Last week, Bridgerton returned to Netflix with more drama, more intrigue, more beautiful gowns and of course, more romance.
Based on Julia Quinn’s book An Offer from a Gentleman, the first part of season 4 is now streaming on Netflix, with part 2 set to drop on February 26.
After bingeing all four episodes, Watch With Us wants to rewind the clocks for a minute.
Before we see what’s in store for us this season, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite Bridgerton romances so far.
Which ‘Bridgerton’ Couples Ended Up Together in the Books?
5. Reynolds and Brimsley
Bridgerton’s first major queer romance appeared in the spin-off series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Love Story. The Queen’s hand, Brimsley (Hugh Sachs) and the King’s secretary, Reynolds (Freddie Dennis), have an enemies-to-lovers arc, as they initially come into conflict due to loyalty to their respective royals.
However, that conflict eventually becomes something a little steamier, although the unfortunate reality of Regency-era England meant that their love affair must be kept covert. Ultimately, the secrecy of their relationship and pressure to keep it hidden tore the pair apart, but their “forbidden romance” connection remains a fan favorite.
4. Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton
Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton) get the classic friends-to-lovers trope, having been great pals on the show for some time before their romance blossomed in season 3. The two had consistently come to one another for solace or laughter, and while Penelope had made some subtle but unnoticed advances towards the Bridgerton boy previously, she is ultimately the only one who truly “sees” him.
Because the two have a strong history and sturdy foundation of loving friendship, it makes the journey they take to realizing they love one another (and themselves) all the more rewarding. Thankfully, these two get their happily-ever-after ending with a marriage that continues to hold strong in season 4.
3. Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Bassett
Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page) stand as one of Bridgerton’s original favorite pairings, having gone from faking a relationship in order to escape societal pressures to really, truly loving one another and forming a strong emotional connection.
The pair has passionate romantic tension while also being able to match one another intellectually, providing both love and stability. Together, they form a mutually fulfilling relationship where Simon is able to confront his past trauma and Daphne finds the ability to embrace her own power. Though they weren’t friends first, they came to understand they are each other’s best friend.
2. George III and Queen Charlotte
One of Bridgerton’s top romances is another one straight from the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Love Story spinoff — but just because it’s from the spinoff doesn’t mean it doesn’t blow most other love stories out of the water. The main series provided glimpses into the relationship between George III (Corey Mylchreest) and Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio), but this companion series dives deep into the pair’s struggle to balance their legacy and responsibility with some surprising mental health issues.
Viewers found this depiction of mental health to be incredibly empathetic, as together the couple develops trust, patience and intense passion. Though their romance ultimately ended in tragedy, it was a fan favorite to root for.
1. Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton
While Simon and Daphne’s romance was the crown jewel of Bridgerton season 1, their crown was quickly overtaken by Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) in season 2. Their romance is a very satisfying slow burn love story and another classic enemies-to-lovers arc.
Kate and Anthony genuinely hate each other at the beginning, but this carried underneath an unmistakable spark that only masks intense lust. Initially, they can’t act on their feelings and only share intimate moments through longing looks, the brief touch of skin and unspoken, burning desire. Sometimes, yearning is even more romantic than actual intimacy, but the climactic reveal of their affections was triumphant rather than deflating. Kate and Anthony (or “Kanthony”) are not just lovers, but true partners and equals.
