Phoebe Dyvenor as Daphne in Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 3LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
By
Liz Declan
Published Feb 2, 2026, 9:01 PM EST
Liz Declan is a Lead Writer for ScreenRant, primarily covering Star Wars. She is a massive fan of Star Wars, the MCU, and Supernatural. In addition to writing, Liz loves attending and covering conventions. Find her on TikTok and Instagram @va.va.vera
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Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1.Despite being a fan-favorite Netflix show, Bridgerton has faced a number of complaints over the years, and perhaps none has been as loud and persistent as the complaint about the treatment of eldest sister Daphne's narrative arc throughout the show. Daphne was positioned as the protagonist of Season 1 as the first of the Bridgerton siblings to get married.
Her narrative significance declined significantly after that first season, however. While all the seasons of Bridgerton focus on one specific Bridgerton sibling (with some narrative overlap), Daphne is the only sibling who has been almost entirely removed from the show since the season that focused on her romantic arc.
In fact, Daphne hasn't been seen since Season 2, and she isn't expected to be seen again in the future, even as all her other siblings continue to be shown together—married and unmarried. Season 4 has now raised questions about whether that trend is spreading to other characters, as yet another Bridgerton sibling is currently missing in Season 4.
Daphne And Anthony Are Both Missing From Season 4, Part 1
Kate and Anthony Bridgerton mid-conversation as they look at people out of focus of the camera.
In Season 4, Part 1, Daphne was once again absent, and while that wasn't all that surprising to audiences who have now grown accustomed to the character not being included in new episodes of the show, older brother Anthony and his wife Kate being missing from Season 4, Part 1 caused a considerably larger stir.
Anthony's season was Season 2, and his romance with Kate has proven to be one of the most beloved overall in the fanbase. Kate and Anthony, respectively, represent some of the most popular characters in the entire show, and although Colin Bridgerton was the focus of season 3, this couple still managed to get plenty of attention.
Sadly, for fans of the couple, Anthony and Kate were not in Season 4, Part 1, and that had some wondering if oldest brother Anthony would appear in the brand-new season at all.
Anthony And Kate Will Be In Part 2
Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) surprised in Bridgerton season 3 Part 2
Although many fans were sad that Anthony didn't make an appearance in Season 4, Part 1, both Anthony and Kate are confirmed to be returning in Season 4, Part 2. For one, both Jonathan Bailey, who plays Anthony, and Simone Ashley, who plays Kate, are included in Netflix's official cast guide on Tudum.
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Want deeper Bridgerton context? Subscribe to our newsletter for thoughtful coverage and character analysis—from casting moves to storyline implications—so you get clearer takes on this world and related pop culture. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.More compellingly, the couple has been shown in a Season 4, Part 2 trailer, which also offers viewers a brief glimpse at their baby. Thankfully, this means that Anthony and Kate will not be getting the exact same treatment as Daphne, as they will indeed be returning and (hopefully) will play a major role in Part 2.
After all, Benedict Bridgerton likely needs his older brother's guidance more than ever as he navigates what it means for him to be in love with Sophie, a maid who is currently working in their mother, Violet Bridgerton's, house and absolutely refuses to become his mistress. Even so, hopefully Bridgerton won't continue leaving Bridgerton siblings out as the seasons move forward.
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Bridgerton
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Drama Romance Release Date December 22, 2020 Network Netflix Directors Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson Writers Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet LinCast
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Luke Thompson
Lady Violet Bridgerton
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Ruth Gemmell
Benedict Bridgerton
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Bridgerton
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