We still have a ways to go until "Bridgerton" season 5 comes waltzing its way onto Netflix, but at least we dear gentle readers have a much-appreciated update from the streaming service about what they can expect from the upcoming installment of the Regency-era romance.
On Tuesday, March 24, the streamer not only announced that production was officially underway for the new eps but also revealed which Bridgerton sibling would be acting as our romantic lead for the fifth season (drumroll please) ... Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd.
Adapting the Julia Quinn romance novels of the same name, each season of "Bridgerton" routinely focuses on one member of the Bridgerton clan. But the recently wrapped fourth season — which chronicles the rags-meets-riches relationship between nobleman Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and housemaid Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), as told in Julia Quinn's "An Offer from a Gentleman, — also included plot points from the Francesca-focused "When He Was Wicked," the sixth title in the book series.
Viewers got to see Francesca's marriage to her beloved John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli), which was (spoiler alert!) tragically cut short by John's untimely death. They also got to witness the comfort and chemistry the young widow found in John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) following his passing.
That blossoming connection will serve as the basis of season 5. Netflix teased their new romantic leads — the franchise's first same-sex couple — via social media posts on Tuesday, March 24.
The official season 5 logline reads: “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.”
We also have fresh character breakdowns for both Francesca and Michaela, per Netflix: The former is normally "reserved and contained" but "as Michaela stirs up new feelings inside her, Fran will make discoveries about herself that could change everything." Michaela is "charming and vivacious," but hiding underneath is "a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort." The new season will find her facing that vulnerability head-on "as she's forced to navigate her relationship to her late cousin's legacy — and to Francesca."
“More than ever, season 5 is going to be about yearning… It feels groundbreaking," showrunner Jess Brownell shared about the series' next edition, via The Hollywood Reporter. "Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means. But to make an entire 'Bridgerton' season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”
Tom's Guide will keep you posted on all things related to "Bridgerton" season 5, including plot points, character details, teaser trailers and other behind-the-scenes intel.
