One Francesca Bridgerton plotline could risk undercutting the excitement of the upcoming season of the romantic drama, Bridgerton
Netflix’s Bridgerton is confirmed for Seasons 5 and 6, following the Benedict-centric Season 4. With anticipation running high, Season 5 will reportedly focus on Eloise. Yet, the show risks undercutting its momentum if it leans too heavily into one specific Francesca storyline.
Season 3 ended Francesca’s arc with her marriage to John Stirling, leaving viewers intrigued by her fascination with his cousin, Michaela Stirling. In the books, Francesca’s life takes a tragic turn after John’s death in Scotland, eventually leading her to marry Michael Stirling, a character gender-swapped for the Netflix adaptation.
While Season 3 set up the Francesca-Michaela dynamic, rushing into their story, or advancing it before Stirling’s death, could overshadow the main narrative and dilute the series’ emotional impact. Handling this plotline with care is crucial as mishandling it risks sidelining the core Bridgerton drama fans love.
Julia Quinn Assures Francesca’s Romance Will Be Just as Powerful
With Bridgerton Season 5 reportedly set to focus on Eloise Bridgerton, there have been speculations about when Francesca’s story will take center stage in the Netflix series. Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton book series, has reassured fans that Francesca’s romance will be just as powerful as those of her siblings.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Quinn expressed full confidence in the showrunners to honor the essence of Francesca’s book, saying,
I don’t know exactly everything [about the script], but I have some sense of what’s gonna happen. I think it’s gonna be a heart-wrenching, emotional season, which is what When He Was Wicked was.
She continued, “I think it’s gonna be great, and I think anything that allows more people to see themselves in the story is a good thing.”
Quinn also shared that she is looking forward to Francesca’s story coming to life, as it’s full of emotions and quite different than the other books in the series.
However, it still remains unclear which season will adapt Francesca’s story. Season 4 will focus on Benedict, while Seasons 5 and 6 are confirmed, but the order of future love stories has yet to be revealed.
Both Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and John Stirling (Victor Alli) are set to return in the upcoming Season 4 of the series.
Bridgerton Season 5 to Begin Filming Earlier Than Expected
In an exciting update for Bridgerton Season 5 is set to begin filming earlier than expected. Recent reports (What’s On Netflix) have revealed that production for the new season will start in March 2026, two months following the full release of Season 4.
Previously, production was anticipated for April or May, so this slight acceleration is a welcome surprise for eager fans. Season 5 is expected to follow Eloise Bridgerton, adapting the fifth book in the series, To Sir Phillip, With Love.
Unlike previous seasons, Eloise’s story centers on a long-distance romance through letters with Sir Phillip Crane, a dynamic that promises a fresh twist on the series’ courtships.
With production beginning in March 2026, fans can look forward to seeing Eloise’s journey potentially by late 2027.
What do you think will happen to Francesca’s arc in the Netflix series? Share your thoughts with us.
Bridgerton Season 4 is set to release on January 29, 2026.
