The Bridgerton siblings and their mother looking shocked as they lean toward a doorway waiting for Eloise in Bridgerton season 2Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell confirms she and her team have loose plans for the show up to season 6 and have discussed the leads for each season. The Regency era drama recently wrapped up season 3 on Netflix and has already been greenlit for season 4. Each season adapts one of the books by Julia Quinn, who wrote one novel for each of the eight Bridgerton siblings. However, the show hasn’t followed the order of the books, making it a mystery which sibling each season will tackle.

In an interview with Variety, Brownell revealed that she and her team have plans up to Bridgerton season 6 and have an idea of who will lead them all. Given that Bridgerton season 4 is already in development, she knows the next lead. Brownell confirmed that she and executive producer Shonda Rhimes have begun discussing who is next. She reiterated that she and Rhimes are the only participants in these discussions, so their ideas for the new leads could change. Check out her statement below:

I obviously know who Season 4 is. And Shonda and I have talked about who Season 5 is and who Season 6 is. We haven’t talked beyond that. If we are lucky enough to have a Season 6, we want to just have that plan, so we know where we’re headed. But Shonda and I haven’t necessarily shared those plans with anyone. So there’s always the chance that when we talk to our collaborators, we’ll decide to go a different way. But yes, we have a loose plan.

There Are Already Three Strong Candidates For The Next Bridgerton Lead

Benedict, Eloise, Or Francesca

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton playing cards with drinks in front of him in Bridgerton season 3 episode 2
 Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton speaking and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton looking stoic in Bridgerton Season 2 Luke Newton as Colin, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Luke Thompson as Benedict, Ruth Gemmell as Violet and Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3 Hannah Dodd as Francesca in the Bridgerton season 3 trailer Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3-1
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton playing cards with drinks in front of him in Bridgerton season 3 episode 2 Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton speaking and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton looking stoic in Bridgerton Season 2 Luke Newton as Colin, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Luke Thompson as Benedict, Ruth Gemmell as Violet and Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3 Hannah Dodd as Francesca in the Bridgerton season 3 trailer Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton season 3-1

While Brownell remains tight-lipped about the next three Bridgerton leads, the show may have already hinted at their identities. Benedict (Luke Thompson) is almost certain to be one of them. Given that he’s the second-oldest son and his novel was skipped to give Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) the spotlight in season 3, his story is overdue. Additionally, season 3 dropped a big hint by mentioning an upcoming masquerade ball, which is the setting for the beginning of Benedict’s romance in the novels. Given the ball’s confirmed arrival, many suspect he is the Bridgerton season 4 lead.

However, the next lead is still a mystery. The show also dropped hints that pointed to Eloise (Claudia Jessie) or Francesca (Hannah Dodd). At the end of Bridgerton season 3, Francesca quietly marries John Stirling (Victor Alli) and prepares to move to Scotland with him. In the books, Francesca’s marriage to John sets her on the path to her eventual romance with Michael Stirling. The show has introduced a gender-swapped Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), teasing a pending queer romance for Francesca.

Meanwhile, Eloise volunteered to accompany Francesca on her new journey. It’s possible the big life change could lead into Eloise’s story. While Bridgerton is hinting at change for Eloise, it has already set Francesca and Benedict’s stories in motion, making it highly possible they are two of the three leads. Eloise seems like the most natural third lead, but her disinterest in romance could lead to the show tackling Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) or Gregory (Will Tilston) first. Only time will tell which siblings ultimately win the spotlight.