Netflix's Bridgerton (2020) is a show-stopping historical romance for a reason. It's achingly romantic, deliciously steamy, and emotionally grounded with incredible characters and pairings that are easy to root for. As a longtime book fan, the show's casting makes every beat of the adaptation even more riveting than its source material. With eight books, and hopefully eight seasons, we'll get to see each of the Bridgerton siblings find their happy ending with the person who's meant to be their life's partner.
Naturally, we all have our favorites that will differ based on tropes, narrative arcs, or various personal reasons, and the connections we build with these characters. With Season 4, Part 1 already released on Netflix, and Part 2 coming at the end of February, we're already halfway through with the adaptations, so what better time to rank them before the remaining seasons?
6. Queen Charlotte and King George
While they're technically not members of the Bridgerton family, it feels wrong not to include Queen Charlotte and King George in this list when their love story wrecked us in the prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023). Given where we're at in the future, we know how King George's life ends, so it's not exactly the happy ending we'd like, but India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest do such a heart-wrenching job of making their earlier moments achingly romantic.
There's a lot to appreciate about how the prequel layers the titular queen and adds emotional depth to her actions in a way that the original series doesn't touch on. We get a clear sense of how significant their love story is and why it matters. Does anyone else still cry just thinking about the scene under the bed? No? Just me? Their arc is so thoughtful and so lovely that it's easy to want more.
5. Francesca Bridgerton and John Stirling
The only reason Francesca and John are ranked towards the end is that longtime readers know that—spoiler—he's going to die. Still, their short love story is so lovely to watch on our screens. We don't get to know John as closely because of his short life, but it's been nice getting to know him a bit more through Victor Alli's portrayal. Surely we'll get to know Masali Baduza's Michaela even more when it's their season, but for now, John and Francesca's brief relationship does an excellent job of showing how important communication is.
How John and Francesca are so comfortable around each other as friends who share a unique language in their shyness is precious, and it's going to make his death even harder because we've spent active time with him. However, as the books reveal, Francesca's grateful for the time she gets to share with him, and while there will be changes to the show's version, they're still a solid pair to briefly appreciate.
4. Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington
Bridgerton and Penelope (aka Lady Whistledown) are the epitome of the friends-to-lovers/best friend's brother trope. The only reason they aren't ranked higher on this list is that I've always preferred how they're much older in the books, and I wish the series had honored the time jump to give us more of their delicious, slow, slow-burn. Still, they're adorable throughout Season 3, and how they respect one another is among the many reasons they're such fan favorites.
All the times he's danced with her before their season even began, and the moment when it finally hit him that she's the one? Excellent, excellent material. Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton also do such a precious job of adding playfulness to their interactions in order to make them shine even further. But perhaps more importantly, it's how Penelope is welcomed into their family with open arms that's such a stark contrast to how her own family treats her. She was always meant to be a Bridgerton, and the payoff is exceptional.
3. Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset
The couple to start it all—Daphne and Simon are the best kind of fake dating. Well, sort of. Fake courting and a marriage of convenience that eventually turns into something bigger. Their book isn't a fan favorite, but everything that Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page bring to their season is easy to adore. The marriage of convenience trope is one of my all-time favorites, so it was effortless to appreciate how they play on it in the back half of Season 1, minus that one scene that most of us loathe.
Still, from the music to the execution of their season, Bridgerton has a stellar success rate because of how these two pave the road for what's to come. The emotional depth that we see, the friendship that starts to bloom as he tries to help her find a suitor, and every little moment between Daphne and Simon shine gorgeously, making them an easy couple to miss now that they are no longer on the show.
2. Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek
This one's for the Cinderella story lovers—the people who adore angst and mystery as well as two opposites finding a home with each other. Benedict and Sophie's book has a few problematic elements that the show has vastly improved upon thus far, and it's also done a great job of layering Benedict in a way we don't get enough of in the books. Sophie's arc about finding a place where she belongs after years of being belittled is so comforting to watch, and it makes their interactions layered with significant depth.
There's a playfulness in all the Bridgerton couples that makes their interactions so sweet, but Benedict and Sophie have those moments earlier, which then makes all the incoming angst that much more enticing. There's also something silly about Cinderella stories in general, and the idea of one man being in a love triangle with the same woman that basically makes it a comedy. So if you aren't watching Bridgerton yet, here's your sign to catch up because every couple delivers in an inimitable way.
1. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma
As an eldest daughter and someone who knows what grieving a father is like, The Viscount Who Loved Me was the book I connected with most. And while Bridgerton Season 2 diverts from the source material and changes large chunks of Kate and Anthony's story, the essence of their romance is still there. The longing we get throughout, coupled with the banter, is so riveting, but more than anything, it's Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley that stand out with their astounding performances and striking chemistry.
How Bailey and Ashley bring emotional depth and indescribable warmth to all their interactions is no small feat. They make the changes work. Their story is especially compelling for the people who find comfort in knowing that the people who are always taking care of others will someday find an equal who'll forever look out for them, and that's exactly what Kate and Anthony do—they give each other the world while taking care of each other in a way no one else can.
