TMDb/Bridgerton TV Bridgerton's showrunner addresses fan backlash to Francesca & Michaela's season 5 lead roles, reaffirming the show's core values of love and inclusivity. March 26, 2026 AceShowbiz - Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell addressed the backlash following the announcement that Francesca and Michaela would be the leads in the upcoming fifth season. The decision to spotlight these characters, played by Masali Baduza and Hannah Dodd, sparked mixed reactions among fans, prompting Brownell to speak out on the matter.