LONDON — Netflix announced on March 24, 2026 that the fifth season of Bridgerton is officially in production. Season five will focus on Francesca Stirling (née Bridgerton) and Michaela Stirling, marking the first season of the show to feature a main love story about a queer relationship.

According to Netflix, "The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd). Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons. But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) 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."

The production follows a two-year time jump from the events of season four. In the television adaptation, the character Michael from Julia Quinn's novel When He Was Wicked has been changed to a woman named Michaela Stirling. Francesca Stirling's storyline began in season three when she married John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin.

"It's something we took a lot of care with in season four, Francesca's fears about infertility. Questions about how to conceive are a major part of queer women's stories. It's absolutely going to be a part of Francesca and Michaela's story," showrunner Jess Brownell said.

"I'm excited for people to see Michaela yearn for Francesca," Masali Baduza said. "Francesca yearns too, to be fair!" Hannah Dodd said.

Season four ended with several storylines concluded, including Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett tying the knot, and a new person taking over the role of the ton's gossipmonger, Lady Whistledown, after Nicola Coughlan stepped down from the role during episode six. "We've allowed ourselves to create a genuine mystery with red herrings and clues and whatnot about who Whistledown might be, which we're really excited about," Brownell said.

Netflix has renewed Bridgerton for seasons five and six, with the sixth season announced alongside season five in May 2025. A release date for Bridgerton season five has not been announced.