Are Anthony And Kate In The New Episodes?

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton on season three, episode five of “Bridgerton.”

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Warning: Spoilers ahead for season four, part one of Bridgerton.

Bridgerton is back for season four, but two fan-favorite characters have yet to make their returns.

Season four, part one of the Netflix drama series debuted on Thursday, kicking off the Cinderella-inspired love story between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), the second-oldest son of the titular family, and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a resourceful maid.

The season opens with the pair meeting each other for the first time at a masquerade ball hosted by Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). Benedict is immediately fascinated by Sophie, but when the clock strikes midnight and interrupts them, she quickly leaves before he can learn her name or any identifying details. As the season progresses, Benedict searches the ton for the Lady in Silver to no avail, while also forming a connection with Sophie after a chance encounter in the countryside one night.

The four episodes feature lots of returning cast members and new faces, but fans of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley), the viscount and viscountess, will be disheartened to learn that the couple doesn’t make an appearance in part one.

Anthony And Kate Aren’t In Part 1, But Other Characters Reference Them

As a refresher, Anthony and Kate returned in season three, where they revealed that Kate was pregnant with the couple’s first child. During episode seven, they agreed to leave for India and have their baby there.

Anthony and Kate’s whereabouts are alluded to in the opening minutes of the season four premiere, as the Bridgerton family gushes over Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) baby boy, Elliott.

“They’re sweet as long as you are not the one who has to look after them and mind their cries,” Mrs. Wilson (Geraldine Alexander) whispers to two staff members. “I, for one, am glad the vicountess had her baby in India.”

“I cannot wait to meet the little heir when they return,” a maid replies.

Anthony is also mentioned when Benedict reviews the family finances with his valet, Hatch (Esh Alladi), in the viscount’s absence.

Later in the season premiere, Anthony and Kate are mentioned when Lady Penwood (Katie Leung) introduces her daughters to Violet and asks how her kids are doing.

“Oh, very well, thank you,” Violet says. “Anthony is off in India with his bride…”

Jonathan Bailey And Simone Ashley Are Confirmed To Be In Season 4

In past installments of Bridgerton, the leading couples have taken on a less prominent (or, in some cases, nonexistent) role in the series after their focal seasons end. However, both Bailey and Ashley, who got the spotlight during season two, have expressed their desire to continue being part of the series.

Bailey and Ashley are both listed as confirmed cast members for season four on Tudum, Netflix’s editorial site. And at a previous virtual event in February 2025, Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell said that season four will show fans “more of their marital bliss” and their baby.

Viewers got their first glimpse of Bailey back on set as Anthony (and sporting facial hair) in a season four behind-the-scenes video posted in February 2025.

Since Bailey and Ashley didn’t show up in part one, it means fans will have to wait until part two to see Kanthony together again.

Bridgerton season four, part one is now streaming on Netflix. Part two debuts on Thursday, February 26.