Bridgerton season 5 to feature show’s first same-gender love story

EntertainmentLifestyle
25 Mar 2026 • 12:50 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The fifth season of Netflix's Bridgerton will feature a groundbreaking same-gender love story, a first for the popular period drama.
  • The storyline will focus on Lady Francesca Stirling, played by Hannah Dodd, and Michaela Stirling, portrayed by Masali Baduza.
  • Set two years after Francesca is widowed, the plot sees her re-enter the marriage market before Michaela's return to London forces Francesca to confront her feelings.
  • Showrunner Jess Brownell and the actors emphasised the importance of depicting realistic queer love and a 'happily ever after' in a period setting, noting that queer people have always existed.
  • The new season, currently in production, will also incorporate music from queer artists, with a sixth season already confirmed.

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