Based on Julia Quinn’s book series by the same name, Bridgerton is a historical romance series created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix. The popular TV series is Shondaland’s first scripted show, set in the early 1800s in an alternative London Regency era.

Bridgerton Season 3
Hannah Dodd and Victor Alli as Francesca and John | Shondaland

Bridgerton, with three seasons streaming on Netflix, is currently one of the most loved shows and has received praise from critics and the audience for its’ direction, performances by the actors, and set designs. The third season was divided into two parts, and with part two’s release, the audience had some strong reactions to the ending.

Bridgerton Season 3: Is the Is the Francesca Bridgerton storyline heading for a queer romance?

Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series has been one of the most loved books, and ardent fans of it were thrilled to see the book being adapted for a Netflix show. Where Seasons One and Two justified the storylines in the book, the same couldn’t be said for the recently released Season 3. One such storyline is the introduction of Michaela Stirling instead of Michael Stirling.

Michaela Stirling is introduced as the cousin of John Stirling played by Victor Alli, the man Francesca Bridgerton played by Hannah Dodd gets married to. Upon their introduction, it is witnessed that Francesca might have a little bit of a crush on Michaela, who will tag along with Francesca, John, and Elosie to Scotland. The audience also noted that Francesca’s wedding kiss with John Stirling at the altar left her underwhelmed, hinting that maybe her sexuality is fluid, but nothing can be said for sure.

Bridgerton Season 3
Francesca and John getting married at Bridgerton House | Shondaland

But the readers have pointed out that in the books, Michaela is Michael, who has an impactful storyline that connects him with the young Bridgerton. In the book, John dies due to a brain aneurysm, leaving both his wife Francesca, and his cousin Michael sad and heartbroken. However, Michael steps up and takes over the duties and title of Lord Kilmartin, and eventually a one-sided crush develops and the two of them get married.

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But the audience does not know for sure how this storyline will be played out in the show, especially with switching the genders of what readers describe as ‘one of the best gentlemen in the books’ with a woman. Will Francesca’s love story take a queer turn or not? That is not sure, but executive producer Jess Browning shared that after the final episodes premiered (Via Glamour)

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. I felt like there was fertile ground thematically in Francesca’s book to nod towards telling a queer story. There are also some elements of her story that allow us to make sure we can tell a pretty happy ending for Francesca and Michaela.

Browning added that it was important for them to tell a main queer story to be able to give a happily ever after as they have with all the couples.

Fans react to the season 3 storyline changes

Ardent fans of the show and readers have expressed their disappointment in the makers for changing the storyline to showcase diversity. One of them pointed out that with the introduction of Michaela Stirling instead of Michael Stirling, the makers are not trying to give the story a queer turn but at the same time trying to scrape away a major plotline, which is Francesca’s fertility issues.

Bridgerton Season 3
Michael Stirling was swapped as Michaela Stirling for the show | Shondaland

According to readers, Francesa, following the death of John Stirling, experiences a miscarriage, but she did have two children with Michael in the books. However, the queer community online was quick to shut down the rumors and mention that queer women can also deal with infertility. A user on Reddit mentioned that Francesca has the most heartbreaking story among the Bridgerton siblings.

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But fans were also very adamant to know why the makers felt the need to change the storyline of Francesca and Michael Stirling when Eloise and Bendict (who explored his sexuality in season 3) were right there to explore. A user shared that it’s so sad to see the love Francesca had for John being downplayed, only to hint that she has a queer romance coming up. The user added that it kind of ruined the whole ‘Love appears in many ways’ theme the makers decided to go for.

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A user on X mentioned that the makers beyond the bisexual thing changed the feelings Francesca had for John, and it doesn’t sit right with them. However, the series is renewed for season 4, and it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds. But fans are glad that Penelope Featherington played by Nicola Coughlan and Colin Bridgerton played by Luke Newton got their happy ending.

Bridgerton is streaming on Netflix.

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