Who will lead 'Bridgerton' Season 5?
What's the story
The fourth season of Netflix's popular period drama Bridgerton has concluded, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. However, there is no official release date yet for Season 5. Production is expected to begin in March 2026 in the UK with a possible release date in late 2027 or early 2028.
Lead speculation
Will it be Eloise or Francesca?
The biggest question on everyone's mind is who will be the lead in Bridgerton Season 5. Showrunner Jess Brownell had previously hinted that the next two seasons would focus on Eloise and Francesca. However, she did not reveal which sister would take the spotlight first. If one follows Julia Quinn's novels, Season 5 should be based on To Sir Phillip, With Love aka Eloise Bridgerton's love story with Sir Phillip Crane. But the show has swapped chronology before.
Finale analysis
Post-credit scene hints at multiple leads
The end of Bridgerton Season 4 introduced a new element to the series by featuring a post-credit scene. This scene showed Benedict and Sophie getting married in an outdoor ceremony at My Cottage. During this scene, Kate Bridgerton asks, "Whose wedding do you think we will be attending next?" Interestingly, both Eloise (who has been against marriage and convention for years) and Francesca (who was recently widowed) give cryptic answers.
Storyline speculation
Will Francesca get a chance in S06?
Francesca's story, based on When He Was Wicked, will explore the tragic loss of John Stirling and her relationship with his cousin, Michaela Stirling. Although Francesca is still grieving at the end of Season 4, fans speculate that Season 5 may focus on Eloise first. This speculation is fueled by the fact that Francesca isn't pregnant at the end of S04, unlike in the books, where she miscarries later. For now, either of them can lead the next season.