Netflix has begun production on Bridgerton season 5, confirming the central romance between Francesca Stirling (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). A teaser highlights their connection with a balcony scene, marking the show's first major queer storyline. The season will have eight episodes, with release date TBA.
Production on Bridgerton season 5 is officially underway, as announced by Netflix on March 24, 2026. The season centers on Francesca Stirling, the reserved Countess of Kilmartin (Hannah Dodd), who two years after her husband John's death reenters the marriage market for practical reasons. The arrival of John's cousin, Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), to manage the Kilmartin estate complicates Francesca's plans, awakening new feelings and self-discoveries, per the official logline. Netflix released a teaser featuring Francesca and Michaela sharing a knowing look and extending hands on a balcony, signaling the series' first prominent queer narrative. Character breakdowns describe Francesca as introverted and out of place, with Michaela as charming yet vulnerable, confronting her ties to her late cousin's legacy. Showrunner Jess Brownell previously confirmed seasons 5 and 6 would focus on Francesca and sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), with Michaela as a key viewpoint in season 5. First-look photos of Dodd and Baduza in costume accompanied the reveal, and the eight-episode season has no premiere date yet. The update builds on Bridgerton's diverse romantic explorations in its Regency setting.