‘Bridgerton’ season 5 to spotlight Francesca’s story; new chapter begins production in the UK

The fifth season of the hit period drama "Bridgerton" will put spotlight on actor Hannah Dodd's Francesca Stirling, the introverted middle daughter of the Bridgerton family, Netflix and Shondaland announced on Tuesday.The eight-episode season five of the Regency-era show has started production in the United Kingdom, the streamer said in a statement."Two years after losing her beloved husband, John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons. But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran's complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions," read the official logline.The fifth season is once again showrun by Jess Brownell. Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, and Chris Van Dusen serve as executive producers.Based on Julia Quinn's bestselling romance novels, "Bridgerton" follows the eight Bridgerton siblings as they search for love during the social season in Regency-era England.The series has dedicated each season to a different sibling's love story.The first season centred on Daphne Bridgerton, season two on Anthony, season three on Colin and Penelope, and the recently concluded season four on Benedict.Since its debut on Netflix in December 2020, the show since grown into one of the most consistent performers for the streamer.