We’ve known for some time that Bridgerton would be back for a fifth (and sixth) season, but now we finally know what the next instalments could look like. Season four is still lingering in our minds, but we’re already turning our attention a little further into the future, with new details on exactly what – or should we say who – the next storyline will focus on, and when it could hit our screens.
Everything we know about Bridgerton season five, below.
Who is in the cast of Bridgerton season five?
We can expect some familiar favourites as well as some new faces for the fifth season. The cast list currently includes:
Hannah Dodd as Lady Francesca Stirling
Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling
Tega Alexander as Christopher Anderson
Jacqueline Boatswain as Helen Stirling
Gemma Knight Jones as Lady Elizabeth Ashworth
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury
Harriet Cains as Philippa Finch (née Featherington)
Bessie Carter as Prudence Dankworth (née Featherington)
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton
Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton
Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
Simone Ashley as Kathani “Kate” Bridgerton (née Sharma)
Yerin Ha as Sophie Bridgerton (née Baek)
Jessica Madsen as Lady Cressida Gun
Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
Which character will Bridgerton season five focus on?
Sorry Eloise Bridgerton stans, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Season five is honing in on Francesca Bridgerton, and her relationship with Michaela Stirling.
We saw their relationship begin to blossom at the end of season four, when Francesca was sadly left widowed, and Michaela was there to comfort her. So we can only imagine that season five will take that tiny spark and turn it into something explosive.
Of course, we’ve known for some time that season five would either be about Francesca or Eloise — and whoever missed out this time would take the spotlight in sesaon six. It’s all thanks to a tiny detail on showrunner Jess Brownell’s outfit at the premiere for season foru in Paris. For the occasion, she wore two pocket squares — embroidered with the initials ‘E’ and ‘F’. Speaking to Deadline, Brownell revealed, “Both characters with the initials on my pocket squares will get seasons in five in six. In what order? I can’t say.”
What will season five be about?
Whether you’ve read the book or not, the series will actually deviate a little. In the book, after her husband John dies, Francesca falls in love with his cousin Michael. But in the series, we know that Michael has been recast as Michaela, and a sapphic relationship will actually be the focus.
Per Netflix, the official season synopsis is: “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.”
Who plays Michaela Stirling?
We’ve already been introduced to Michaela, who made herself known in season four. She’s played by actress Masalia Baduza.
Speaking to Tudum, Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell said, “I cannot say enough good things about Hannah and Masali. The two of them have such a beautiful friendship and support each other in such a beautiful way. But, beyond that, I really do think that they are two incredibly talented and special performers. They’re actors who are able to say so much with just an expression, with just their faces.”
When will filming begin?
Now, actually. The cameras began rolling on Bridgerton season five in March 2026, with production once again set to take place across locations in the United Kingdom.
If the show follows its usual production timeline, there’ll be roughly eight months of filming, followed by a lengthy post-production period, which could point to a potential release sometime in spring or summer 2027. At this stage, however, Netflix hasn’t locked in an official premiere date, so take this information with a grain of salt.
What about season six?
Season six will belong to Eloise Bridgerton. For those who haven’t read her book, it follows as Eloise begins a long-distance correspondence with Sir Phillip, a widowed father of two. Spoiler alert: their letters eventually lead to a proposal — and the novel climaxes when Eloise abandons social norms to travel and meet him in person.