Executive producer Shonda Rhimes revealed her reaction to Bridgerton gender-swapping character Francesca's love interest from Michael to Michaela. "The fans have been so supportive of sort of every direction we've gone with [the] story, which has been wonderful to me," Rhimes, 56, told People on Sunday, April 26. "I really thought the reaction to season 4 was extraordinary." Rhimes noted she was "excited for fans to get to see" what was in store for season 5.