Bridgerton Seasons 5 & 6 Leads Officially Revealed: Eloise and Francesca's Love Stories Are Coming
Jess Brownell Confirms Bridgerton Season 5 and 6 Focus with Clever Pocket Square Reveal
The wait is over for Bridgerton fans eager to know which siblings will take center stage in the upcoming fifth and sixth seasons. Showrunner Jess Brownell made a characteristically clever announcement at the Bridgerton Season 4 premiere in Paris, wearing pocket squares embroidered with the initials "E" and "F"—confirming that both Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) and Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) will lead the next two seasons of Netflix's wildly popular Regency-era romance series.
"Both characters with the initials on my pocket squares will get seasons in 5 and 6," Brownell told Deadline on the red carpet. "In what order? I can't say." This tantalizing reveal leaves fans speculating about which sister's story will unfold first, though strong evidence points to Eloise taking the lead in Season 5, with Francesca following in Season 6.
The announcement ensures that Bridgerton will deliver back-to-back seasons centered on the Bridgerton women, marking a significant shift after seasons focused on brothers Anthony, Colin, and Benedict. For fans who have followed these characters since the show's 2020 debut, the promise of finally seeing Eloise and Francesca's romantic journeys is an answered prayer.
Bridgerton Season 5: Eloise's Time to Shine
If the series follows Julia Quinn's book order—and recent hints suggest it will—Season 5 will adapt "To Sir Phillip, With Love," the fifth novel in Quinn's beloved series. This would place Eloise Bridgerton, the quick-witted, feminist fifth sibling who has long declared herself uninterested in marriage, at the center of one of the series' most unexpected love stories.
Claudia Jessie has portrayed Eloise since Season 1, creating one of Bridgerton's most beloved characters. Known for her sharp tongue, progressive views, and resistance to society's expectations, Eloise has been a refreshing voice throughout the series. When asked about potentially leading Season 5, Jessie told reporters, "I wish I could say that I have started working on [Eloise's story]. That would make me seem like such a professional as well if I was starting to work on it."
Author Julia Quinn further fueled speculation in September 2025 when she posted throwback photos with Jessie on Instagram, captioning the post "Looking back.. and looking ahead" and using the hashtags #Philoise and #ToSirPhillipWithLove. The "Philoise" ship name refers to the pairing of Eloise with Sir Phillip Crane, her romantic interest in the novels.
Sir Phillip Crane: Eloise's Unexpected Match
Bridgerton viewers have already met Sir Phillip Crane, portrayed by Chris Fulton. Introduced in Season 1 as the brother of George Crane (Marina Thompson's first love who died during the war), Phillip married Marina to protect her reputation after she became pregnant with George's child. The character reappeared in Season 2, where his relationship with Marina appeared largely platonic despite their marriage.
In Quinn's "To Sir Phillip, With Love," the story begins with tragedy: Marina's death leaves Phillip a widower struggling to raise two young children, Oliver and Amanda. Eloise, at 28 and labeled a spinster by society, begins corresponding with Phillip after sending him a letter of condolence. Their epistolary relationship develops over a year before Phillip makes an unexpected proposal—suggesting Eloise visit him in Gloucestershire (with a chaperone) to consider whether they should marry.
For Phillip, the arrangement is initially practical: he needs help with his children and assumes Eloise remains single due to lack of better options. For Eloise, reeling from the revelation that her best friend Penelope is both Lady Whistledown and engaged to her brother Colin, the proposal represents an escape from London society and a chance to forge her own path.
What begins as a pragmatic arrangement evolves into genuine connection, with Eloise discovering that the life she thought she never wanted might be exactly what she needs—just on her own terms.
Potential Changes from Book to Screen
Bridgerton has never been afraid to deviate from Quinn's novels, and Season 5 will likely make some adjustments to Eloise's story. The most significant concern involves Marina's fate in the books, where she dies by suicide after suffering from depression. Given Marina's existing storyline in the show and the problematic implications of writing off one of the series' first Black female leads to serve a white protagonist's story, many expect the show to find a different way to handle Marina's exit.
The show has also introduced elements not present in the books—including Eloise's brief romance with printer Theo Sharpe in Season 2 and her temporary estrangement from Penelope. How these storylines will intersect with her eventual relationship with Sir Phillip remains to be seen, but Brownell has proven adept at weaving book storylines with show-specific developments.
Additionally, the show has aged up the characters slightly and modernized their perspectives on gender, class, and society. Expect Eloise's feminism and independent spirit to remain central to her story, even as she navigates unexpected romance.
