Could Bridgerton Season 4 Be About Eloise?

I think the short answer to this is: yes. It could be.

Here's the longer answer. I lay the odds between her and Benedict at 50/50 for Season 4, which a few months ago, I honestly never thought I’d say. But as I dug more into it, both in the world of Bridgerton and with the wider world of the show, production concerns, and other external factors, I realized there was a lot going on. There are several points in both pro and con categories for both siblings, so I wanted to outline them here.

Let's start with Benedict, who I think is the default front-runner.

Pro-his book is third and already pushed back. Continuing to push it back is a bigger and bigger choice, and considering some of the fandom is already upset and perceives his story as being "skipped" or less valued, that could increase.

Con-he's less developed and it seems like the writing staff is still trying to figure out who show Benedict is. An artistic playboy? The comic relief? The prince charming in a Cinderella story? He's being pulled a lot of directions, and what comes next will definitely hinge on Season 3.

Pro-Luke has age and gravitas on his side. He's the older sibling, and it makes sense for him to settle down. Moreover, I think Luke T could helm a season beautifully.

Con-they might want to save a Bridgerton brother to keep hype up. It is possible they think interest will wane once ABC Bridgerton are all married off.

Pro-his book is beloved.

Con-his book is problematic.

Pro-he seems like the only other person who is actually could get ready for marriage in the span of a season. Frannie hasn't been developed enough and Eloise is against it (more on that later).

Con-if we don't get renewed for a fifth season (don't panic, I think we will), his story is easier to lose than Eloise's (more on her later too) because he hasn't been all that set up. He's not out there pining for love or declaring himself madly against it. Instead, he's in this liminal space where he could, or could not.

Now let's talk Eloise.

Pro-she's been extremely well developed and stands to only have more in season 3 with her best friend as the lead and their huge rift an immense catalyst for the plot.

Con-she's still super young. Eloise will be around nineteen in season 3, and while that works for some characters like Daphne or Penelope, it just doesn't seem to with Eloise.

Pro-she's a fan favorite. People love and identify with Eloise. She's the audience insert character for feminist ideas.

Con-because so much of her character is predicated on being anti marriage and offering that kind of representation, marrying her off could feel disingenuous at best, and straight up offensive at worst.

Pro-Bridgerton really likes to make characters eat their words. Anthony's declaration not to fall in love, Colin swearing he'd never court Penelope, and, perhaps, Eloise saying she won't marry.

Con-trying to adapt her book story will have so much to do if they stick to it. SPOILERS, but Marina will have to die, time will have to pass, she'll have to write to Phillip. Even if they change the circumstances, it's not going to be easy. And a gosh darn lot of that book is problematic too.

Pro-Eloise's story would be a great place to end if they don't get renewed for a fifth season, and finishing the show without it could feel odd as she's one of the closest things we have to a main character.

Con-if they do get renewed for five, Eloise's story would be a great way to keep interest and numbers up.

So I don't know if I've convinced myself or anyone else that one or the other will happen. But all I have to say is that a few months ago, I believed it was Benedict 100%, and now I'm not so sure. I explored the arguments, thought through things, and now I just wonder. I think the third season will probably clue us in pretty clearly, so I'm excited to see how that unfolds. Regardless, I'll be watching!