After nearly two years, Netflix's beloved 19th-century-set series "Bridgerton" has returned, and this time, the focus is on the love life of the esteemed family's bisexual second son, Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson).

Bridgerton Season 4 is being ripped apart on Rotten Tomatoes as review bombers send the audience score plummeting.

From the beginning, "Bridgerton" has been buoyed by the strength of its casting. Fans fell head over heels for Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page's Season 1 love story not just because it was smolder-heavy bodice-ripping fare with an egalitarian twist,

While some fans compare Bridgerton S4 unfavourably to the newest hot drama on the block, Heated Rivalry, others call it a masterpiece

"Bridgerton" Season 4, Part 1, on Netflix Thursday, introduces Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), who provokes more depth in Benedict (Luke Thompson).

Thank goodness for the endless supply of Bridgerton offspring — eight, but it feels like 80 — who keep the rumour mills of Regency romance churning. In typical Netflix fashion, Bridgerton has been a sufficient smash hit to earn the split-season treatment,

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 impresses with a compelling Cinderella romance, expanding the show's scope and delivering some of its best episodes yet.

"Bridgerton" looks gorgeous as ever, but its focus on Benedict in Season 4 highlights how the show's once-addictive magic has faded.