Bridgerton season 3 and beyond: A roadmap for inclusive storytelling

"My approach to telling a queer story has been to look to the books for thematic cues." revealed Jess Brownwell.

Netflix's hit series Bridgerton has finally delivered the queer representation fans have been eagerly awaiting in the second part of season three.

In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, showrunner Jess Brownell delves into the decisions behind Benedict's fluid sexuality and Francesca's surprising reveal, as well as future plans for the beloved characters.

Benedict's Journey of Self-Discovery
Brownell confirms that Benedict's exploration of his sexuality has been a topic of discussion since season one. This season sees Benedict learning to subvert societal norms under the guidance of Lady Tilley Arnold, a journey that will continue in future seasons.

Brownell clarified Benedict's sexual identity as fluid, stating, "In modern terms he might be described as pansexual, someone for whom gender doesn't really matter."

Francesca's Queer Storyline
The reveal of Francesca's love interest as Michaela instead of Michael, as portrayed in the books, was a deliberate choice by Brownell. She drew inspiration from the themes of feeling different and navigating one's identity in Julia Quinn's novel, which resonated with her own queer experience.

The decision to change the character's gender was also influenced by historical research, aiming to create a happily ever after and showcase queer joy in a period setting.

Navigating Queerness in Bridgerton's Alternate History
Brownell acknowledges the challenges of portraying authentic queer storylines in a world where racism doesn't exist in the same way as in historical Britain. She plans to draw from historical examples to explore how the Bridgerton world might evolve towards a more inclusive society in terms of sexuality.

Future Seasons and Beyond
While Benedict's story ends on an open note, Brownell assures fans that there's much more to come in his exploration of fluidity and commitment issues. Each Bridgerton sibling will continue to have their own season dedicated to their individual romance.

Brownell and Shonda Rhimes have already mapped out plans for seasons beyond season four, promising exciting developments for all the beloved characters.