their stories.
His commitment extends beyond just Season 4. With Netflix already renewing Bridgerton through Season 6, Bailey has expressed enthusiasm about remaining part of the ensemble cast even as his character’s storyline takes a backseat to other family members. In conversations with The Hollywood Reporter, he acknowledged that there may be seasons where scheduling conflicts or narrative focus reduce his screen time, but emphasized his determination to make it work for as long as possible.
Showrunner Jess Brownell has echoed this sentiment, confirming to Teen Vogue that both Bailey and Simone Ashley, who plays Kate Sharma, will return in future seasons whenever the production can accommodate their schedules. Brownell stated that the creative team loves working with both actors and intends to bring them back as much as possible.
A New Role: The Supportive Older Brother
Season 4 marks a shift in how Anthony functions within the narrative. Rather than being the central romantic figure as he was in Season 2, he now steps into the role of the eldest Bridgerton sibling navigating family responsibilities while supporting his younger brother Benedict’s journey.
Bailey has expressed genuine excitement about this transition. Speaking to Good Morning America, he described the appeal of playing the protective older brother who guides the family through new challenges. This dynamic will be particularly significant in Season 4, as Benedict faces pressure from their mother, Violet, to settle down and find a match.
The actor has also teased that the first episode of Season 4 will be “phenomenal,” hinting at memorable moments that will set the tone for the season. While details remain under wraps, his enthusiasm suggests that even in a supporting capacity, Anthony’s presence will carry weight.
What Happened to Anthony and Kate in Season 3
Season 3 saw Anthony and Kate preparing to leave for India ahead of the birth of their child, a storyline that reduced their screen time compared to previous seasons. Their departure raised questions among fans about whether the couple would continue to appear in the series, especially given the show’s pattern of shifting focus to different Bridgerton siblings each season.
However, both Bailey and Ashley have confirmed their ongoing involvement. Ashley told Glamour in October 2024 that she is returning and that the production has been accommodating in working around her schedule. She expressed her love for the show and eagerness to remain part of it for as long as possible.
Season 4 Focus: Benedict’s Story
While Anthony will appear in Season 4, the narrative centers on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and his romance with Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha. The season adapts Julia Quinn’s third book, An Offer From a Gentleman, and follows a classic Cinderella-inspired storyline.
Benedict meets Sophie at a masquerade ball hosted by Violet Bridgerton, where she attends in disguise. After a captivating encounter, Benedict becomes determined to find the mysterious woman, unaware that she is actually a maid working in the household of Lady Araminta Gun. The season explores how their connection develops despite the social barriers between them.
Release Schedule
Bridgerton Season 4 will premiere in two parts, with the first four episodes dropping on January 29, 2026, and the second batch arriving on February 26, 2026. This split release mirrors the strategy used for Season 3, allowing Netflix to extend viewer engagement across multiple weeks.
With Bailey’s commitment to the series confirmed and his character positioned to play a meaningful supporting role, fans can expect Anthony Bridgerton to remain a fixture in the ton’s ongoing drama. His transition from romantic lead to ensemble player reflects the show’s evolving structure as it continues to explore the lives and loves of the entire Bridgerton family across multiple seasons.
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