'Bridgerton' Season 5 to feature first LGBTQ leads
Netflix announced "Bridgerton" Season 5 will feature Francesca and Michaela Stirling as its first LGBTQ leads.
Taijuan Moorman"Bridgerton" is shaking things up with its Season 5 leads.
The Regency romance series will follow Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) in its upcoming season, Netflix announced Tuesday, March 24, in what will be the show's first LGBTQ leads.
"Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again…" reads a press release, confirming Season 5 is now in production.
"Bridgerton" has followed LGBTQ dynamics before, including Benedict Bridgerton's exploration of queer relationships, but this is the first time an LGBTQ couple will be the show's main focus.
Francesca and Michaela's storyline represents one of the more complex ones in the books, which the Shondaland series is set to explore further. Francesca is one of the Bridgerton siblings, whose story up until this point has been more subdued. She was previously married to John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, a quiet and calm relationship compared to that of her siblings. However, John suddenly dies in Season 4, leaving Francesca a widow.
Though Francesca's introduction to John's cousin Michaela after their wedding in Season 3 was brief, the pair's connection was clearly hinted at. Fans of the books have been patiently awaiting what's to come.
What is 'Bridgerton' Season 5 about?
"The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd)," reads a season synopsis. "Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons. But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) 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."
Who are Michaela and Francesca Stirling?
Per Netflix's character descriptions:
- "Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling, countess of Kilmartin: Reserved and contained, Francesca has long felt out of place in the world. As Michaela stirs up new feelings inside her, Fran will make discoveries about herself that could change everything.
- "Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling: Beneath Michaela's charming and vivacious exterior hides a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort. But this season, Michaela must face her vulnerability head-on as she's forced to navigate her relationship to her late cousin's legacy – and to Francesca."
'Bridgerton' Season 5 release date
Season 5 is now in production in London, however a streaming release date has not been announced. The season will include eight episodes.
"Bridgerton" Season 4, Part 2, was released on Netflix Feb. 26.