As production gets underway for the latest series of Netflix’s smash show Bridgerton, viewers keen for more are set to see a new fledgling lesbian romance come to life
13:03, 24 Mar 2026Updated 13:11, 24 Mar 2026
Bridgerton is set for a major turning point as the details of season 5 are revealed
Netflix has confirmed that the fifth season of Bridgerton is officially in production with a lesbian storyline at its centre. Coming straight off the back of season four, bosses at the streaming service have revealed that filming is now underway for the next season.
Viewers were left floored at the end of season 4, which came out last month, as Francesca Stirling was hit with setback after setback. After the death of her husband John, Francesca has been immersed in grief, having said that she will never find true love again.
However, Netflix has revealed that this is not the end of the story for Francesca, played by Hannah Dodd. Instead, she is set to be at the heart of the plot for the upcoming season, with some major twists and turns.
Masali Baduza and Hannah Dodd are set to star in Bridgerton’s first same-gender romance(Image: ZOE MCCONNELL/NETFLIX)
Cameras have already started rolling for season 5, with eight episodes being commissioned for the latest instalment of one of Netflix’s biggest hits. And following Sophie and Benedict’s marriage at the end of the last season, fans are eager for more romance to get their teeth into.
The streaming giant officially confirmed on Tuesday (March 24) that production was now getting started on the eight episodes that make up the fifth season, which is now set to focus on its first same-gender relationship between Francesca and Michaela, played by Masali Baduza. Both women had developed a blossoming friendship, but with Francesca still donning her mourning clothes, her emotions soon became muddled during season 4.
But now, bosses at the show are set to put the spotlight on an introverted Francesca as she tries to move on with her life two years after the death of beloved husband. In a press release, Netflix teased major drama as Fran tries to get back into the world of dating.
The plot will centre on the pair’s growing friendship as a potential romance begins to blossom
“Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons,” the streaming service said. “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.”
The Countess of Kilmartin is still a reserved woman, having grown up as the middle child of the Bridgerton family. But with Michaela’s bubbly personality helping to bring Fran out of her shell, tensions between the two could boil over.
Meanwhile, whilst Michaela appears happy and content on the outside, she is actually a vulnerable woman inside, ready to run the moment there is any discomfort. But as feelings between Michaela and Fran continue to grow, Michaela will need to take her vulnerability and grow it as she confronts her true feelings about the Countess.
Bosses at the show have described the move as “groundbreaking”(Image: ZOE MCCONNELL/NETFLIX)
Speaking on the new series, Hannah told Tudum : “[Queer love stories] have traditionally been excluded from things like period dramas — and queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist. Masali added: “It’s been really special to have Jess guide us on this journey, because she’s very excited about this story. What we really want to achieve is giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and [giving them] a happily ever after.”
Showrunner Jess Bromwell added: “It feels groundbreaking. 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.”
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