Bridgerton Season 6: Francesca's Complex Love Story
While the order hasn't been officially confirmed, all signs point to Season 6 adapting "When He Was Wicked," the sixth novel focusing on Francesca Bridgerton. Hannah Dodd took over the role from Ruby Stokes in Season 3, and the groundwork for Francesca's story has already been carefully laid.
Season 3 saw Francesca marry John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, in what appeared to be a genuine love match. The couple's quiet, understated romance provided contrast to the more dramatic relationships featured in previous seasons. The season finale, however, introduced a crucial element: John's cousin, Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza)—a gender-flipped version of Michael from the novels.
In Quinn's books, "When He Was Wicked" is widely considered one of the most emotionally complex and devastating stories in the series. The novel charts Francesca's journey through grief after John's death, and her eventual forbidden love with Michael, his cousin and heir who has secretly loved her for years. The story explores themes of loyalty, guilt, longing, and the possibility of finding love twice in a lifetime.
Bridgerton's First Queer Lead Romance
The decision to gender-flip Michael into Michaela represents a significant and exciting development for Bridgerton. Season 6 will feature the show's first queer romance as its central love story, with Francesca and Michaela navigating not only the grief and guilt that define the book's narrative but also the added complexity of a same-sex relationship in Regency-era England.
Masali Baduza's introduction as Michaela in the Season 3 finale was handled with subtlety and care. The moment Francesca meets Michaela, there's an undeniable spark—a quiet recognition that mirrors the chemistry Francesca had with John but carries the weight of forbidden possibility.
This storyline offers Bridgerton an opportunity to explore LGBTQ+ representation within the constraints of historical drama while maintaining the emotional authenticity that makes the source material so compelling. The show has already demonstrated its willingness to thoughtfully incorporate diverse perspectives and identities within its Regency world, from its colorblind casting to Queen Charlotte's exploration of race and class.
For Francesca, the journey from John's widow to Michaela's partner will likely be one of the series' most emotionally layered arcs, dealing with grief, self-discovery, societal expectations, and the courage required to claim the love you deserve.
When Will Bridgerton Season 5 Premiere?
Netflix has not officially announced a premiere date for Bridgerton Season 5. However, based on the show's production patterns, we can make educated projections. Season 4 began filming in fall 2024, suggesting that Season 5 production might start in March 2026, according to early reports.
If the show follows its usual production timeline—roughly eight months of filming followed by an extensive post-production period—Season 5 could potentially premiere in spring or summer 2027. Given that there's typically been a two-year wait between seasons, a 2027 or early 2028 release seems most likely.
Production is expected to take place across various locations in the United Kingdom, maintaining the series' commitment to authentic period settings and the lavish production values that have become Bridgerton's hallmark.
Bridgerton Season 6 Release Projections
Following the same pattern, Season 6 would likely arrive in 2028 or 2029, depending on how Netflix and Shondaland choose to structure their production schedule. The renewal through Season 6 was announced in May 2025, ensuring fans that Francesca's story will definitely make it to screen.
Shonda Rhimes has confirmed the intention is for Bridgerton to run eight seasons total, with each season adapting one of Julia Quinn's eight novels. This means the series still has significant story left to tell beyond Seasons 5 and 6, potentially exploring the romances of Gregory and Hyacinth Bridgerton, the youngest siblings.
Expected Returning Cast for Seasons 5 and 6
While official cast announcements haven't been made, we can anticipate several familiar faces returning:
Season 5 Expected Cast:
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Chris Fulton as Sir Phillip Crane, Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton (matriarch and mother to the Bridgerton clan), Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
If Eloise's story follows the books, we might also see Ruby Barker return as Marina Thompson, depending on how the show handles her character's fate. The show may also introduce new characters, including Phillip's children Oliver and Amanda.
Season 6 Expected Cast:
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, Victor Alli as Lord John Stirling, and the returning Bridgerton family ensemble including Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, and other siblings.
What Makes Seasons 5 and 6 So Anticipated
Both upcoming seasons represent departures from previous Bridgerton installments. Season 5's focus on Eloise means centering a character who has been vocally anti-marriage throughout the series, creating an opportunity to explore how someone with feminist convictions can find partnership that honors rather than diminishes their independence.
Eloise's sharp wit, political awareness, and refusal to conform have made her a fan favorite. Watching her navigate romance while maintaining her core identity promises to be one of the series' most satisfying character arcs. Her relationship with Sir Phillip—a widower with children, struggling with grief and parenting—offers opportunity for both characters to grow beyond society's limited definitions of what a "proper" match should look like.
