Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Bridgerton season 4, part 2, and the Bridgerton books.
Summary
Bridgerton(the Netflix show) has been known to alter some details from the book series on which it is based, including timelines, character details, and more, but the most surprising change came in season 4, and revolves around Francesca Bridgerton’s sexuality. The historical romance show, created by Chris Van Dusen, is an adaptation of Julia’s Quinn set of novels of the same name and follows the noble Bridgerton family. Over the course of the series,each Bridgerton siblingfinds love, with every season covering one character’s story. However,Francesca’s journey differs from that of her brothers and sisters.
Bridgertonshowrunner Jess Brownell estimates that season 4 will be ready to release in two years.
Bridgertonseason 3 revolves aroundColin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s romance, but it also features Francesca’s debut to society. As a result, the sixth Bridgerton child meets with many suitors, with one in particular catching her attention. Francesca ultimately gets married bythe end ofBridgertonseason 3, even though the episodes primarily follow Colin and Penelope’s story, and that’s becauseFrancesca’s true love story won’t come until much later.Avid readers knew this about Francesca’s character, but what they didn’t know was that the Netflix series would change her sexuality from the books.
Francesca Bridgerton Is Not LGBTQ+ In The Bridgerton Books
Julia Quinn’s Series Portrays Francesca As Straight
Just like in the Netflix show,Francesca marries John Stirling in theBridgertonbooks. Unfortunately, two years after their wedding,John unexpectedly diesfrom a ruptured cerebral aneurysm at the couple’s home in Scotland, as chronicled inWhen He Was Wicked, the sixthbook in theBridgertonseries. Francesca, who had a miscarriage shortly after becoming a widow, mourns her husband for around four years before becoming ready to marry again.
The Duke and I
On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory Bridgerton
July 19, 2025
Francesca then moves back to London, where she reconnects with John’s cousin, Michael, who she learns has been in love with her since the moment he saw her.Francesca later marries Michael,as their romance is the one that is thoroughly explored in the novels. So, as far as readers know,Francesca is straight in the bookssince she has only been with men, but that will seeminglychange after Netflix’sBridgertonseason 3.
Why Bridgerton Has Changed Francesca’s Story From The Books
The Netflix Series Is Altering Francesca’s Sexuality
Many (who have read the book) were shocked when they watched as John’s cousin wasintroduced inBridgertonseason 3, part 2. Instead of being a man named Michael, John’s cousin is a woman named Michaela Stirling, and Francesca is clearly taken aback by her husband’s cousin the moment she sees her in the Netflix historical romance series. The writers have gender-swapped Michael’s character, thereby alsochanging Francesca’s sexuality from straight in the books to (possibly) bisexual in the show.
In the past,Bridgertonauthor Julia Quinn has vocalized her support for (and desire to see) LGBTQ+ representation in the Netflix adaptation’s main characters.
Although season 3 only features a small moment between Francesca and Michaela, the scene is evidently teasing what’s to come for their relationship in future episodes. Francesca is at a loss for words when she sees John’s cousin, which is also a book change since Michael is the one who falls for the Bridgerton sibling first in the source material. Nevertheless,Michaela’s presence inBridgertonproves thatthe writers want to include LGBTQ+ (main) characters and storylines in the show,and Francesca (along withthe newly-confirmed bisexual Benedict Bridgerton) has been chosen as the series' LGBTQ+ representation.
While speaking withGlamour,Bridgertonshowrunner Jess Brownell defended the change to Francesca’s sexuality and gender-swapping John’s cousin. Brownell said:
“I know for people who love the book When He Was Wicked, that for a lot of people Michael Stirling is one of their favorite characters. I understand that people are going to have feelings about the fact that this character won’t appear exactly as they expected. But first of all, we are going to try to honor the themes of the book as much as possible. Obviously, some changes will have to be made to the storyline, but there are ways to honor a lot of the book. I would also just say that the book still stands. Michael Stirling still exists in book world. Whereas, queer audiences haven’t gotten the chance to see themselves represented in a major way on the show, which is a show that is, in so many other ways, so inclusive. So I would just ask people to channel some empathy for those viewers, and to understand the importance of us allowing those viewers to see themselves represented.”
What Happens To Hyacinth In The Bridgerton Books: Who She Marries & Show Future
Hyacinth Bridgerton is the youngest of the Bridgerton siblings, but her love story is no less fascinating than the older members of her family.
Will Francesca End Up With Michaela Stirling In Bridgerton?
Francesca Marries Michael Stirling In The Books After John’s Death
While only time will tell how Francesca’s story plays out in the Netflix show, it will undoubtedly diverge from Julia Quinn’s novels, as Brownell mentioned above. Season 3 teases thata romance between Francesca and Michaela is coming(probably following John’s death), even if it’ll be difficult for them to be together (and they might not be able to marry), which will likely be a part of their love story. So, it stands to reason thatBridgertonwill still somewhat follow Francesca’s journey in the books, but instead of Michael ending up with Francesca, it will be the gender-swapped Michaela.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on June 10, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
