‘Bridgerton’ Showrunner Jess Brownell Breaks Down Season 4, Part 2 Key Moments

Forbes Business

by Olivia Singh, Contributor

February 26, 2026

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Bridgerton’s season four, part two delivered a mix of emotional highs and lows, with key moments that left fans reeling. Showrunner Jess Brownell recently broke down these pivotal scenes, including the respectful portrayal of John Stirling’s death, which was handled with care to avoid sensationalizing the loss of a Black male character. The season also explored the evolving dynamic between Francesca Stirling and her cousin Michaela, setting up potential romantic storylines for future episodes. Additionally, Anthony and Kate Bridgerton’s return marked a new chapter in their journey as parents, hinting at deeper involvement in upcoming seasons. One of the most notable aspects of the season was the sensitive handling of John Stirling’s death. The show chose not to depict his body on screen, opting instead for a focus on the emotional impact of his passing. Brownell emphasized the importance of respecting Black male characters and avoiding stereotypes often associated with their portrayals in media. This approach highlights the show’s commitment to diversity and thoughtful storytelling, ensuring that such moments are handled with the reverence they deserve. The relationship between Francesca Stirling and her cousin Michaela was another key focus. While initially at odds due to their contrasting personalities, they eventually formed a bond, with Michaela offering Francesca a new perspective on life after John’s death. This dynamic aligns with themes explored in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, where Francesca ultimately finds love again with Michael (a gender-swapped version of whom appears as Michaela in the series). Brownell praised this pairing as an excellent example of “opposites attract” storytelling, allowing both characters to grow and connect on a deeper level. From a business perspective, these narrative choices reflect Netflix’s ongoing efforts to diversify its content and appeal to a broader audience. By prioritizing respectful portrayals and complex character relationships, Bridgerton

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/26/2026