9 Shows to Watch While Waiting for ‘Bridgerton’ Season 5
The wait for Bridgerton‘s fifth season may not be as long as it’s been for past seasons, as Netflix revealed the latest chapter will arrive in 2027. But that means there are still plenty of months to pass until Shondaland’s hit finally returns, meaning there are plenty of shows to watch between now and then.
As fans know, Season 5 will make way for the love story between Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza), who connected on a deeper level after the death of Francesca’s husband and Michaela’s cousin, John (Victor Alli). Adapting Julia Quinn’s novel, When He Was Wicked, Season 5 of Bridgerton will make way for its first same-sex leading couple, marking a major milestone for the franchise.
In anticipation of Francesca and Michaela’s onscreen love story for Season 5, we’re rounding up some other TV shows you might want to check out in advance of Bridgerton‘s Season 5 return. Scroll down for a closer look at some recommendations, and keep an eye out for updates on the latest chapter as we approach 2027.
Bridgerton, Season 5 Premiere, 2027, Netflix
Dickinson
Apple TV‘s three-season comedy, Dickinson, shone a fresh light on poet Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld), depicting her life amid war and the romantic relationship she shared with her best friend, Sue (Ella Hunt). The period element of the series, its modern music usage, and overall tone make it a perfect precursor to Bridgerton Season 5’s romance storyline.
The Buccaneers
Meanwhile, Apple TV’s other series, The Buccaneers, which is based on Edith Wharton‘s final unfinished novel, follows young American women as they travel to England to find husbands. But not all of the girls are seeking a husband, as Mabel (Josie Totah) finds herself entranced by Honoria (Mia Threapleton). Once again, a period drama with modern music leanings, The Buccaneers may be primarily about the friendships, but the occasions when Mabel and Honoria are able to love out loud build our anticipation for Michaela and Francesca’s time in the spotlight for Bridgerton.
First Kill
Who doesn’t enjoy a little forbidden love? While Bridgerton‘s fifth season will explore that concept through Francesca and Michaela’s situation, especially considering Michaela’s relation to Francesca’s late husband, you can enjoy those themes in the fan favorite First Kill. Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook) is a vampire, and Calliope (Imani Lewis) is a vampire hunter, and they’re both tasked with delivering their first kills, but when they become romantically involved, things get a lot harder for the young women. Needless to say, if you enjoy some romantic drama with a supernatural twist, First Kill is right for you.
Tipping the Velvet
Tipping the Velvet is a three-part miniseries that originally aired on the BBC in England, but is streamable via Pluto TV, Tubi, and Prime Video. Based on the novel by Sarah Waters, the story follows Nan (Rachael Stirling), a young woman who finds herself swept up by Kitty (Keeley Hawes), a performer who entertains the inhabitants of Bohemian London. The show explores class division and even presents Nan with a second love interest when she finds common ground with activist Florence (Jodhi May). Originally debuting in 2002, the series sparked conversations over its steamier moments. If that doesn’t scream Bridgerton, we don’t know what does.
Forever
Forever may be a coming-of-age story, but something about Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) and Keisha’s (Lovie Simone) approach to romance feels reflective of the journey viewers might be able to expect in Bridgerton Season 5. Mainly, Francesca engaging in this romance with Michaela is new territory, perhaps for both of them, and Forever captures that pressure of a that beautifully. Even if you don’t equate Forever with Bridgerton, it’s a show worth watching.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
This may be the obvious choice, beyond watching and rewatching the first four seasons of Bridgerton, but Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story delivers plenty of complicated romance and made way for the first real same-sex relationship in the franchise, beyond the hookups Benedict (Luke Thompson) witnessed in Season 1 of the series. Brimsley (Sam Clemmett) and Reynolds (Freddie Dennis) serve the King and Queen during the day but enjoy steamy hookups at night, and the unknown fate of Reynolds still keeps us up at night. While there are likely few Bridgerton fans who have yet to watch Queen Charlotte, there’s no time like the present to revisit it.
Little Voice
Little Voice was a short-lived show about a young woman, Bess (Brittany O’Grady), trying to make her way in the New York music scene. Considering Francesca’s penchant for playing music herself, this sweet series featuring original songs balances the drama and heart we’re hoping to see in Bridgerton Season 5. The Apple TV show also features a prominent storyline for Bess’s best friend Prisha (Shailini Bathina), who is faced with the pressures of her parents pushing arranged marriage on her, while she also attempts to maintain a relationship with the woman she really loves, Ananya (Nadia Mohebban).
The Other Bennet Sister
The Other Bennet Sister, which is streaming on BritBox, examines the story of Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri) as she navigates the marriage mart, putting a spin on Jane Austen’s character from Pride & Prejudice. An adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s novel, viewers dig deeper into the story of the Bennet family’s wallflower, which is akin to how Francesca has been seen in Bridgerton. Mix in the Regency-era charm, and you can’t help but want to tune in.
Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack originally aired for two seasons on HBO and is streaming on HBO Max. The historical drama draws inspiration from the real-life figure, Anne Lister (Suranne Jones), who was known as the “first modern lesbian.” The show kicks off in 1832 as Anne inherits her uncle’s estate, Shibden Hall, and tracks the brewing romance she engages in with Miss Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), the owner of Crow Nest estate.
