The upcoming instalment of Bridgerton will feature a pioneering same-sex romance when it arrives on Netflix.
Returning for the fifth season, the popular historical drama will centre on the romantic relationship between Lady Francesca Stirling, portrayed by Hannah Dodd, and Masali Baduza’s character Michaela Stirling, according to the streaming platform’s official site Tudum.
The series, developed under showrunner Jess Brownell’s direction, unfolds two years after the fourth season, which concluded with Lord John Stirling’s death leaving Francesca a widow and his relative Michaela bereft of her closest companion and confidante.
The narrative traces introverted middle child Francesca as she contemplates returning to the competitive marriage market.
However, complications arise when Michaela comes back to the capital to manage the Kilmartin estate, compelling Francesca to confront her deeper emotions.
According to Dodd, queer narratives have traditionally been absent from historical dramas, despite queer individuals having always been present throughout history and continuing to exist.
Baduza commented that having Jess steer them through this narrative has proved particularly meaningful given her evident enthusiasm for the storyline. The objective is to present an authentic depiction of queer affection on screen while providing characters with a fulfilling conclusion.
The costume drama, adapted from Julia Quinn’s collection of novels bearing the same title, chronicles the eight Bridgerton siblings as they pursue romantic connections.
Brownell remarked that the development feels revolutionary. While numerous excellent productions have portrayed queer relationships, they are not pioneering the concept. Nonetheless, dedicating an entire Bridgerton season to a sapphic relationship represents a significant milestone. The team consistently grounds its romantic narratives in the series’ core theme of happiness, and season five will particularly emphasise longing. Those familiar with sapphic relationships or crushes recognise how integral yearning is to that experience.
Brownell additionally disclosed that the upcoming season will feature music from queer artists, building on the franchise’s reputation for orchestral and string quartet reinterpretations of contemporary pop hits.
The most recent season followed the fairy-tale romance between Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton brother portrayed by Luke Thompson, and newcomer Yerin Ha’s character Sophie Baek, a chambermaid.
The ensemble also includes Irish performer Nicola Coughlan, Wicked actor Jonathan Bailey, and Sex Education star Simone Ashley.
Bailey entered the world in Wallingford, Oxfordshire in 1988 and spent his formative years in neighbouring communities including Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.
He pursued his education locally before securing a music scholarship to Magdalen College School in Oxford, subsequently establishing a distinguished career across both screen and stage.
At 37, the actor has garnered critical acclaim for his theatrical performances in the West End in addition to his Bridgerton role and appearances in Broadchurch.
Production on season five is currently underway with filming scheduled to take place beyond London, while a sixth season has already received approval.