Why 'Bridgerton' showrunner Jess Brownell says it was 'hugely important' for Benedict to come out to Sophie

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During this season of "Bridgerton," Benedict comes out as queer to his love interest, Sophie.
Showrunner Jess Brownell told Business Insider it was "hugely important" to show the conversation.
Spoilers ahead for season four, part two of "Bridgerton."

One of the standout scenes of "Bridgerton's" fourth season was Benedict sharing his sexuality with Sophie — and while there was no need to worry, fans certainly breathed a sigh of relief when she reacted with love and respect.

Benedict's identity has been a topic of discussion among fans since the first season of the show, though it wasn't until season three that Benedict had a same-sex experience.

"I am capable of caring for you, just as I have cared for women I have known who are of the ton. Just as I have cared for some men whom I have known intimately. And I refuse to be at all ashamed about that," Benedict tells Sophie during a conversation in episode six, while trying to tell Sophie more about himself.

Sophie, after taking a beat, responds: "Love is always a thing to be proud of. The world needs more of it."

It's a lovely moment in a season filled with them, but it's a big deal, too. It's the first (openly) queer lead of a "Bridgerton" season, and a coming-out scene is uncharted territory for the show.

Benedict and Paul in "Bridgerton" season three.

By nature of it being a romance show, Benedict only truly had eyes for Sophie this season, but that doesn't erase his pansexuality, a term actor Luke Thompson has used to describe his character. And that's why "Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell told Business Insider that it was never a question if Benedict would come out to Sophie.

"I think any queer person knows that no matter who you end up with, queerness is a part of your identity. It never goes away. And I think one of the messages of this show every season is that the only way to truly be loved is to be your true self," Brownell said.

And was there ever a question about how Sophie would react? Not really, said Brownell.

"Sophie is someone who's been through so much and has lived in the downstairs world and been friends with people of all different classes, and I do think she's probably encountered people of different sexualities," she said, mentioning Alfie, a butler friend who was certainly implied to be queer.

"The same way that Benedict showed acceptance for Sophie's backstory and a willingness to be with her, even if it meant leaving society before things worked out, it was important for Sophie to accept and celebrate Benedict for every single part of him," Brownell continued.

While Benedict is the first non-straight "Bridgerton" sibling, he certainly doesn't seem to be the last — though we'll have to wait for Francesca's season to learn more about that.