A horrible tragedy is in store for one Bridgerton character, and it might happen much sooner than anyone anticipated (much to my dismay). The Netflix historical romance TV show is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, which chronicles the different love stories of each Bridgerton sibling — Daphne, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Eloise, Francesca, Hyacinth, and Gregory. Since each novel revolves around one romance, the Netflix show follows suit with every season adapting one book. Season 1 is about Daphne, season 2 focuses on Anthony, season 3 revolves around Colin, and season 4 features Benedict’s love story.

Production on Bridgerton season 4 began in September 2024, and while Netflix hasn’t confirmed a release date, it likely won’t premiere until 2026 at the earliest.

Bridgerton season 3 skips over Benedict’s book (as his is the third in Quinn’s series) and moves up Colin’s (fourth in the series). Thankfully, season 4 will finally center around Benedict and his romance with Sophie Baek. I, along with many other fans, am looking forward to watching Benedict and Sophie’s Cinderella-esque love story unravel on the screen. However, I’m also nervous that one heartwrenching tragedy from the books will also play out by the season’s end.

John Stirling, Francesca’s Husband, Dies In The Bridgerton Books

Francesca & John Are Married For 2 Years Before His Death

John Stirling dies at the beginning of Francesca’s Bridgerton bookWhen He Was Wicked​​​​​​. His sudden death was a result of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm that he suffered at the couple’s Scotland home, leaving Francesca absolutely devastated. She and John’s cousin, Michael, were on a walk and returned home to find John dead. Francesca was also pregnant at the time but sadly had a miscarriage after her husband’s death.

Bridgerton Book
Main Character
Publication Date

The Duke and I
Daphne Bridgerton
January 5, 2000

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony Bridgerton
December 5, 2000

An Offer from a Gentleman
Benedict Bridgerton
July 3, 2001

Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Colin Bridgerton
July 1, 2002

To Sir Phillip, With Love
Eloise Bridgerton
July 1, 2003

When He Was Wicked
Francesca Bridgerton
June 29, 2004

It’s In His Kiss
Hyacinth Bridgerton
June 28, 2005

On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory Bridgerton
June 27, 2006

Francesca grieves John for four years before she falls in love with someone else. She reunites with Michael (who has been gender-swapped in the Netflix show and is now Michaela), and the two embark on a romance. Francesca and Michael eventually marry, which is how Francesca’s story ends. Bridgerton will likely adapt Francesca’s story in season 6 if the writers stick to the order of the books from now on (with Eloise’s romance probably coming in season 5). However, although the series still has two seasons to go until then, season 4 could (unfortunately) very easily end with John’s death.

Why John Stirling May Die In Bridgerton Season 4

Bridgerton’s Timeline Would Line Up With John Dying By Season 4’s End

Even though Francesca and John are married for two years before he dies in the books, it would make sense if John’s death happens at Bridgerton season 4’s end (especially if it adapts the time jump in Benedict’s novel). As mentioned above, Francesca waits four years before moving on from John. Yes, she and John just got married during Bridgerton season 3’s ending, but season 4 could feature a time jump. Even if it doesn’t, and although I’m nowhere near ready for the tragedy, John dying during season 4’s conclusion would set up the perfect timeline for Francesca’s story.

John dying at the end of Bridgerton season 4gives Francesca one season to mourn her loss before she can explore her romance with Michaela. That way, Francesca and Michaela getting together wouldn’t feel rushed. Of course, this theory is all banking on Francesca being the focus of Bridgerton season 6, which is the most likely possibility.

John Stirling’s Death Will Be One Of Bridgerton’s Biggest Tragedies

Bridgerton Hasn’t Featured Many Character Deaths

Every Bridgerton season including Queen Charlotte has its fair share of heartbreak. However, John’s inevitable death will undoubtedly be one of the Netflix TV show’s biggest tragedies. King George’s illness is probably the only thing that can compete with it, as viewers get to know him in the prequel series. Meanwhile, Edmund’s death happens before the show’s events, and he only appears in one flashback scene (which is heartbreaking nonetheless).

Heading into Bridgerton season 4, we should all prepare as much as we can for John’s death, but nothing could ever really make me ready for the inescapable tragedy.

As Bridgerton continues, it will be difficult for any event to compare to John’s tragic death. Thankfully, none of the other Bridgerton siblings’ spouses die (at least, in the books). So, heading into Bridgerton season 4, we should all prepare as much as we can for John’s death, but nothing could ever really make me ready for the inescapable tragedy.