March 30, 2026, 7:12 am | Read time: 2 minutes

The two characters meet in a picturesque setting, exchange familiar glances, and cautiously draw closer. A gentle touch of their hands already hints at the storyline. The scene is accompanied by the words: “In the next season, a new love blossoms.” It’s already clear: The upcoming season of “Bridgerton” will again focus heavily on emotions and romantic moments.

Significant Departure from the Book

With the new storyline, Netflix takes a different path from the original book. The series is based on the novels by author Julia Quinn. In the books, Francesca’s story evolves after a significant loss. After her husband, Lord John Stirling, unexpectedly dies from a brain aneurysm, she opens herself to love again. In Book 6, she falls in love with a man named Michael Stirling, who is a relative of her late husband. This setup is fundamentally changed for the series.

Official Trailer for Season 5

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Michael Becomes Michaela

For Season 5, Netflix has reimagined the character. Michael Stirling becomes Michaela Stirling, John’s cousin. This introduces a lesbian love story as a central theme for the first time. Netflix accompanies the announcement with the words: “Rest assured, esteemed readership, for a certain countess will find love again…” The new episodes are currently still in production.

According to Netflix, filming is currently taking place near London. Season 5 picks up two years after the end of the fourth season and shows how both characters begin a new chapter.

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Fans React Dividedly to the Changes

The new direction is already sparking discussions before the premiere. Some fans welcome the departure from the book, seeing it as adding more diversity to the series. Others question how closely the plot will still adhere to the original story. The series further distances itself from the literary source, using it more as a loose foundation for its own developments.

Also of interest: These Are the Upcoming Netflix Highlights for 2026

Showrunner Talks About Special Moment

Showrunner Jess Brownell emphasizes the significance of the new storyline. “Of course, there are many great series that have explored queer love. But dedicating an entire season of ‘Bridgerton’ to a lesbian relationship feels truly monumental.” She underscores the importance of this development for the series.