{ Waiting room }

Celebrity Gogglebox S08E05 - 03/07/2026 #1

1° - Bridgerton Season 4

Netflix's global hit historical romance series, Bridgerton, has retained strong viewership upon its 2026 return. Bridgerton season 4 earned 130.8 million views after spending nine consecutive weeks in the top 10 charts. This was aided by Netflix giving the season a two-part release; the first four episodes were released on January 29, and the remaining four episodes came out on February 26.

Bridgerton season 4, part 1, debuted at #1 worldwide with 39.7 million views, the highest opening week for any 2026 Netflix series. Part 2 launched to 28 million views and returned the series to the #1 global spot. Bridgerton season 4's nine weeks in the top 10 is also the most for any of Netflix's shows this year.

In addition to being the most-watched Netflix original series in 2026 so far, the viewership figures put it among the streamer's most popular seasons of television ever. However, the record viewership has yet to be officially announced for Bridgerton so far, with it remaining absent from the all-time most popular chart.

Bridgerton draws a steamy bath

Fans of the Julia Quinn book series knew the "Bridgerton" bathtub moment was coming, but that didn't stop us from gasping through the entire Season 4 scene when it finally arrived. After Benedict learned Sophie was the mysterious Lady in Silver, he immediately realized he wanted to be with her — and he wasn't going to let class differences get in the way. He rushed to rescue her from the throes of her evil stepmother and brought her to the Bridgerton estate while she awaited punishment for petty crimes she did not commit.

Once Sophie arrived at the Bridgerton home, she and Benedict shared a secret reunion in a massive candlelit bathroom in front of a clawfoot bathtub filled with water and scattered rose petals. There, the Bridgerton son professed his love for the maid and apologized for earlier calling her a mistress. He nearly proposed to her, but they ended up doing more kissing than talking as Benedict finally paid attention to what Sophie wanted and needed — emotionally and sexually. In the end, the scene delivered what "Bridgerton" does best: tender, sweet, and swoon-worthy displays of desire, pleasure, and affection. (And yes, it even gave #Polin's Season 3 carriage ride a run for its money!) (Season 4, Episode 8) — Claire Franken

Btw, Happy Birthday to him:

A theatre group has received a good luck message from actor Michael Sheen.

Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) was wished 'every success' by Mr Sheen as it prepares to represent Wales at the British Final of the One Act Play Festival.

In a video message, Mr Sheen said: "Hello, I want to send all best wishes to Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society as they go off to represent Wales in the one act British play final next month.

"Good luck, pob lwc. Very best wishes."

Mr Sheen, known for his long-standing support of grassroots theatre, has spoken about the importance of the arts in building community. He has previously said: "Theatre began as a way of bringing people together in a shared space to have a collective experience. "It’s where we express what our values are, what our beliefs are, what our priorities are, and find a shared understanding. "Experiencing that together bonds us and connects us. "The arts are essential for maintaining community bonds and processing shared experiences." Mr Sheen first established his reputation on stage and has received four Olivier Award nominations. He is also known for his acclaimed screen roles, including his portrayal of Tony Blair, for which he received Emmy and BAFTA nominations. PODS is representing Wales after winning the national final with All By Myself, a comedy by Robert Scott. The group began its journey at the Glamorgan Drama League Festival at Chapter Arts Centre in April and went on to win the Welsh final against five other theatre companies. The British Final brings together winning amateur theatre groups from Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

PODS has enjoyed recent success with a sold-out run of We Will Rock You at the Paget Rooms in May. The society’s youth section, PODyS, will perform Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr next week, while rehearsals are already underway for Hi-De-Hi, set for October. Other upcoming productions include the annual pantomime Robin Hood and Cole Porter’s musical Anything Goes, scheduled for next May.