It’s Not Francesca’s Spotlight in Bridgerton Season 4, Yet She Holds the Key to Its Biggest Twist

As the first three seasons of Bridgerton prove, a Bridgerton sibling doesn’t have to be the main character to get a worthwhile storyline, indicating that Francesca can play a big role in season 4. Netflix’s show is based on Julia Quinn’s book series of the same name. Like each of her novels, every season of Bridgerton follows one love story — season 1 is all about Daphne and Simon, season 2 chronicles Anthony and Kate’s romance, and season 3 revolves around Colin and Penelope. Benedict is set to step into the spotlight in season 4, but Francesca’s story will also likely significantly develop.

As of the writing of this article, Netflix hasn’t announced a release date for Bridgerton season 4, but the upcoming episodes are expected to arrive sometime in 2026.

Bridgerton season 3’s ending deviated from the show’s previous seasons as it included two Bridgerton weddings. Colin and Penelope got married, of course, since they were the main characters. However, Francesca, who made her debut to society during the premiere, also exchanged vows. She married John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, and the two left London for his estate in Scotland by the season’s conclusion (with Eloise, who longed for adventure and travel, accompanying the newlyweds). Despite not having the most epic love story, Francesca seemed satisfied and happy with John until she met his cousin, Michaela Stirling.

Francesca’s Season 4 Story Could Be Bridgerton’s Most Devastating

A Main Character Might Die

Based on the season 3, part 2 finale, Bridgerton is undoubtedly following Francesca’s book story (with one small exception). So, it’s only a matter of time before her husband, John, dies in the Netflix series. As Bridgerton book readers know, Francesca is married to John for two years before he tragically dies in their home in Scotland, and she miscarries their child shortly after. Season 4 may adapt this part of Francesca’s arc, making her the story’s emotional core despite not being the main character.

Bridgerton recast Francesca in season 3, replacing Ruby Stokes with Hannah Dodd, which makes Daphne’s future on the show even more disappointing.

Although Francesca’s novel, When He Was Wicked, begins with John’s death, the Netflix show could speed up this timeline and kill him off in season 4 (instead of in season 6, which will likely be Francesca’s season). The upcoming episodes will probably jump ahead in time, though. It’s entirely possible that Bridgerton season 4 starts with a two-year time jump, bringing Francesca’s storyline up to speed and allowing the writers to introduce one of the most devastating developments in the whole series. Consequently, Francesca could easily play a significant, tragic role in Benedict’s season.

Bridgerton Season 4 Could Set Up Two More Seasons Of Bridgerton

Francesca’s Story Likely Won’t Be Adapted Until Season 6

As mentioned above, many predict that Bridgerton season 6 will center around Francesca, while season 5 adapts Eloise’s novel. Yes, the Netflix romance TV show has shifted the book order around before (with season 3 adapting Colin’s novel instead of Benedict’s, despite his book being the third in the series). However, it would make sense if Bridgerton got back on track after season 4. As a result, Eloise would be next, followed by Francesca, giving the sixth Bridgerton sibling two more seasons of buildup to her story.

Bridgerton season 4 killing off John would define Francesca’s arc across the next two seasons. In the books, she mourned her husband for a few years before moving on. John’s death in season 4 could line up with the timeline in Julia Quinn’s series and give Francesca room to develop (and have a big presence in the show) before her season even begins. So, by the time her season rolls around, Francesca would be perfectly set up for her central romance.

Bridgerton Season 4 Could Be A Major Step For Its LGBTQ+ Representation

The Episodes Should Lay The Groundwork For Francesca & Michaela’s Eventual Romance

Francesca ends up marrying Michael Stirling in the Bridgerton books, who is John’s cousin. After the season 3 finale, it appears as if the show is staying true to Francesca’s endgame, with one slight change. Instead of John having a male cousin named Michael, he has a female cousin named Michaela in Netflix’s Bridgerton, who was introduced at the end of season 3, part 2. Based on Francesca’s stunned reaction to meeting Michaela, the show is already ahead of the curve in teasing their eventual romance, and season 4 could continue developing their attraction to one another.

All three characters (Francesca, John, and Michaela) are confirmed to star in Bridgerton season 4, meaning the show has the opportunity to make Francesca and her character arc a cornerstone of the story.

Of course, Francesca and Michaela won’t get together until after John dies. However, the upcoming episodes could continue laying the groundwork for what will be the Netflix show’s biggest LGBTQ+ romance so far, further expanding its representation. All three characters (Francesca, John, and Michaela) are confirmed to star in Bridgerton season 4, meaning the show has the opportunity to make Francesca and her character arc a cornerstone of the story.

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