Today (March 24), Netflix has released a first-look teaser for the fifth season of Bridgerton, with Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) stepping into the spotlight as the leads.
The upcoming season will also mark the series’ first queer love story, introducing a new chapter in the Bridgerton universe. As the eight-episode production has began filming across the UK, following in the footsteps of previous seasons that showcased London and its surrounding areas, we can expect plenty more of those iconic, regal backdrops — an atmosphere that continues to inspire experiences like the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings concerts at Central Hall Westminster.
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.”
Season 5 of Bridgerton: What to expect
Netflix posted a tease of the new season to their Instagram page on Tuesday, showing the pair almost holding hands along with the caption “Next season, love begins again.”. The streaming platform also released new character descriptions for the new leads;
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling. Countess of Kilmartin: Reserved and contained, Francesca has long felt out of place in the world. As Michaela stirs up new feelings inside her, Fran will make discoveries about herself that could change everything.
Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling. Beneath Michaela’s charming and vivacious exterior hides a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort. But this season, Michaela must face her vulnerability head-on as she’s forced to navigate her relationship to her late cousin’s legacy — and to Francesca.
Together, their story is set to explore grief, identity, and unexpected desire, as Francesca finds herself caught between the life she planned and the feelings she can’t ignore — a fresh, more introspective kind of romance in the Bridgerton universe.
You can watch the teaser for Bridgerton Season 5 in the video below.
