Production is officially underway for the fifth season of the Netflix hit “Bridgeton,” which is set to center on a same-sex couple for the first time in the show’s history.
The next chapter in the Shondaland romance — based on the book series by Julia Quinn — will follow middle Bridgerton daughter, Hannah Dodd’s Francesca, as she navigates a new relationship with Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza. Currently filming in the U.K., the forthcoming season will see Francesca opt “to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons” two years after losing her husband, John, Netflix announced on Tuesday.
“But when John’s cousin Michaela 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,” a synopsis for the upcoming season reads.
Dodd has been with “Bridgerton” since 2024, when she made her debut in the show’s third season, which also marked Baduza’s entrance. She appeared in the season finale, after Dodd’s character marries Michaela’s cousin. He died at the end of season 4, which focused on Benedict Bridgerton and his romance with maid Sophie.
“Next season, love begins again,” Netflix teased.
Some controversy has swirled around the Bridgerton couple, given that Michaela was gender-flipped and was actually Michael in the books that inspired the series.
“I cannot say enough good things about Hannah and Masali. The two of them have such a beautiful friendship and support each other in such a beautiful way,” Brownell told Netflix’s Tudum. “But beyond that, I really do think that they are two incredibly talented and special performers. They’re actors who are able to say so much with just an expression, with just their faces.”