A Bridgerton showrunner has confirmed that a major plotline is ‘absolutely going to be a part’ of season five despite gender-swap criticism.
Season four of Bridgerton, Netflix’s revered Regency romance series, may have just concluded, but work has already begun on the fifth.
Following the marriage of Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) in the fourth instalment, it has been confirmed that Francesta Stirling, the widowed countess of Kilmartin (Hannah Dodd), and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) will take centre stage.
This same-gender pairing differs from the one author Julia Quinn designed in her 2004 novel, When He Was Wicked - a change some fans were initially concerned about, as Francesca’s struggles with infertility are a key element to the story.
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Infertility, which the NHS confirmed affects approximately one in seven couples, is a delicate subject that Bridgerton first touched upon in the lead-up to the death of Francesca’s husband, John Stirling (Victor Alli).
During the season, Francesca aired her frustration that she was not doing her ‘duty’ by providing her husband with an heir.
There was also a brief moment after the Count of Kilmartin had died that she believed she was carrying their child, but later discovered that she was not.
Netflix showrunner Jess Brownell has said that infertility is something Bridgerton is ‘interested in’ exploring in the coming TV season, as queer women are also impacted.
"I think we’re absolutely interested in telling — and we have told — a story of Francesca dealing with infertility this season," she explained Variety in February.
"But if anyone thinks that women who end up with women don’t deal with infertility, I think they have a lot to learn.”
Following the news that Francesca and Michaela’s romance would form the backbone of Bridgerton season five, Brownell has doubled down to confirm that infertility will be explored further.
"It’s something we took a lot of care with in Season 4, Francesca’s fears about infertility,” the TV expert confirmed to Netflix’s Tudum.
“Questions about how to conceive are a major part of queer women’s stories.
“A fertility story lends itself really well to a sapphic love story. It’s absolutely going to be a part of Francesca and Michaela’s story,” she added.
The official Bridgerton X account confirmed the two female leads on Tuesday (24 March) by writing: “Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again... Bridgerton Season 5 is now in production.”
Fans were quick to comment on how ecstatic they were that Michaela would return following her swift exit at the end of season four.
“We’re about to see yearning like we have never seen before,” typed one social media user in all capitals.
A second replied: “I’m so excited for them. They make such a beautiful pair.”
“We used to pray for times like this.”
It’s yet to be confirmed when Bridgerton season five will be on Netflix.
However, the streaming service seems to drop an eight-episode season every two years.
All episodes of Bridgerton seasons one to four are now streaming on Netflix.
Topics: Bridgerton, Netflix, TV And Film
Ella Scott