As we gear up for Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie’s (Yerin Ha) love story, which hits Netflix next year, we’re already thinking further down the line. Bridgerton has already been renewed for two more seasons after Season 4, which begs the question: Which Bridgerton sibling should take the lead next?
There are only two viable options at this point: Eloise (Claudia Jessie) and Francesca (Hannah Dodd). On one hand, the show could follow Julia Quinn’s book series and give Season 5 to Eloise. After all, To Sir Phillip, With Love is the fifth installment, followed by Francesca’s story in When He Was Wicked. But as Bridgerton fans know, the show already switched up the order by giving Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton) Season 3, even though the third book belongs to Benedict.
“Shonda and I have talked about who Season 5 is and who Season 6 is,” showrunner Jess Brownell told Variety. “We haven’t talked beyond that. If we are lucky enough to have a Season 6, we want to just have that plan, so we know where we’re headed.”
So, Season 5 is anyone’s game at this point. Both of the sisters’ love interests have already appeared on screen: Chris Fulton‘s Sir Phillip Crane for Eloise and Masali Baduza‘s Michaela Stirling, who book fans know eventually captures a widowed Francesca’s heart. Season 3 definitely set the groundwork for Francesca’s story. She married Michaela’s cousin, John Stirling (Victor Alli), so viewers will likely watch their relationship blossom in Season 4. Should Season 5 begin with John’s death, or would it be more emotional if Bridgerton held off until Season 6?
Compared to Francesca, Eloise has had far less action in the romance department, but we can’t count her out either. The show might spend Season 4 planting the seeds of her romance with Phillip, which begins after they start exchanging letters. But would it feel too rushed? Would the payoff be better if the fiercely independent Eloise spent more time forming a connection with Phillip, bringing her around to the idea of marriage more gradually?
