After 4 Seasons on Netflix, ‘Bridgerton’ Officially Breaks a Longstanding Series Tradition

After waiting weeks for Bridgerton‘s Part 2 return, Season 4 has come to an end in a game-changing way for the franchise. The jam-packed finale concluded on an emotional rollercoaster, from the reveal of a new Lady Whistledown (still voiced by the iconic Julie Andrews) to Violet (Ruth Gemmell) breaking her relationship off with Marcus (Daniel Francis). While there are a lot of plot threads for the show to continue juggling, Season 4 leads Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) bookend this chapter with another sweet kiss — but what about their fairytale wedding fans have been waiting weeks for?

If you thought comic book or video game adaptations were the only projects doing post-credit scenes, think again. Following in the footsteps of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Fallout Season 2, Bridgerton joins the trend with a surprise scene after the finale credits. While it may seem like a strange choice, the moment wraps a perfect bow on the season as a whole that’ll leave Benophie fans smiling from ear to ear.

What Happens in the ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Finale After the Credits?

After the credits roll on the Bridgerton Season 4 finale, the episode cuts to My Cottage, Benedict’s not-so-little hideaway from Part 1, where he and Sophie previously earned a glimpse of what their life could be like together. Friends and family are gathered for their wedding, which sees the return of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley) after their brief appearances in Episode 6. Initially, Anthony is completely against Benedict and Sophie’s relationship because of what society would think of a nobleman and a maid being together. The eldest Bridgerton son is ultimately redeemed in the Bridgerton Season 4 end-credits scene, with Anthony expressing gratitude that his brother didn’t listen to him before adding that their late father would be proud of Benedict, just like he is.

Sophie then begins to walk down the aisle with her trusty friend, Alfie (David Moorst), by her side. As Benedict and Sophie officially become husband and wife, the episode ends with a shot of Benedict’s now-finished painting of Sophie as the Lady in Silver. It’s a perfectly heartwarming conclusion to the season, which is exactly what showrunner Jess Brownell wanted. In an interview with The Wrap, she revealed that the wedding was supposed to come before the credits, but she felt like the finale was already a lot for audiences to digest, hence the decision to move the moment to a end-credits scene. As Brownell added:

“It did feel important for us to see our Cinderella figure get her proper happy ending. And I think that wedding does it all.”

Which Bridgerton Siblings Will Lead Seasons 5 and 6?

The first Bridgerton end-credits scene also looks ahead to the series’ future. While the eldest brothers share a heartwarming moment, Kate questions whose wedding they might attend next. After spending most of the series trying to avoid the marriage mart, Eloise surprises everyone by saying she loves a wedding — but clarifies she only enjoys it as an attendee. Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) then questions if Francesca Stirling (Hannah Dodd) sees herself remarrying after the tragic passing of John Stirling (Victor Alli). Francesca says she’s already had her great love and that “one time was enough,” to which the camera focuses on Violet smiling, knowing full well that finding love again is possible after a great loss.

Now that the first four Bridgerton siblings have had their seasons in the spotlight, there are still four other siblings left to lead the series’ upcoming installments. During the red carpet premiere for Bridgerton Season 4, Brownell teased which characters would headline Seasons 5 and 6 by wearing two pocket squares with the initials E and F embroidered on them. She confirmed to Deadline that “both characters with the initials on my pocket squares will get seasons in five [and] six. In what order? I can’t say.” With Bridgerton Seasons 5 and 6 officially confirmed, gentle viewers will be anticipating it with bated breath — but if fans can rest certain in anything, it’s that the show will always prioritize a happy ending, even if the moment happens a little later than expected.