The 10 Most Romantic Episodes in the Bridgerton Universe, Ranked

Dearest readers, there are three main reasons to start watching Bridgerton; the incredibly spectacular fashion, the gossip of the ton, and the constant romance. For the sake of this piece, we're focused on the latter. After all, it's the relationships that keep audiences coming back. The will-they-won't-they moments, the stolen glances across the dance floor, the promenades, and all the building tension of a courtship. It's an idealized version of romance that most viewers hold deep in their hearts.

However, not everything is what it seems in Bridgerton, and thus, sometimes, the most romantic moments come from the B story. With three seasons of Bridgerton, and one prequel series centered on Queen Charlotte, these are the episodes that most moved audiences into a romantic stupor. Get ready to swoon all over again!

10 "An Affair of Honor"

Season 1, Episode 4 (2020)

An Affair of Honor Bridgerton — Image via Netflix

While not the most traditionally romantic episode, "An Affair of Honor" still deserves examination as love comes in many different forms. Here the undeniable attraction between Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (played by Regé-Jean Page) heats up, leading to a duel for Daphne's honor. Simon doesn't want to ruin Daphne's reputation, but also knows he cannot (or more honestly, will not) give her the family she desires. This is one of Simon's more romantic gestures, proving how much he truly cares for Daphne.

It's also the episode where the Duke and Daphne share their first kiss. A kiss that comes from Simon routinely witnessing Prince Friedrich (played by Freddie Stroma) courting Daphne, and growing increasingly jealous (and more aware of his own feelings). It's the longing glances across the room, the replayed memories of previously shared moments and the daydreaming of what could be that makes this episode enchanting. However, Daphne nobly riding into the middle of the duel to save two lives (and her own reputation), might be the greatest gesture of them all. Not only flipping the script as a woman taking the reins into her own hands, literally and figuratively, but also because in doing so she's putting aside her own dreams in favor of the Duke.

9 "An Unthinkable Fate"

Season 2, Episode 5 (2022)

A scene from The Unbreakable Fire in Bridgerton.? — Image via Netflix

Courting rituals in Bridgerton tend to rely on will-they-won't-they dynamics. Maybe it's the old stereotype that the English have a difficult time admitting their feelings, or maybe it's just the way society is designed in this alternate universe. Nonetheless, the most riveting, and anxiety-filled, relationship of them all was the courtship between Kate Sharma (played by Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey). After four episodes of what appears to be genuine hate, "An Unthinkable Fate" is where Anthony finally confesses his feelings to Kate after gallantly dismissing her grandparents from his home. Nobody talks to Kate that way!

It's the way Anthony stands up for Kate, and the way he leaves both Kate and the viewers at home speechless upon declaring Kate is, "the bane of my existence. And the object of all my desires." Meanwhile, Eloise Bridgerton (played by Claudia Jessie) is having a romance of her own as she discovers the joys of first love with the printing shop's young apprentice, Theo Sharpe (played by Calam Lynch), who writes about women's rights in his free time. It may be a socially unacceptable pairing in their universe, but there's nothing more innocently sweet than a first love.

8 "Joining of Hands"

Season 3, Episode 7 (2024)

Many of the relationships explored in Bridgerton are built on a lust that eventually turns into love and friendship. Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) are different. Over the first two seasons of Bridgerton, viewers are witness to the deepening friendship between Colin and Pen. Sure, Penelope has always had unrequited feelings towards Colin, but it never stopped her from being a loyal friend. It's this close friendship that makes "Joining of Hands" extra meaningful.

Colin has found out that Penelope is Lady Whistledown, meaning his fiancée is the same person who wrote such horrible things about himself, his family and his ex. How could he ever forgive such a person? Except, having recently discovered his real feelings for Penelope, Colin does have a desire to understand and forgive her. It's the night before their wedding, and our lovers haven't really spoken to each other lately, when, by happenstance, they run into each other on a late night stroll. What starts as accusations, frustrations and anger, turns quickly into passion, care and true love. There's no obstacle these two cannot overcome, and that's the most swoon-worthy story of all.

7 "Diamond of the First Water"

Season 1, Episode 1 (2020)

Diamond of the First Water 1 — Image via Netflix

This is the episode audiences everywhere fell in love with Bridgerton. It’s not a traditional romance, but it is romantic. In effect, the Duke, although seemingly disinterested in her, rescues Daphne Bridgerton from a harrowing situation, damsel in distress style, but it’s a modernized act of heroism as they are both helping to rescue each other. A well-known phrase describes this situation best as 'there's a fine line between love and hate.' It's in this fine line that our soon-to-be lovers begin to dance.

It's the pilot episode of Bridgerton and, as such, has a lot to set up. The series must teach viewers about societal customs, family dynamics, introduce a plethora of characters and more. This is done with the help of Julie Andrew's voiceover as Lady Whistledown, leaving room for the characters to set the stage for all the love and heartache to come. The Duke and Daphne immediately beguile audiences, and viewers' love affair with high tea celebrations, promenades and balls begin. While the dialogue and action may not register as romance, it's the setting, the set dressing, the wardrobe and the concepts of courtship that build the romance here.

