Which Sibling Might Lead “Bridgerton” Season 5? Everything to Know About the Romance Series' Next Chapter

Jane LaCroixFri, February 27, 2026 at 2:36 PM UTC

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Masali Baduza as Michaela and Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 405 of 'Bridgerton'.Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

The Ton may still be buzzing over Bridgerton season 4, but fans are already looking ahead to what’s next for Netflix’s crown jewel, especially after that exciting post-credits scene.

The hit Netflix drama was officially renewed for seasons 5 and 6 in May 2025, confirming that the streamer plans to continue adapting Julia Quinn’s beloved novels well beyond Benedict’s love story.

Each installment has centered on a different sibling’s romantic journey, though the show has proven it’s not afraid to shuffle timelines or expand storylines for fan-favorite characters every now and then.

As for what comes next, showrunner Jess Brownell has confirmed that the creative team already knows which siblings will lead seasons 5 and 6 — even if the exact order hasn’t been revealed publicly. Executive producer Shonda Rhimes has also made clear that there’s no shortage of material left to mine from Quinn’s eight-book series, telling Variety in May 2025 that the plan has always been to explore each sibling’s love story.

So, which sibling might step into the spotlight next? Here’s everything to know so far about Bridgerton season 5.

Who is in the cast of Bridgerton season 5?

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek in episode 407 of 'Bridgerton'.Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Netflix has not yet announced the full cast for Bridgerton season 5, but several familiar faces are almost certain to return.

The core Bridgerton family is expected to remain central to the series. That includes Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) — all of whom have been mainstays of the past seasons.

If season 5 centers on one of the younger siblings, that sibling’s actor would naturally take on the romantic lead position. Speaking to Deadline in January 2026, Brownell said, “I know who the two leads are for seasons 5 and 6,” while declining to clarify which season belongs to whom.

Beyond the Bridgerton household, the Netflix series has historically brought back major society players such as Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and fan favorites from prior love stories, though screen time often shifts depending on which sibling’s romance is at the center.

The show is also known for introducing a slate of new characters each season — particularly the incoming love interest and their family — meaning season 5 will likely feature fresh casting announcements soon.

What will Bridgerton season 5 be about?

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 401 of 'Bridgerton'.Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Netflix has not officially revealed the plot of Bridgerton season 5, but there are strong clues based on Quinn’s book series. While the series has adjusted timelines from the books in the past — most notably shifting Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope’s (Nicola Coughlan) love story forward — it continues to draw heavily from the source material.

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When Brownell confirmed to Deadline that the leads for the next two seasons have been chosen, that led many fans to speculate that either Eloise or Francesca — whose respective books are To Sir Phillip, With Love and When He Was Wicked — could take center stage next.

In the season 4 post-credits scene, Kate asked "Whose wedding do you think we will be attending next?" and Eloise surprisingly answered, "Oh, I do love a wedding. All the best people in the same place." Francesca was then asked if she might remarry, but said "I have had my great love. One time is enough."

If the series follows Quinn’s later novels, Eloise’s story explores an unexpected correspondence that leads to a complicated romance far from London society, while Francesca’s book delves into second chances and grief following a personal loss. Both arcs would mark a tonal shift from previous seasons, leaning into more mature themes.

But until Netflix releases an official synopsis, season 5’s storyline remains under wraps.

When will Bridgerton season 5 film?

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton in episode 408 of 'Bridgerton'.Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Work on Bridgerton season 5 is already underway — at least behind the scenes.

Rhimes confirmed in an October 2025 SiriusXM interview that the creative process had begun, revealing that the writers were actively developing the next chapter. “The writers are in the writer’s room working on that, so I know what season 5 is all about from beginning to end,” Rhimes said.

While Netflix has not yet announced an official production start date for filming, Bridgerton traditionally follows a lengthy production timeline. Season 3 filmed from July 2022 to March 2023 before premiering in May and June 2024. Season 4 similarly entered production well ahead of its release window.

Given that pattern plus Rhimes’ confirmation that scripts are already mapped out, cameras could be rolling soon — if not already — though Netflix has yet to confirm an exact start date.

How many episodes will Bridgerton season 5 have?

Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton in episode 404 of 'Bridgerton'.Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Netflix has not officially confirmed the episode count for Bridgerton season 5 just yet. However, if the series follows its established format, fans can likely expect eight episodes.

When will Bridgerton season 5 be released?

Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 405 of 'Bridgerton'.Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Netflix has not announced an official release date for Bridgerton season 5.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”