Season 6's significance lies in its representation. A queer lead romance in a major mainstream period drama remains relatively rare, and Bridgerton's massive global audience means Francesca and Michaela's story will reach millions of viewers who may be seeing themselves reflected in Regency romance for the first time.
The emotional depth of "When He Was Wicked"—dealing with grief, longing, loyalty, and forbidden love—combined with the added layer of navigating same-sex attraction in a restrictive society, positions Season 6 to be potentially the most emotionally complex installment of the series.
Bridgerton's Legacy and Future
Since its December 2020 debut, Bridgerton has become a cultural phenomenon. Seasons 1 and 3 currently rank as #5 and #7 respectively on Netflix's Most Popular list. The Queen Charlotte prequel series dominated global viewing, proving the Bridgerton universe has staying power beyond the main family's stories.
The announcement of Seasons 5 and 6 confirms Netflix's commitment to the franchise, while Rhimes' stated intention to produce eight seasons total ensures that every Bridgerton sibling will eventually get their moment in the spotlight. This long-term planning allows the show to develop characters slowly, laying groundwork across multiple seasons before their individual romances take center stage.
Jess Brownell, who took over as showrunner for Season 3, has proven adept at balancing fan expectations with creative innovation. Her decisions to deviate from book order when necessary (skipping Benedict for Season 3) while respecting the source material's core emotional beats suggests confidence in her vision for the series' future.
What to Expect from Season 4 While We Wait
Before Eloise and Francesca take center stage, fans can look forward to Benedict Bridgerton's (Luke Thompson) love story in Season 4, premiering January 29, 2026 (Part 1) and February 26, 2026 (Part 2) on Netflix. The season adapts "An Offer from a Gentleman" and tells a Cinderella-inspired story as Benedict meets Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a nobleman's illegitimate daughter forced into servitude who sneaks into a masquerade ball.
Thompson described the upcoming season as having "the magic and romance" of classic fairy tales woven into the Bridgerton world. The season promises to explore both upstairs and downstairs life in Regency society, introducing new characters and settings while maintaining the lush production values and swoony romance that define the series.
Final Thoughts on Bridgerton Seasons 5 & 6
The confirmation that Eloise and Francesca will lead Bridgerton's next two seasons gives fans much to anticipate. These stories promise emotional depth, character growth, and representation that expands what Regency romance can be. Eloise's journey from determined spinster to unexpected partner and Francesca's path through grief to forbidden love both offer opportunities for the kind of emotionally resonant storytelling that has made Bridgerton appointment viewing.
Whether you've been Team Eloise from the beginning, shipping "Philoise" since Season 1, or are excited about Francesca's groundbreaking queer romance with Michaela, the next two seasons of Bridgerton promise to deliver the scandal, romance, and heart that have made the series a global phenomenon.
As Lady Whistledown herself might say: This author predicts that Seasons 5 and 6 shall prove most diverting indeed. The Bridgerton sisters' time has come, and the ton will never be the same.
Stay tuned to Cup of Soul Show for continued Bridgerton coverage, including Season 4 reviews, cast interviews, and updates on Seasons 5 and 6 as production begins. Don't miss Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 premiering January 29, 2026, and Part 2 on February 26, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
Bridgerton Seasons 5 & 6 - What We Know
Season 5
Likely Lead: Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie)
Love Interest: Sir Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton)
Source Material: "To Sir Phillip, With Love" by Julia Quinn (Book 5)
Expected Release: 2027 or early 2028
Production Start: Potentially March 2026
Showrunner: Jess Brownell
Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, Chris Van Dusen
Season 6
Likely Lead: Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd)
Love Interest: Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza)
Supporting Character: Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli)
Source Material: "When He Was Wicked" by Julia Quinn (Book 6)
Expected Release: 2028 or 2029
Significance: First queer lead romance in the series
Themes: Grief, forbidden love, second chances, LGBTQ+ representation
The Bridgerton Siblings (in order)
Anthony Bridgerton - Season 2 lead
Benedict Bridgerton - Season 4 lead
Colin Bridgerton - Season 3 lead
Daphne Bridgerton - Season 1 lead
Eloise Bridgerton - Season 5 lead (likely)
Francesca Bridgerton - Season 6 lead (likely)
Gregory Bridgerton - Future season
Hyacinth Bridgerton - Future season