Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell has hinted that the Netflix period drama’s groundbreaking queer romance will be an even slower burn than usual. The fifth season will centre on Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), marking the first time a same-sex love story takes centre stage in the series.
Season five picks up two years after the tragic death of Francesca’s husband John (Victor Alli), who was Michaela’s cousin. Brownell told Tudum that the upcoming instalment will focus on “queer joy” rather than trauma, while still featuring the conflict and humour typical of every Bridgerton season.
“What is most exciting about season five is that it is going to be a season about queer joy,” Brownell said. “It is not going to be a season about queer trauma.” She added that viewers can expect “big-time yearning” as Francesca and Michaela’s connection develops slowly, with the sapphic experience explored authentically.
Brownell revealed that the writers’ room discussed the specific nuances of women-loving-women relationships, including moments of “gay panic” and uncertainty. She also teased that the show’s iconic string soundtrack will feature interpretations of songs by out queer artists, saying: “Letting queer artists be the musical backdrop to a queer love story is going to be a really exciting feature of the season.”
Production on season five is already underway, though no release date has been announced yet. Fans will have to wait to see how Francesca and Michaela’s slow-burn romance unfolds.
