Bridgerton Will Make Its Biggest Mistake If Simone Ashley’s Kate Does Not Return For Season 4

If Bridgerton does not bring back Kate Sharma, portrayed by Simone Ashley, for season 4, the show will make its biggest mistake yet. Recently, Bridgerton season 4 production began, with set photos that reveal Benedict and Sophie’s iconic masquerade dance. This season has been long anticipated, so it is exciting that the show is getting back into the swing of things. However, one name is noticeably absent on Bridgerton season 4‘s official cast list—Simone Ashley, who portrays Viscountess Bridgerton. Although Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton were the protagonists of season 2, both characters have remained part of the ensemble.

Although Anthony Bridgerton is confirmed for the season, there is no confirmation that Kate will return for Bridgerton season 4. It is unknown whether Simone Ashley will reprise her role as Kate Sharma, and this variable is worrying, given the importance of Viscountess Bridgerton’s role to the family and the narrative. Kate has been a beloved fan favorite since the beginning, and Anthony and Kate deserve more time on screen to illustrate their happy ending, especially with their upcoming child. Bridgerton will make its biggest mistake if they choose to write off Kate Sharma Bridgerton.

Simone Ashley Might Not Be Coming Back For Bridgerton Season 4

Simone Ashley Is Not On The Bridgerton Season 4 Official Cast List

Shondaland recently released an official cast list that notably does not include Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton. The list has several other characters, including those irrelevant to Bridgerton season 4, such as Mrs. Varley, the Featherington maid. Jonathan Bailey’s name is not on Shondaland’s cast list either, but he does appear on People Magazine’s cast list, while Simone Ashley still does not.

Simone Ashley not appearing on any list suggests that she might not return at all. Furthermore, Ashley has expressed her desire to return, which means it is not an issue of scheduling or willingness—Bridgerton production made this decision.

Each Bridgerton Season Should Always Include Kate Sharma (& Anthony)

Kate Sharma Bridgerton Is The Viscountess, The Matriarch Of The Bridgerton Family

Regardless of which Bridgerton sibling the story focuses on, every Bridgerton season should always include Kate Sharma Bridgerton and Anthony Bridgerton. Although there might be some seasons where they are more important than others, these are the two consistent characters that need to be present. Anthony and Kate are Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton; they run the household, oversee the family, and bear the responsibility for their family’s needs. The Bridgertons are one of the most beloved families of the ton, and it does not make sense for the heads of the family to miss any season.

It will be especially important when Bridgerton reaches Gregory and Hyacinth’s seasons because of Anthony and Kate’s significant roles in their stories. In Bridgerton‘s It’s in His Kiss, Gareth St. Clair has to ask Anthony for permission to marry Hyacinth since Anthony is in charge of his sisters’ betrothals. In On the Way to the Wedding, Kate sets up Gregory and Lucy Abernathy, believing they would make a perfect match before they even realize it. However, Anthony and Kate should still be present in the other Bridgerton siblings’ stories.

Why Kate Sharma Bridgerton Needs To Be In Bridgerton Season 4

Kate Can Play An Important Role In Sophie Baek’s Story

It would not make sense if Anthony were in Bridgerton season 4, but Kate was not. Anthony and Kate recently had a baby and have most likely returned from India. It is essential for the Bridgertons to get to know the newest member of the family, Edmund Bridgerton II, who will one day become Viscount after Anthony. Audiences should also familiarize themselves with Edmund and the new family dynamic between Anthony, Kate, and Edmund. Furthermore, Kate could play an important role in Sophie Baek’s story in Bridgerton. Sophie and Kate share a lot in common.

Although Sophie’s circumstances are significantly harsher and abusive, both Kate Sharma and Sophie Baek are outcast types who remain kind and strong in the face of adversity. They never waver in their beliefs, and they have strong values that they live by and refuse to back down from. Kate and Sophie would understand each other on a deeper level than no one else could. Kate can also vouch for Sophie and remain in her corner when she has no one else. There will come a time when Benedict cannot understand Sophie’s plight, but Kate might be able to.

Kate and Sophie’s potential friendship would also mean more positive Asian representation in Bridgerton if the show portrays their bond in a good light that illustrates deep respect for both East and South Asian representation. Kate Sharma Bridgerton is one of the most pivotal characters in Bridgerton and has a consistent and critical role in the family. It would be a grave mistake for the show to exclude her in season 4 or in future season. Bridgerton must not disrespect the role Kate Sharma Bridgerton plays, and work to include her (and Anthony) in every future narrative.

Sources: Shondaland, People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter