Netflix has officially confirmed that Bridgerton Season 5 will premiere in 2027, breaking the show’s usual two-year gap between seasons. The announcement came during Netflix’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York, where Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria shared the news with attendees.
This marks the first time in the popular period drama’s history that fans will wait less than two years for a new season. Season 4 aired in two parts earlier in 2026, and production for Season 5 started just weeks after that release. Filming began in March 2026 at locations outside London.
Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza Lead First Central Queer Romance
The upcoming season puts Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling’s relationship at the center of the story. Hannah Dodd returns as Francesca, while Masali Baduza plays Michaela. This is the show’s first same-gender main love story.
Showrunner Jess Brownell spoke about what this means for the series.
“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.”
The story picks up two years after the death of Francesca’s husband John Stirling (Victor Alli), who passed away in Season 4. Francesca decides to return to the marriage market for practical reasons, wanting to build a stable future for herself. But when Michaela comes back to London to handle the Kilmartin estate, Francesca starts questioning what she truly wants.
Actors Share Excitement About Representation in Period Drama
Both Dodd and Baduza have spoken openly about the importance of telling this story. Dodd pointed out that queer people have always been part of history, even if period dramas often left them out.
“[Queer love stories] have traditionally been excluded from things like period dramas — and queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist. So they deserve a love story just like everybody else.”
Baduza shared her gratitude for being part of the project.
“[We’re] super grateful and excited! What we really want to achieve is giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and [giving them] a happily ever after.”
Dodd added that after playing Francesca for multiple seasons, she genuinely wants the character to find happiness.
“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.”
What to Expect From Francesca and Michaela’s Story
The season draws from Julia Quinn’s book When He Was Wicked, with a major change. In the novels, Francesca falls for a male character named Michael. The show changed the character to Michaela, a decision that has sparked both support and criticism from fans.
Brownell described the tone of the new season.
“More than ever, season five is going to be about 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.”
The official logline explains that Francesca grieves very differently from Michaela. While both women loved John, their loss affects them in unique ways. Dodd noted that “John’s going to be with Fran forever,” and his memory stays part of her journey.
Baduza described her character’s emotional arc.
“[Michaela] is used to having all these walls up. I’m excited to tear down those walls and have her let Francesca in. I’m excited for people to see Michaela yearn for Francesca.”
Dodd quickly responded, “Francesca yearns too, to be fair!”
Key Scenes Actors Are Excited to Film
Dodd and Baduza have talked about specific moments from the book they cannot wait to bring to life. One scene involves Francesca riding into the Scottish Highlands after a night with Michaela, getting caught in a downpour. Michaela finds her, lifts her onto a horse, and presses close together in a protective moment.
Baduza shared her excitement about this sequence.
“I would love to see Michaela on a horse. I would love to see her galloping.”
Another key moment takes place in a small cottage where the two women take shelter from the rain. Dodd called it pure “forced proximity,” explaining that there is nowhere to hide from their feelings when stuck in a tiny room with a roaring fire.
Baduza described what viewers can expect from Michaela in these intimate scenes.
“This is a version of Michaela who’s messier, more emotional, and close to the surface. But she learns to be honest about love instead of running from it. You get to see Michaela be soft, messy, and powerful all at once. And Francesca finally gets to choose herself, not just what everyone expects from her.”
New Cast Members Join Bridgerton Season 5
Three new actors have joined the cast for the upcoming season. Tega Alexander, Jacqueline Boatswain, and Gemma Knight Jones will appear in Season 5, though their roles remain undisclosed.
The show continues filming outside London, with costume design playing a big role in telling Francesca and Michaela’s story. Dodd mentioned that the costume department is doing “a lot of storytelling,” and viewers will see Michaela “in another light through her costuming.”
Baduza agreed, noting that clothing helps show what a character would wake up and wear every day. “Michaela’s got a lot of ball gowns that she has to wear this season, and they’re beautiful,” she said.
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Release Details for Global Audiences
Bridgerton Season 5 will stream on Netflix in 2027. Specific premiere dates for different regions including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India have not been announced yet. The show will be available globally on Netflix as each episode releases.
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