‘Bridgerton’ Season 5 to focus on Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling’s romance

The ton has been warned, spoilers lie ahead!

Dearest gentle Yahoo readers, it is with most delight that we announce Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) are the lead characters for Season 5 of Bridgerton.

Netflix announced on Tuesday that introvert Francesca will become the next Bridgerton sibling to find true love. Season 5, which is based on Julia Quinn’s novel, When He Was Wicked, is now in production outside of London.

The announcement comes after the ton experienced its fair share of scandal, slow-burn longing and a happily ever after for Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) in Season 4’s Cinderella-esque plot.

In Season 4, Francesa became widowed after the sudden death of her new husband, John Stirling (Victor Alli). In true Bridgerton fashion, the ton was left with a few cliffhangers, including Michaela’s decision to mysteriously depart Mayfair, even though she promised a grieving Francesca that she would stay.

What can fans expect in Season 5?

Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell told Netflix’s companion website Tudum, “More than ever, Season 5 is going to be about yearning,” she teased of the same-gender couple romance, which marks the first of the series.

“It feels groundbreaking. Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means,” Brownell said. “But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”

The showrunner said Season 5 will also dig into Michaela’s perspective, which has been a mystery thus far, and what she’s been feeling all along. Brownell said that while the characters will face difficulties and conflicts, the upcoming season will focus on “queer joy” rather than “queer trauma.”

Here is the plot synopsis: “In Season 5, Francesca decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons, two years after the death of her beloved husband, Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli). But when John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran’s complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions.”

Brownell also hinted that Francesca’s brother, Benedict, a queer man, will be a great potential ally for his sister heading into Season 5. The period drama is known for its classical music covers of modern songs, and Brownell teased that the playlist for Season 5 will feature queer artists as the musical backdrop for a budding romance between Francesa and Michaela.

Is there a teaser trailer?

Yes! Netflix posted a teaser on social media on Tuesday, along with the caption that reads, “Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again… Bridgerton Season 5 is now in production.”

Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling’s hands touch.
(Netflix)