Bridgerton’s fifth season is set to break new ground by centering a same-sex love story. The upcoming installment will focus on Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), marking the first time the series has made an LGBTQ+ relationship the core narrative.
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Filming Already Underway
Production for season 5 is officially underway, with Netflix confirming the news alongside a first look at the season. Showrunner Jess Brownell acknowledged the significance of this shift, stating that while other shows have depicted queer love, “to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”
Expected Release Timeline
While Netflix hasn’t announced an official release date, filming’s early start suggests a potential launch as soon as mid-2027. Previous seasons had gaps of around two years, but the turnaround between seasons 3 and 4 was quicker, with season 4 premiering in January 2026 – just over a year and a half after season 3’s conclusion. If the current pace holds, season 5 could arrive sooner than expected.
The Plot: A Queer Adaptation of When He Was Wicked
Season 5 adapts elements from Julia Quinn’s sixth novel, When He Was Wicked. The story follows Francesca, who, two years after her husband’s death, reluctantly reenters the marriage market. However, her feelings become complicated when John’s cousin, Michaela, returns to London. The series has gender-swapped the male character from the book to bring a long-awaited queer narrative to the screen.
“It feels groundbreaking…to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”
— Jess Brownell, Bridgerton showrunner
What About Eloise?
Fans who followed the book series may wonder about Eloise Bridgerton’s love story (featured in book 5). The show has elected to skip her arc for now. The question remains: when will the most marriage-averse sister finally get her season? At this time, no plans for Eloise’s storyline have been confirmed.
The move to center a queer relationship in Bridgerton signals a shift towards greater inclusivity within the popular period drama. This adaptation will likely draw attention to how historical romance is being reimagined for modern audiences.
