At the end of the season, it was revealed that Francesca is queer (though she may not realise it), as she developed feelings for Stirling’s female cousin, Michaela, who came back into Francesca’s life in season 4 and then quickly left again when she fled Mayfair.
Bridgerton‘s showrunner Jess Brownell has been inundated with questions since that cliffhanger. And now, she’s finally ready to answer them. Speaking to Netflix, she revealed that “More than ever, season 5 is going to be about yearning”, hinting that we’re about to witness the series’ first sapphic love story. “It feels groundbreaking. Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means,” she continued. “But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”
How does this relate to Quinn’s original novels? Brace yourself: spoilers ahead! In the book series, Francesca’s husband dies, and she then marries his cousin, Michael. For series 5, Netflix have confirmed that the same basic beats of the narrative will stay the same – grieving widow, new romantic prospects with a cousin – while turning into queer love story with a major gender swap.
“I’ve said from the beginning that this show, in so many ways, is about allowing people to see themselves represented, allowing themselves to dream, and imagine themselves in these fantastical roles,” said Brownell. “It never felt right to not be inclusive of queer love as well within that fantasy.”
What is the plot of Bridgerton season 5?
According to Netflix, “The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd). 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.”