Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Francesca’s Bridgerton book, When He Was Wicked.
Bridgertonseason 4 is Benedict’s season, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also progress Francesca’s character arc. The Netflix alternative history regency romance TV show, created by Chris Van Dusen, is based on Julia Quinn’s eight-book series of the same name, as each season adapts one novel. Given that each book follows one of the Bridgerton siblings' love stories,every season ofBridgertonrevolves around one of their romances, with season 1 chronicling Daphne’s, season 2 centering around Anthony’s, and season 3 honing in on Colin’s. Now,it’s Benedict’s turn to step into the spotlight when season 4 premieres.
Netflix hasn’t announced an official release date, butBridgertonseason 4 is expected to premiere in 2026.
Bridgertonseason 4 will tell Benedict’s tale, which begins when he meets Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha) at his mother’s famous masquerade ball. Although Benedict and Sophia are set to be the show’s next major romance, season 4 can still incorporate other love stories, like Francesca’s.She shouldn’t be the focus, of course. However,Bridgertoncan make room to develop various characters' arcs, not just Benedict and Sophie’s, and season 4 would be wise to do so, despite Francesca’s season being a ways away.
Michaela Is Intended To Be Francesca’s Love Interest When Her Season Comes Around
The Bridgerton Season 3 Finale Introduced Michaela
As teased atthe end ofBridgertonseason 3, part 2,John Stirling isn’t Francesca’s main love interest — his cousin, Michaela, is.In the books, Francesca marries John, but he dies of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm a couple of years into their marriage (at the beginning of Francesca’s novel,When He Was Wicked). Francesca mourns her husband for a few years before deciding to remarry, which is when John’s cousin comes back into the picture and ends up with Francesca. Unlike the show, John’s cousin is a man named Michael. So,Bridgertongender swaps this character with Michaela, played by Masali Baduza.
The Duke and I
On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory Bridgerton
July 17, 2025
Michaela (Michael inJulia Quinn’sBridgertonbook series) falls in love with Francesca the moment she sees her. In the Netflix show, Michaela’s infatuation with Francesca seemed to be reciprocated during their first meeting, as Francesca forgot her own name when introduced to John’s cousin. However, it will be a long time before either of them can act on their feelings.Bridgertonseason 4 can develop Francesca and Michaela’s relationshipin the meantime, though, even if it’s strictly platonic on the surface.
What Francesca & Michaela’s Romance Actually Beginning In Bridgerton Season 4 Would Mean
Francesca Would Still Be Married To John
BothFrancesca and Michaela (and John) are part of theBridgertonseason 4 cast,meaning the upcoming episodes may further their story, after all. Francesca and John will still be married, meaning she can’t be with Michaela. As long as the Netflix romance series follows the books, fans will likely have to wait untilBridgertonseason 6 (assuming season 5 will tell Eloise’s story)for Francesca and Michaela to act on their feelings for one another.
In the novels, though,Francesca and John’s cousin grow close during the two years she is married to John.Perhaps season 4 will develop the two characters' bond, teasing their upcoming love story. Plus, the episodes could feature tension between Francesca, Michaela, and John, since Francesca is married to John but isn’t necessarily in love with him, while she is falling for his cousin. Ultimately,Bridgertonwould be wise to begin Francesca and Michaela’s romance early (without cheating, of course), setting the stage for when the sixthBridgerton sibling’sseason comes around.
Bridgerton Might Just Shelve Michaela Until Francesca’s Season, But It Shouldn’t
Francesca & Michaela’s Story Deserves Build-Up
Yes, Michaela will appear inBridgertonseason 4. However, the episodes could still push her and Francesca’s developing romance into the background to focus on other characters. This would be a big mistake, though.Starting Michaela’s arc now would make it much more complexand better for her and Francesca’s love story, spanning multiple seasons. The Netflix alternative history series must lay the groundwork for Francesca’s season as soon as possible to ensure that the payoff is worth it and to get the audience invested. And there is no better time to start than inBridgertonseason 4.
