Bridgerton's change from the books could be beneficial for Benedict's story in season 4. In the past, Bridgerton adapted Julia Quinn's novels in order; season 1 was based on The Duke and I and season 2 was an adaptation of The Viscount Who Loved Me. However, the Netflix period drama/Regency romance is doing something different and adapting Colin's book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, for season 3 before An Offer from a Gentleman, which is Benedict's story. This book change could make Benedict's season 4 story even better.
An Offer and a Gentleman focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, the Bridgerton family's second son, and his romance with Sophie Beckett, the daughter of an earl who has been reduced to a servant by her stepmother. Benedict meets Sophie at a masquerade ball and becomes enchanted by her, determined to find this mysterious lady.
While Benedict's story sounds intriguing, it makes sense why the romance between Colin and Penelope Featherington would be adapted first. The groundwork for this is set up in Bridgerton season 2 when, in a dramatic season finale moment, Eloise angrily confronts Penelope after finding out that her best friend is Lady Whistledown, while a central part of Bridgerton season 2 is the strong bond and growing romantic tension between Penelope and Colin after he returns from his European travels. It makes sense that Bridgerton would want to follow up on these plots immediately rather than waiting until season 4, which would run the risk of dragging out the storyline for too long.
One reason why this book change is good for Benedict's story is that his romance with Sophie happens over a long period of time. After Sophie departs following her first meeting with Benedict, the two characters don't reunite for another two years. Bridgerton season 3 could set up Benedict and Sophie by showing their first meeting and leaving it as a thread for season 4 to pick up, or perhaps a big finale cliffhanger for season 3. This will give more time for Benedict and Sophie to develop their story while still letting Colin and Penelope be at the forefront of Bridgerton season 3.
Another reason why this change is a benefit for Benedict is that it gives his story time to develop. Benedict's journey in part revolves around his duties to his family as a Bridgerton versus the freedom he enjoys since he doesn't have the pressure of being the viscount and oldest son. Bridgerton season 3 can explore how lost Benedict currently feels in the world after dropping out of art school. This could make Benedict's season 4 story even more impactful because it can turn his romance into a bigger choice for him to make. It'll be more of a challenge falling in love with someone who isn't a lady of the Ton, and Bridgerton could delve into what that means for him versus what's expected of a man of his status. Benedict could also rekindle his love of art as well. All of those character developments happening in Bridgerton season 3 might be too soon after the events of season 2, so season 4 has the opportunity to be even better in that regard.
Netflix's Bridgerton series making a change from the order of the books might be surprising at first, but it has the opportunity to make Benedict's story even better in season 4. Right now, it makes more sense to give Colin and Penelope the time to shine. Bridgerton can develop Benedict's character more in the meantime until he gets the spotlight in season 4.