‘Bridgerton’ finally reveals leads for Season 5 in teaser and hints at a steamy new queer couple to root for
Less than three months after 'Bridgerton' Season 4's release, Netflix has dropped a major update on 'Bridgerton' Season 5. The next installment of the show, which is adapted from Julia Quinn's novel series, will focus on Francesca Stirling (Hannah Dodd) and her blossoming relationship with her late husband's cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza). The streamer dropped a new teaser for the fifth installment, which is currently in production. It will be set after the tragic death of John Stirling in the previous edition.
Season 5 will follow Francesca, now looking to get married again. In what comes as a twist, she is attracted to his cousin, Michaela, who returns to London to take care of the Kilmartin estate. Complications come to the fore when Francesca has to choose between love and the stigma that's attached to the person she is developing feelings for. Eagle-eyed fans will remember the blink-and-you-miss expression on Francesca's face when Michaela left in the final moments of Season 4.
'Bridgerton' Season 4 ended with Benedict and Sophie tying the knot at the couple’s My Cottage estate. Jonathan Bailey's Anthony Bridgerton served as his best man, while Alfie (David Moorst) walked Sophie down the aisle. The series concluded with fans wondering which sibling would get married next, as the final moments saw both Eloise and Francesca smiling, saying they were not ready yet. The latter was still seen in mourning blacks following the death of her husband, John (Victor Alli), who died in Episode 6.
In related news, showrunner Jess Brownell told Tudum that the new season will dwell on Michaela's perspective on relationships. Calling it an intentional move, Brownell said Season 5 will detail Michaela's approach to love and life. "We’ll understand what she’s been feeling all along now that we’re telling Francesca and Michaela’s story," she said. The previous season saw Francesca explain that her late husband was her "one great love" and that one marriage was enough. Now, things will look different for both characters, with Season 5 exploring their future. Safe to say, there will be enough drama, joy, tears, and steamy moments as 'Bridgerton' Season 5 gears up for a major story to tell.
Masali Baduza as Michaela in 'Bridgerton' Season 5 (Image Source: YouTube | Netflix)At the time of this writing, there is no official word on the release date of the next season. The show has premiered in different windows since December 2020, each with a two-year break for production. However, the fourth season, releasing in January and February as a two-part volume, suggests another January 2028 window is likely.
