Bridgerton (the Netflix show) has been known to alter some details from the book series on which it is based, including timelines, character details, and more, but the most surprising change came in season 4, and revolves around Francesca Bridgerton’s sexuality. The historical romance show, created by Chris Van Dusen, is an adaptation of Julia’s Quinn set of novels of the same name and follows the noble Bridgerton family. Over the course of the series, each Bridgerton sibling finds love, with every season covering one character’s story. However, Francesca’s journey differs from that of her brothers and sisters.

Bridgerton season 3 revolves around Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s romance, but it also features Francesca’s debut to society. As a result, the sixth Bridgerton child meets with many suitors, with one in particular catching her attention. Francesca ultimately gets married by the end of Bridgerton season 3, even though the episodes primarily follow Colin and Penelope’s story, and that’s because Francesca’s true love story won’t come until much later. Avid readers knew this about Francesca’s character, but what they didn’t know was that the Netflix series would change her sexuality from the books.

Just like in the Netflix show, Francesca marries John Stirling in the Bridgerton books. Unfortunately, two years after their wedding, John unexpectedly dies from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm at the couple’s home in Scotland, as chronicled in When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in the Bridgerton series. Francesca, who had a miscarriage shortly after becoming a widow, mourns her husband for around four years before becoming ready to marry again.

Bridgerton Book
Main Character
Publication Date

The Duke and I
Daphne Bridgerton

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony Bridgerton
December 5, 2000

An Offer from a Gentleman
Benedict Bridgerton

Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Colin Bridgerton
July 1, 2002

To Sir Phillip, With Love
Eloise Bridgerton
July 1, 2003

When He Was Wicked
Francesca Bridgerton
June 29, 2004

It’s In His Kiss
Hyacinth Bridgerton
June 28, 2005

On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory Bridgerton
June 27, 2006

Francesca then moves back to London, where she reconnects with John’s cousin, Michael, who she learns has been in love with her since the moment he saw her. Francesca later marries Michael, as their romance is the one that is thoroughly explored in the novels. So, as far as readers know, Francesca is straight in the books since she has only been with men, but that will seemingly change after Netflix’s Bridgerton season 3.

Why Bridgerton Has Changed Francesca’s Story From The Books

The Netflix Series Is Altering Francesca’s Sexuality

Many (who have read the book) were shocked when they watched as John’s cousin was introduced in Bridgerton season 3, part 2. Instead of being a man named Michael, John’s cousin is a woman named Michaela Stirling, and Francesca is clearly taken aback by her husband’s cousin the moment she sees her in the Netflix historical romance series. The writers have gender-swapped Michael’s character, thereby also changing Francesca’s sexuality from straight in the books to (possibly) bisexual in the show. 

Although season 3 only features a small moment between Francesca and Michaela, the scene is evidently teasing what’s to come for their relationship in future episodes. Francesca is at a loss for words when she sees John’s cousin, which is also a book change since Michael is the one who falls for the Bridgerton sibling first in the source material. Nevertheless, Michaela’s presence in Bridgerton proves that the writers want to include LGBTQ+ (main) characters and storylines in the show, and Francesca (along with the newly-confirmed bisexual Benedict Bridgerton) has been chosen as the series’ LGBTQ+ representation.

While speaking with Glamour, Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell defended the change to Francesca’s sexuality and gender-swapping John’s cousin. Brownell said:

“I know for people who love the book When He Was Wicked, that for a lot of people Michael Stirling is one of their favorite characters. I understand that people are going to have feelings about the fact that this character won’t appear exactly as they expected. But first of all, we are going to try to honor the themes of the book as much as possible. Obviously, some changes will have to be made to the storyline, but there are ways to honor a lot of the book. I would also just say that the book still stands. Michael Stirling still exists in book world. Whereas, 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. So I would just ask people to channel some empathy for those viewers, and to understand the importance of us allowing those viewers to see themselves represented.”

Will Francesca End Up With Michaela Stirling In Bridgerton?

Francesca Marries Michael Stirling In The Books After John’s Death

While only time will tell how Francesca’s story plays out in the Netflix show, it will undoubtedly diverge from Julia Quinn’s novels, as Brownell mentioned above. Season 3 teases that a romance between Francesca and Michaela is coming (probably following John’s death), even if it’ll be difficult for them to be together (and they might not be able to marry), which will likely be a part of their love story. So, it stands to reason that Bridgerton will still somewhat follow Francesca’s journey in the books, but instead of Michael ending up with Francesca, it will be the gender-swapped Michaela.