Summary
Despite the massive book change, in season 3,Bridgertonmust honor an integral part of Francesca’s story. The show shocked viewers when it revealed a twist thatchanged Francesca’s romance in herBridgertonbookWhen He Was Wicked:Michael Stirling, her love interest, is now Michaela Stirlingon the show. This decision astonished many fans, but it should not be that surprising considering the context—Bridgertonhas always tried to be inclusive since its first season, adapting the books to allow people from all walks of life to see themselves in the characters.
In just one short scene, it is clear that Michaela embodies Michael’s personality—she is witty, charming, and has a devilish side. Michaela is just like Michael, only a different gender. It is an exciting change with great potential for Francesca’s romance. Francesca already has good chemistry with bothJohn Stirling inBridgertonseason 3,and Michaela, which is how it should be, considering that they are both the great loves of her life. However, there is a critical component inWhen He Was Wickedthat readers are rightfully concerned about.
Oh, I’m So Not Ready For Francesca Bridgerton’s Story After John Stirling’s Introduction
Bridgerton season 3, episode 4 properly introduces John Stirling, but the tease of his and Francesca’s story hides a heartbreaking future.
Francesca’s Infertility Story In The Bridgerton Books Explained
Francesca Bridgerton Desperately Wants A Baby, But She Struggles With Fertility
InWhen He Was Wicked,Francesca Bridgerton struggles with infertility, a considerable part of her arc. She wants to be a mother more than her siblings, except maybe for Daphne. Francesca and John’s romance lasts for almost two years before he dies and she only conceives once, which ends in a miscarriage shortly after John’s death. She is married to Michael for almost five years before they finally conceive, and even then, they are nervous she won’t be able to carry to full term after years of trying. However, it does not stop Francesca from longing for a baby.
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Michael returns from India, Francesca goes to London for the season
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Francesca and Michael’s love story, ends in their marriage
Francesca gives birth to John II
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Francesca gives birth to Janet II
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Francesca wants a baby so much in her book that she travels to London early for the season to find a new husband so she can become a mother. Heartbreakingly,Francesca wants a child so much that she is willing to marry a man she does not love.It is her biggest dream and her biggest heartbreak.When He Was Wicked’s second epilogue reveals that Francesca and Michael have two children, John and Janet. Now that Michael is Michaela,Bridgertonwill have to reevaluate this part of Francesca’s story, and there is a chance they might not include it at all.
How Bridgerton Has Changed Francesca’s Book Story
Michael Stirling Is Now Michaela Stirling
Bridgertonseason 3, episode 8, “Into The Light,” introduces Michaela Stirling, who is Michael in the books.Bridgertonhas only had two gay couples—Brimsley and Reynolds inQueen Charlotte, and Henry Granville and Lord Wetherby inBridgertonseason 1. Both couples have to hide their relationships becauseQueen CharlotteandBridgertonimply that this Regency era does not accept gay couples, which matches history. These circumstances suggest thatthe primary focus of Francesca and Michaela’s love story will revolve around their sexualities. Furthermore, Michaela is a cisgender woman, so unlessBridgertonplans to introduce IVF, it is unlikely they will keep Francesca’s infertility.
Bridgerton’s Book Change Is Good, But Francesca’s Infertility Story Is Still Important
Francesca’s Infertility Story Is Part Of Who She Is
It would be a disservice to Francesca ifBridgertondecides to ignore her infertility storyline. The introduction of Michaela Stirling proves that the show can keep the essence of a character, even if they change some aspects such as gender or race. All the Bridgerton siblings have their defining traits. Colin is a writer, for example, while Benedict is an artist. Both Eloise and Hyacinth are headstrong feminists who have no interest in settling down unless it is on their terms. Francesca has three defining traits:her introvertedness, distinguishing her from the rest of her siblings, her love of music, and her desire to become a mother.
Furthermore, Francesca’s sexuality does not mean she cannot experience infertility. Many lesbians and bisexual women also experience infertility, and their stories should not be left behind, either.
WhileBridgertonhas already portrayed the former characteristic, the show should not erase Francesca’s desire to be a mother—and, by extension, her infertility. Infertility affects many women around the world—according to theWorld Health Organization, one in six women experience infertility.Bridgertonshould not forget their representation, especially since the show prides itself on its diversity. Infertility stories are often underrepresented in media, similar to LGBTQIA+ narratives. Furthermore,Francesca’s sexuality does not mean she cannot experience infertility. Many lesbians and bisexual women also experience infertility, and their stories should not be left behind, either.
Francesca is the only Bridgerton sibling to have two true loves—John and Michael(a).
It makes more sense forBridgertonto keep Francesca’s infertility;she can bea beacon of representation for many women and LGBTQIA+ people. The show should allow Francesca to be with the woman she loves freely without erasing her infertility and desire for motherhood. Francesca’s siblings receive their happy endings—Daphne gets to be a mother and be with the man she loves. Anthony overcomes his trauma and chooses to be with Kate. Colin becomes a writer and marries his childhood friend. The remaining Bridgerton siblings will likely achieve happy endings without compromising their arcs. Francesca should be no different.
How Bridgerton Can Still Include Francesca’s Infertility Story
Focus On Francesca’s Infertility With John Instead
There is a way thatBridgertoncould incorporate Francesca’s infertility storyline and keep Michaela Stirling. Ideally,this path works best if the show leaves Francesca’s story for season 6, just likeWhen He Was Wickedis the sixthBridgertonbook. Under this method,Bridgertonseason 4can focus on Francesca’s infertility during her marriage to John. While Francesca’s infertility is not a focus while she is married to John, it is only because each book is specific to one Bridgerton sibling—Francesca does not have storylines outsideWhen He Was Wicked.
IfBridgertoncontinues at its current pace, then season 4 will premiere in 2026, season 5 in 2028, and season 6 in 2030.
Bridgerton’s ensemble show allowsFrancesca to experience infertility during her marriage to John. This change could also allow Francesca to endure a miscarriage so that when John dies during her pregnancy, she carries to full term and gives birth to John—who is not biologically Michaela’s. However, Michaela will raise him with Francesca all the same. However,it is possible that Francesca miscarries in the book due to the stress of losing her husband, so rather than having him die before she gives birth, Francesca can carry to full term and give birth to their son before John passes away.
Bridgertonseason 5 can begin with a time jump where Francesca’s storyline focuses on being a new mother while grieving. Another time jump between seasons 5 and 6 will provide more time to grieve andset the stage forFrancesca and Michaela’s romanceforBridgertonseason 6. As for Janet, Francesca and Michael’s second child,Bridgertoncould continue to bend the rules and include adoption as a possibility. This option makes sense, considering that inWhen He Was Wicked’s second epilogue, Francesca and Eloise discuss whether Eloise loves her stepchildren just as much as the children she birthed.
It is an intricate path forBridgerton, but if the show is serious about including LGBTQIA+ stories, then Francesca’s infertility must be part of it.
Including Francesca and Eloise’s conversation inBridgertoncould lead to Francesca realizingthere is more than one way to be a mother. If Francesca and Michaela want additional children, they can adopt a baby girl named Janet at the end of their love story, finally completing their family. It is an intricate path forBridgerton, but if the show is serious about including LGBTQIA+ stories, then Francesca’s infertility must be part of it.Bridgertoncannot erase Francesca’s infertility just because she will be with Michaela instead of Michael—who is ultimately the same person, just a different gender.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on August 09, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
