Shonda Rhimes Reveals Her Reaction to Bridgerton's Gender Swap Twist
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes revealed her reaction to Bridgerton gender-swapping character Francesca's love interest from Michael to Michaela.
"The fans have been so supportive of sort of every direction we've gone with [the] story, which has been wonderful to me," Rhimes, 56, told People on Sunday, April 26. "I really thought the reaction to season 4 was extraordinary."
Rhimes noted she was "excited for fans to get to see" what was in store for season 5. After seeing the initial scenes filmed for Francesca and Michaela so far, Rhimes said she "loves" watching the story line expand - despite the book to TV changes.
"I'm really excited. I can't tell you any story points because that would be spoilers, but I'm really excited and we've started filming and I think it's been amazing so far," she added.
Based on Julia Quinn‘s book series of the same name, Bridgerton centers around members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. Each season is based on a different Bridgerton's love story with Francesca (Hannah Dodd) leading the way in season 5.
Francesca originally met her match in husband John (Victor Alli), who died in season 4. While Francesca was meant to find love again with John's cousin, Michael, he got swapped for Michaela (Masali Baduza). Bridgerton readers were introduced to Michael in the novel From When He Was Wicked, but the TV producers went for a different approach.
"I'm very happy for people to discuss and debate the show and our approach to adapting the books. But I want to state really plainly, there is no place for homophobia or racism or any form of bigotry in the Bridgerton world," showrunner Jess Brownell told Tudum in March. "Bridgerton is about love and inclusivity."
Brownell specifically defended Baduza, 30, and Dodd, 30. "Masali and Hannah and all of our cast and crew deserve nothing but positivity and love," she continued. "It's been beautiful to see the way fans have already started rallying around them, and I can't wait to watch that love grow."
Following offscreen backlash, Brownell stood by the decision to make some changes.
"I've said from the beginning that this show, in so many ways, is about allowing people to see themselves represented, allowing themselves to dream, and imagine themselves in these fantastical roles," Brownell shared. "It never felt right to not be inclusive of queer love as well within that fantasy."
Brownell reflected on the project's "groundbreaking" storytelling, adding, "Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We're not the first by any means. But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge."
Bridgerton is currently streaming on Netflix.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 9:35 AM.