Dearest readers, dust off your fans and brace your corsets. Netflix has officially placed Francesca Bridgerton front and center for season five of Bridgerton.
Who’s taking the spotlight?
Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, is confirmed as the season five lead. The story picks up two years after the sudden death of her husband, John Stirling, a role played by Victor Alli. According to Netflix's March 24 announcement, Francesca intends to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons, but the return of John's cousin Michaela to London to manage the Kilmartin estate stirs complicated feelings. Fran will have to choose whether to stick to practicality or follow her passions.
What the season adapts
The new season adapts Julia Quinn's novel When He Was Wicked, bringing that particular book from the Bridgerton series to life on screen.
Meanwhile in the Bridgerton world
Back in the married wing of the family, Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, is settling into life with Sophie, portrayed by Yerin Ha, following their wedding at the end of season four.
Luke has said he feels lucky to step into a lead role, partly because he had time to get comfortable in the Bridgerton universe and could learn from the actors who led before him. He praised the show's format, noting that each season focuses on a different character and that the cast members approach the lead position in their own ways. He also mentioned that previous stars like Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, and Luke Newton offered support, but he wanted to find his own path, including the right mistakes along the way.
Quick recap of continuity
- Francesca’s arc follows the events of season four and picks up two years after her husband’s death.
- The season will center on a potential romance between Francesca and Michaela, who returns to London to handle the Kilmartin estate.
- The adaptation is based on Julia Quinn’s When He Was Wicked.
While you wait for season five
If you need a distraction while the ton gets its act together in Mayfair, here are a few upcoming shows and returns to queue up.
- The Comeback (HBO) - Mar. 22
Lisa Kudrow returns as Valerie Cherish in this revival of the Emmy-nominated comedy. - Criminal Record (Apple TV) - Apr. 22
A character-driven London-set drama about rival police officers forced into an uneasy alliance when a young man is killed at a political rally. - Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special (Disney+/Hulu) - Mar. 24
Miley Cyrus revisits memorable moments with interviews, archival footage, and a musical performance. - Bait (Prime Video) - Mar. 25
From Riz Ahmed, a comedy following a struggling actor whose life unravels over four chaotic days during a career-making audition. - Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen (Netflix) - Mar. 26
An atmospheric horror series set during the week leading up to a wedding with ominous consequences. - Love Overboard (Hulu) - Mar. 26
A reality-style romance on a luxury yacht where contestants compete for access to extravagant amenities and love. - For All Mankind (Apple TV) - Mar. 27
Season five picks up after a major heist, showing a thriving Martian colony and rising tensions between Mars and Earth, with several returning cast members and new additions. - Storied Spaces (Magnolia Network) - Mar. 28
A design and home series that explores how families personalize their spaces and the stories behind them. - Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait (Prime Video) - Mar. 30
A documentary following Rory McIlroy’s journey to his 2025 Masters victory and completing the career Grand Slam. - Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom (Netflix) - Mar. 31
A documentary revisiting Lamar Odom’s near-fatal 2015 overdose with new interviews and perspectives. - Secrets of the Bees (National Geographic/Hulu) - Mar. 31
An in-depth look at bee colonies and their vital role in pollinating a third of the world’s food supply. - You're Killing Me (Acorn TV) - Spring 2026
A New England-set mystery starring Brooke Shields as a bestselling novelist who helps solve a friend’s murder. - Half Man (HBO) - April 2026
A six-part limited series that traces three decades in the volatile relationship between two men who are like brothers. - The Valley (Bravo) - Apr. 1
The reality series returns for season three, documenting friendships, breakups, and new beginnings among a tight-knit group. - XO, Kitty (Netflix) - Apr. 2
Season three of the spinoff from the To All the Boys franchise, with Lana Condor returning as Lara Jean for the series. - The Boys (Prime Video) - Apr. 8
The fifth and final season escalates to a high-stakes confrontation between supes and those who oppose them. - Hacks (HBO Max) - Apr. 9
The comedy returns for its final season as Deborah Vance and Ava push to secure Deborah’s legacy. - Big Mistakes (Netflix) - Apr. 9
From Dan Levy, a comedic family saga meets crime thriller about two inept siblings pulled into organized crime.
So there you have it. Fran is ready for her close-up, Benedict is navigating married life, and the rest of TV is here to entertain you while you wait. Prepare your best gossip face and practice your shocked-but-pleased expression.
