Let’s be real: we didn’t just miss Luke Thompson. We missed Benedict Bridgerton—the yearning, art-loving, rule-bending sibling who has always felt just a little more interesting than the rest.
Season 4 doesn’t ease us back in. It dives straight into why Benedict remains the most quietly radical Bridgerton of them all—and why queer fans have been riding for him since day one.
RELATED: From Fluidity to Bisexual Panic: ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Brings Queer Drama
Benedict Bridgerton Is Still the Most Curious Man in the Room
Within the first episode of Season 4, Benedict shares a flirtatious look that turns into an embrace… and then a kiss with another man who suggests a bit of quick fun. It’s playful, intimate, and refreshingly unbothered by shame or secrecy.
Fans have long loved Benedict because of how openly he explores desire despite the suffocating societal standards of the Regency era. While his siblings chase traditional love stories, Benedict keeps asking why the rules exist in the first place—and whether they’re even worth following.
Luke Thompson has been clear about how he views Benedict’s sexuality. In an interview with Bustle, he described the character as pansexual, explaining that Benedict is attracted to the way someone thinks and feels, regardless of gender. That framing feels important. It makes Benedict less about labels and more about connection, curiosity, and emotional pull.
Luke Thompson Makes Queerness Feel Effortless
A huge reason Benedict’s queerness works so well is Luke Thompson himself. His performance never feels forced or sensationalized. There’s an ease to the way he flirts, a gentleness to how he desires, and a vulnerability that keeps Benedict grounded rather than shocking-for-shock’s-sake. And it doesn’t hurt to see him looking better and sexier with each season; just look at his lake scene in the latest season!
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in ‘BRIDGERTON’ season 4 pic.twitter.com/bFXY5huhuw
— MEN (@MENin4K) January 29, 2026
Thompson brings a quiet confidence that lets moments breathe. He doesn’t play Benedict like a man rebelling loudly—he plays him like someone who simply refuses to lie to himself. And honestly? That hits harder.
The Accent, the French, and the Internet Meltdown
If you somehow missed it, a clip of Luke Thompson speaking French recently made the rounds online—and yes, the internet lost its collective mind. Fluent, confident, and somehow still bashful, Thompson reminded everyone that he was raised in France from the age of two.
Born in Southampton and brought up in France, Thompson grew up bilingual and carries that soft European charm that feels unfairly attractive. Fun fact for those keeping score: his grandmother is Indian English, making him a quarter Indian—a detail fans were thrilled to learn more about.
@netflixfr Paris accueille LA CHRONIQUE DES BRIDGERTON le temps d’une avant-première mondiale le 14 janvier ✨ Des places sont à remporter en bio pour découvrir le premier épisode ! #onregardequoi #bridgerton bridgerton4 #netflixseries #avantpremiere
From Theatre Darling to Queer Pop Culture Fixture
Long before Bridgerton turned him into a global crush, Thompson built a serious career on stage. His work in theatre—especially his acclaimed performance in A Little Life—earned him major awards buzz and an Olivier Award nomination. The man has range, depth, and emotional stamina for days.
But Bridgerton gave him something else entirely: visibility. Benedict has become one of the most meaningful queer-coded characters in mainstream period television, offering representation that feels natural instead of tokenized. For LGBTQ+ viewers, seeing desire exist so freely in a historical setting feels quietly revolutionary.
@blaiirfx the best diamond… | #edit #volume2 #fyp #viral #xyzcba #fmcc #filmoratutorial #filmora #edits #benedictbridgerton #benedictbridgertonedit #bridgertonseason4 #bridgertonedit @filmora.editor BRIDGERTON SEASON 4 EDIT PART 1 BENEDICT BRIDGERTON EDIT
Chronically Offline and Somehow Hotter for It
If you’re hoping to follow Luke Thompson on Instagram… don’t. He doesn’t have one. No TikTok. No sneaky finsta (apparently). The man is intentionally offline, to the point where he reportedly didn’t know what “ISTG” (I Swear to God) meant.
luke thompson not knowing how to say “istg” and yerin losing it at his attempt oh he really is so chronically offline lmaoo 😭 pic.twitter.com/zOY6cUmTSs
— thais 🤍 benophie 🪁 (@benophiebase) January 29, 2026
In a world of constant celebrity access, his absence feels refreshing—and yes, maddening. Fans are left relying on interviews, red carpet sightings, and increasingly unhinged fan edits. Honestly? That scarcity only adds to the appeal.
Why Benedict Matters Right Now
With Part 1 of Bridgerton Season 4 now streaming and Part 2 arriving February 26, Benedict finally steps fully into the spotlight. The longing is stronger, the stakes feel higher, and the queerness is no longer subtext—it’s text.
@woodsedit it’s his season . . . #benedictbridgerton #bridgertonedit #bridgerton #lukethompson . . . BENEDICT BRIGERTON EDIT, LUKE THOMPSON EDIT, BRIDGERTON SEASON 4, BRIDERTON EDIT
Benedict Bridgerton isn’t just another pretty face in a corseted world. He’s proof that even in the most rigid of eras, desire finds a way. And Luke Thompson, with his softness, restraint, and quiet confidence, makes that journey feel deeply human.
So yes, let’s get to know Luke Thompson again. We know you’re thirsty—but this time, there’s substance behind the swoon.
REFERENCE: Bustle