Devoted fans of Netflix's lavish period drama Bridgerton have expressed significant frustration over what they describe as jarring and distracting green screen usage throughout the show's highly anticipated fourth season. The criticism has emerged following the release of the initial four episodes, with viewers taking to social media platforms to voice their concerns about the production's visual quality.
Viewers Spot 'Fake' Backdrops in Key Scenes
Since the first instalment dropped on Thursday, 29th January, audiences have been eagerly dissecting the new episodes while awaiting the second part, scheduled for release on 26th February. However, many have found their viewing experience marred by what appears to be notably artificial backgrounds in several sequences.
One viewer shared footage on X, formerly Twitter, showing Benedict Bridgerton (portrayed by Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) arriving at the Bridgerton residence by carriage. The scene features the couple chatting against what fans are calling a conspicuously fake backdrop.
Social Media Reaction Highlights Production Concerns
The online reaction has been swift and pointed. "No i'm actually p***ing myself at the green screen background," one viewer posted alongside the clip. Another concurred in the comments, stating, "The fake backgrounds were very obvious this season."
A third viewer offered a particularly harsh comparison, remarking, "There are Doctor Who episodes from the 70s with more convincing green screen omg Netflix is frying their own IP." Meanwhile, another queried directly, "Is the bridgerton s4 filled with awful green screen editing or am i blind."
The debate has spilled over onto Reddit, where users have expressed broader concerns about the show's production choices. One user noted, "I've always been a bit alarmed at how much green screen is used on this show when they have so many damn sets."
Frustration Compounded by Long Wait Between Seasons
The criticism comes at a sensitive time for the Shondaland production. The previous season of Bridgerton concluded in June 2024, leaving fans facing a gap of more than eighteen months before new episodes arrived. This extended wait has heightened expectations and, consequently, scrutiny.
A frustrated fan vented, "They take so many years to roll out a new season yet manage to do a terrible job when it comes to production and make it seem like everything was done last minute!!!" This sentiment reflects a broader disappointment among subscribers who must now wait several additional weeks for the final four episodes of season four, which will be released in late February.
Season Four's Central Romance
The fourth season centres on Benedict Bridgerton, the family's second eldest son, and his tempestuous affair with maid Sophie Baek. Their chemistry ignited at a masked ball, but their budding relationship now hangs in the balance following Benedict's proposal that Sophie become his clandestine lover. Unbeknownst to him, she is the mysterious Lady in Silver who originally captured his heart.
As viewers await the conclusion of this romantic storyline, the question remains whether the final episodes can address the grievances regarding production quality and restore the immersive visual experience expected from such a high-profile period drama.
