Bridgerton fans are officially in a frenzy after Netflix dropped its first tantalizing glimpse of Season 4 — and eagle-eyed viewers instantly spotted Nicola Coughlan’s long-awaited return. The fan-favorite actress, unforgettable as Penelope Featherington, appeared for just a fleeting second, but that was all it took to ignite social media chaos. Within minutes, timelines overflowed with heart emojis, wild theories, and pure excitement. Coughlan’s comeback signals that the world of Bridgerton — with all its romance, rivalries, and glittering scandal — is far from finished. For the devoted ton, this isn’t just a teaser. It’s a promise of passion renewed, secrets reborn, and love stories yet to unfold.

Fans delighted to spot Nicola Coughlan in sneak peak of Netflix’s S4 of Bridgerton

Fans were left in meltdown

Eloise and Penelope Bridgerton will be back on good terms in season 4(Image: NETFLIX)

Bridgerton enthusiasts have been thrown into complete chaos after Netflix dropped the bombshell release date announcement, following previous fan heartbreak over earlier news and producer Shonda Rhimes hinting at the show’s trajectory.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the official Bridgerton profile unveiled a striking poster from the highly-anticipated fourth season. Accompanying the image, a message declared: “One thing is certain, gentle readers, a masquerade is like no other event. “Prepare yourselves, for anything can happen. Bridgerton Season 4 shall debut in 2026.”

Countless supporters flocked to social platforms to voice their reactions to the revelation. The news comes as Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan to star in new series alongside Peaky Blinders star.

One individual wrote: “Is that January or December 2026? Kind of a massive difference” and included a GIF of Eloise Bridgerton (portrayed by Claudia Jessie) demanding in season one to “make haste”, reports the Mirror.

Sophie Baek will take the lead in Bridgerton season 4(Image: NETFLIX)

The Bridgerton profile replied: “Patience, my dear. All will be revealed when this author declares it so.”

Another enthusiast questioned: “Can we do a Colin Bridgerton and bribe you to know the exact date?”.

A third exclaimed: “ADMIN I NEED YOU TO BE MORE SPECIFIC” while a fourth observed: “Admin it’s my birthday I think that legally means you have to tell me the date.”

Additional viewers expressed pure enthusiasm for the upcoming season as one declared: “Sophie Baek you will steal the hearts of many.”

Another person remarked: “Gonna see Pen and Colin in their happily married life…. with a baby. Oh good Lord.”

A third posted on Instagram: “I am very excited for this!” Bridgerton’s season premieres have been inconsistent, with the first season launching on Christmas Day 2020 and the second one making its debut on March 25, 2022.

Benedict Bridgerton will only have eyes for the woman in silver(Image: NETFLIX)

The latest third season was divided into two parts, with the initial half airing on May 16, 2024, and the final part on June 13, 2024.

As a result, it’s unclear when the fourth season will be released, but considering Netflix’s growing habit of breaking up its most popular series to keep subscriptions, it’s probable that the new season will be broadcast in segments.

Before the poster was unveiled, Bridgerton enthusiasts got a sneak peek at some behind-the-scenes footage from the fourth season on Valentine’s Day this year.

There were numerous scenes from the pivotal masquerade ball, featuring members of the Ton in full costume, including Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) and Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell).

Additionally, in May, fans got a glimpse of a scene where Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) sees Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) for the first time and is immediately captivated by the mysterious lady in silver.

In the video, all the eligible ladies were eyeing Benedict as he strolled through the ball.

However, his attention was solely on Sophie as she admired the stunning chandelier at the lavish event.

Sophie was then asked to dance by a gentleman, leaving Benedict worried that he might lose her after just seeing her for the first time.