The executive producer is “excited” for fans to see the storyline unfold throughout the show’s fifth season

Shonda Rhimes attends the gala screening of "Brunello: The Gracious Visionary" at David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center on April 14, 2026 in New York City
Shonda Rhimes at the premiere of ‘Brunello: The Gracious Victory’ on April 14 in New York City.Credit : Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Bridgerton Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes can’t wait for the Ton to see the show’s first queer love story.

 

The Grey’s Anatomy showrunner, 56, spoke to PEOPLE about Season 5 of the show, which focuses on the love story between female leads Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Sterling (Masali Baduza).

“The fans have been so supportive of sort of every direction we’ve gone with story, which has been wonderful to me. I really thought the reaction to season 4 was extraordinary. I’m just excited for fans to get to see what we do in Season Five,” Rhimes says.

Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza in Bridgerton Season 5
Masali Baduza (left) and Hannah Dodd (right).Netflix

Francesca experiences unimaginable loss in season 4 of the show, as the character’s husband, John Sterling (Victor Alli), dies suddenly in his sleep. Sterling’s cousin Michaela returns to the family estate in London, and Francesca must decide whether to reenter the marriage market or “pursue her inner passions,” according to the logline.

In the Bridgerton book series, the novel When He Was Wicked follows Francesca as she finds love once more with John’s cousin Michael Sterling. Author Julia Quinn detailed the decision to instead make Francesca’s love interest a woman on Instagram in 2024, stating that she is “deeply committed to the Bridgerton world becoming more diverse and inclusive as the stories move from book to screen.”

Masali Baduza as Michaela, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 405 of Bridgerton.
Michaela and Francesca on Season 5 of ‘Bridgerton’.Liam Daniel/Netflix

Rhimes says season 5 has begun filming and that she “loves” watching the storyline expand to include relationships that fall outside of the heteronormative mold.

“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,” the Shondaland creator says.

The series is set in fictionalized 1813 Regency-era England, and many viewers tune in for its frilly, extravagant fashion.

Rhimes herself is inspired by Bridgerton‘s lavish 19th-century style, she told PEOPLE, and has even brought elements its design in her own home.

“I have a lot of Regency wallpaper in my apartments, in my homes. And I try to stay in that world a little bit. I mean, everybody could use a little bit of glamour, right?” she says.