Now that the fourth season of "Bridgerton" has been released and enjoyed by its fans, Netflix and Shonda Rhimes have officially announced that the next season of of the popular series will center on Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), marking the first time a same-sex romance will lead the series.
The hit Netflix show, based on Julia Quinn’s novels, follows the romantic lives of the eight Bridgerton siblings. In season one, Daphne Bridgerton married Simon Basset; in season two, Anthony Bridgerton wed Kate Sharma; in season three, Colin Bridgerton married Penelope Featherington (who, spoiler alert, is revealed as Lady Whistledown); and in the recently aired fourth season, Benedict Bridgerton married Sophie Beck.
According to the books, the next story was expected to focus on Eloise Bridgerton. However, as hinted during season four, the show’s creators have made two key changes: the upcoming season will instead center on the introverted Francesca, and her love interest will be a woman rather than a man.
2 View gallery
The next season of of the popular series will center on Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza),
(Photo: Liam Daniel/Netflix)
In the new season, set two years after the death of her beloved husband, John Kilmartin, Francesca reenters the marriage market for practical reasons. But when John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to settle his estate, Francesca’s complex feelings toward her lead her to question whether to pursue marriage or follow her heart and embrace her true desires.
This marks another departure from the books, in which Francesca falls in love with John’s cousin Michael. The series, however, introduced a gender swap in season three, turning Michael into Michaela.
It is not the first time a member of the Bridgerton family has been portrayed as part of the LGBTQ community. Benedict, the most recent sibling to marry, is depicted as bisexual and has had on-screen relationships with both men and women, though he ultimately marries Sophie Beck.
Filming for the fifth season has already begun in the United Kingdom. While a release date has not yet been announced, Deadline reports it is expected to premiere on the streaming platform in early 2028.