‘Bridgerton’ Surprises Fans as Netflix Confirms First-Ever Gay Romance in Season 5
Netflix is shaking up the Bridgerton universe in season 5 by putting a queer romance front and center for the first time. The streaming giant confirmed that the next season will focus on Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, as she navigates a new chapter in her life after being widowed at the end of season 4.
Francesca, the sixth and most reserved Bridgerton sibling, lost her husband Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli) in a shocking twist last season. Now, season 5 takes her to Scotland, where she reconnects with her late husband’s cousin, Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza. Netflix shared with Out magazine that Scotland will be a key setting for the season, highlighting high-society social events and matchmaking.
The decision to explore a same-sex relationship for Francesca was made by showrunner Jess Brownell. “It’s hugely important to me to be able to tell queer stories in Bridgerton,” Brownell told Out. She explained that the series has always celebrated diversity, and it felt natural to finally give queer characters the attention they deserve. Michaela’s character was male in Julia Quinn’s novels, but the show adapted her for this new storyline.
A certain countess shall find love again…
— netflix⁷ (@netflix) March 24, 2026
Bridgerton Season 5 is now in production. Starring Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling. pic.twitter.com/DFDQoyKmUW
Dodd, who plays Francesca, admitted the storyline was still being developed during interviews for season 4. “It’s tricky with Francesca’s story because we don’t know what our writers are going to do,” she said. “The series is based on a series of books, and so people who have read the books have an idea of what might happen.”
Brownell added that Michaela’s arrival is meant to shake up the dynamics of Francesca’s life and introduce some chaos into her world. “We’ve just dipped our toe into that relationship, so I think it needs a little more time to breathe, but when Michaela does show up, she’s someone who brings with her quite a lot of chaos,” Brownell said.
Fans of the series can expect Francesca’s story to unfold in a way that balances Bridgerton’s signature romance, high-society intrigue, and now, a bold queer storyline. Season 5 promises to continue the show’s tradition of pushing boundaries while staying true to the glamour and drama that fans love.
Giving Francesca a same-sex romance is a fresh and exciting twist for the show. It brings modern representation into a historical setting and opens the door for more inclusive storytelling in the seasons ahead. What do you think about Bridgerton exploring queer love for the first time? Share your thoughts in the comments.
