Netflix has officially confirmed that the fifth season of 'Bridgerton' is in production, focusing on Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). This marks the show's first central queer love story, deviating from Julia Quinn's original book series, where Michaela was a male character named Michael.
Core Facts and Developments
Netflix announced the production of 'Bridgerton' Season 5 on Tuesday, March 24. The season will follow Francesca, the sixth Bridgerton sibling, and Michaela, her late husband John Stirling's cousin. The teaser clip released by Netflix shows the two characters looking cozy and holding hands, with the caption: 'Next season, love begins again.'
Deeper Dive and Context
The Storyline and Characters
The season will pick up two years after Francesca's husband, John Stirling, dies. Francesca decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons, but Michaela's return complicates her plans. Michaela, who had developed feelings for Francesca, left abruptly in Season 4, hinting at the emotional tension between them.
Showrunner's Perspective
Showrunner Jess Brownell has emphasized the importance of representing queer love stories in the show. She told The Times that this was a priority from the beginning, stating, 'It’s already mattered so much to so many people to see themselves on-screen with the show in other ways, and it’s only right for queer people to also get to see themselves in a show touted as being an inclusive fantasy.'
Production Details
The fifth season will consist of eight episodes, filmed in London. This season will be the first to center a queer romance, though previous seasons have featured queer characters, such as Benedict Bridgerton.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, who have praised the show's commitment to inclusivity. The decision to adapt the original book's storyline to include a sapphic romance has been noted as a significant departure from the source material, reflecting the show's evolving narrative direction.