“Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again,” Netflix teased viewers while revealing the lead love story for the next season of its beloved period drama “Bridgerton”.
In the season 5 of the hugely popular British show, Francesca Sterling, played by Hannah Dodd will finally find love with her late husband John Sterling’s cousin Michaela Sterling, essayed by Masali Baduza.
“When you spend so much time with a character, you genuinely do want them to be happy. So, I am really looking forward to Francesca feeling like she deserves love,” Dodd shared in a recent interaction while expressing her excitement about leading the new season.
“Bridgerton” season 5 is currently in production outside London. This season takes place two years after the Countess of Kilmartin lost her beloved husband, John Sterling, played by Victor Alli.
Still grappling with the immeasurable loss, the introverted Francesca decides to step back into the marriage market for practical reasons. However, when John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to look after the Kilmartin estate, Fran’s complex emotions land her in a quandary: should she stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions?
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Interestingly, Francesca and Michaela’s will be the first central love story of “Bridgerton” to be queer.
Sharing an insight, showrunner Jess Brownell said, “It feels groundbreaking. Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means. But to make an entire ‘Bridgerton’ season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”
Dodd added, “Queer love stories have traditionally been excluded from things like period dramas—and queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist.”
Baduza chipped in, “It’s been really special to have Jess guide us on this journey, because she’s very excited about this story. What we really want to achieve is giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and giving them a happily ever after.”
Brownell also promised, “If there’s anything really specific about this season, it is the yearning. It’s big-time yearning. It’s going to be a season about queer joy. It is not going to be a season about queer trauma… We’re having so much fun!”
Meanwhile, Bridgerton Season 5 is yet to have an official release date, but going by the previous seasons, we can expect a 2028 premiere.