This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3.
Summary
InBridgertonseason 3, a major change is made to one character’s book story, but this alteration makes the period drama even more in line with the author’s overall message. Since 2020, Netflix has been adaptingJulia Quinn’s romanticBridgertonbooksinto a live-action television series. In that time, three books and a spinoff have been brought to life, and five more stories are still left to tell.Bridgertonmay not always adapt every detail from the books, but these adjustments often help make the series that much better.
While book-to-TV adaptations can often be criticized for moving too far away from their source material,Bridgertonis a unique example of change being a good thing. One of the most significantbook to TV changes made toBridgertonwas the inclusion of a more diverse cast. Characters that were portrayed as white in Julia Quinn’s books were cast with actors of color. Ultimately, this made the show more representative and interesting. Since then,Bridgertonhas made countless other modifications, both small and large, that have benefited the show immensely.
Is Francesca Bridgerton Gay? What The Books Say & Show Changes
Netflix’s Bridgerton has made some modifications from the books in the past, but season 4 revealed a major change for Francesca’s character.
Bridgerton Season 3 Sets Up Francesca As LGBTQ+
Michael Is Now Michaela
The following section contains spoilers for Julia Quinn’s novel,When He Was Wicked.
The final episode ofBridgertonseason 3 set up the beginnings of Francesca’s future love story, but one important distinction was made. Julia Quinn’s book,When He Was Wicked,follows the romance between Francesca and Michael Stirling. However,Bridgertonseason 3introduced Michael as Michaela Stirling, played by South African actress, Masali Baduza. Ultimately, this distinction is not only important for Michael’s character, but also for Francesca’s. It confirms thatFrancesca’s true love match will be an LGBTQ+ relationship.
Michaela’s gender swap is a massive moment for theBridgertonfranchise.
WhileBridgertonhas already included more diversity in terms of sexual orientation over the years,Francesca’s storyline is the first instance of a Bridgerton sibling’s main romance being LGBTQ. Benedict has been portrayed as being bisexual in the show, but as far as viewers know, his love story will still be with a woman. In this way, Michaela’s gender swap is a massive moment for theBridgertonfranchise. It sets up more representation and a new type of story thatBridgertonhas yet to delve into yet. All in all, this is an update that almost certainly makesBridgertonbetter.
Bridgerton Season 4 Can Deliver On Author Julia Quinn’s Saga Message
Quinn Wants Everyone To Have A Happy Ending
Francesca’s LGBTQ+ love story may be different from Julia Quinn’s books, but it aligns with the message the author is trying to spread. In an interview withCosmopolitan,Julia Quinn revealed thatshe loved Netflix’s decision to make Francesca gay. She explained, “Imagining a gay protagonist in ‘The Bridgertons’ seems like a good idea to me because the goal of the saga has always been to show that all people deserve a happy ending.” This goal will almost certainly be fulfilled in the coming seasons ofBridgertondue to this Francesca change.
The Duke and I
On the Way to the Wedding
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on June 19, 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.