6 "Victory"

Season 2, Episode 4 (2022)

bridgerton-kate-and-anthony-social — Image via Netflix

As hate turns into love, it's during "Victory" that Kate and Anthony begin to realize their feelings for each other. It's complicated though, since Anthony has been courting Kate's sister Edwina (played by Charithra Chandran) all season. Edwina can spot the attraction, though, and insists Kate join Anthony, and the other men, on a hunt to get the two talking. It's there they share a very electric moment as Anthony took it upon himself to guide Kate on how to properly hold a shotgun. Little is spoken between the pair, but nothing needed to be spoken as their body language conveyed it all.

This small exchange while hunting sets up the episode for nonstop moments of blossoming romance. After the hunt, they are found awake in the middle of the night in their own beds, distracted with thoughts about one another. They both end up, uncoordinated, in the library, where Anthony shows his more vulnerable side. Then, at the Bridgerton's annual ball, they share a dance and their disdain for each other begins to melt into affinity on the dance floor, and everyone notices. The fight after the dance is the greatest example of a lovers’ quarrel, or in this case, soon-to-be lovers.

5 "Old Friends"

Season 3, Episode 4 (2024)

There are two shining examples of romance in "Old Friends." The obvious Colin and Penelope intrigue of the season, but more so than that, the relationship between Colin's little sister Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) and Lord John Stirling (played by Victor Alli), the Earl of Kilmartin. The latter of which features a truly wonderful relationship dynamic, two people who truly see each other just as they are and fully accept the other for it. Towards the top of the episode, Lord Kilmartin calls on Francesca and, to the surprise of the Bridgerton household, they sit together basking in the simple silence of each other's company, all the while smiling to themselves like a child on Christmas morning. This is the stuff Hallmark cards are made of.

Meanwhile, Colin, having actualized his feelings for Penelope, rushes off to the Queen's ball in hopes of finding Penelope. It's time for a grand gesture, that unfortunately comes across as a controlling big brother. Colin doesn't give up and chases Pen out to her carriage where they share a ride home. It's here Colin delivers a speech about his "confounding feelings" for Penelope. A speech that makes the heart skip a beat, that leaves one breathless, and causes spontaneous outbursts of awe. A speech that could only be followed by one very steamy carriage ride, a moment Penelope and fans everywhere had anxiously been waiting for.

4 "Art of the Swoon"

Season 1, Episode 3 (2020)

The Art of the Swoon 1 — Image via Netflix

File under a classic enemies-to-friend-to-lovers story, "Art of the Swoon" finds Simon, the Duke of Hastings, terrified of his genuine feelings for Daphne, and Daphne suddenly confused by her feelings for the Duke. Simon has built a reputation as a man who, well, isn't interested in settling down. Daphne never thought she'd fall for someone like Simon. But here they are, completely enamored with one another and unable to navigate their feelings.

Basically, this is a quintessential Bridgerton episode filled with romance and conflict, most of which hidden just below the surface. The tension builds, as Daphne and Simon continue their ruse for society that they're actively courting to stop unwanted suitors from pursuing Daphne and keep the pressure of marriage off of Simon. However, when the Queen's nephew, the Prince of Prussia, develops an interest in Daphne, Simon must face his feelings. Watch this episode for the stolen glances, the witty banter and the intense sparks that fly between these lovers.

3 "The Viscount Who Loved Me"

Season 2, Episode 8 (2022)

Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma share a kiss in 'Bridgerton' — Image via Netflix

In the season two finale episode, after a painstakingly slow build, Kathani Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton finally drop their walls, admit their true feelings, and allow themselves a chance at true love. Of course, this isn't without a terrible number of obstacles that almost ended their story before it could begin. Luckily, Edwina was able to talk some sense into her sister Kate about being true to herself. Meanwhile, Anthony's mother, Violet Bridgerton (played by Ruth Gemmell), after observing how clearly Anthony cared for Kate, convinced him to continue his pursuit. "Because real, true love is worth it," as Violet said.

At the last ball of the season, the Featherington Ball, they finally came together over a dance in which even Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel) gave her blessing to aid the happy couple against the gossip of the ton. This gesture of approval from Queen Charlotte would keep both families in good societal standing, and possibly gave Anthony the final push he needed to properly propose. While fans don't get the pleasure of seeing their wedding, the season does close with a glimpse into their wedded bliss. It's the perfect happy ending after a season's worth of drama.

2 "Tick Tock"

Season 3, Episode 5 (2024)

Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey talking privately at a party in Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 5 — Image via Netflix

With Bridgerton split into two parts for season three, the premiere episode of part two needed to bring its A-game following that steamy carriage ride in Season 3, Episode 4, "Old Friends," and it did just that. There's so much to swoon over in "Tick Tock." We get our first look at Anthony and Kate's loving marriage, and learn they are expecting. Eloise and Pen finally begin to repair their friendship, after Eloise discovers Penelope is Lady Whistledown, with a must-needed, heartwarming, and heated conversation to clear the air. It's beautiful how much love these two hold for each other, a romance of its own. And then there's Penelope and Colin.

Penelope had always lacked the confidence to speak up for herself. It was easier for her to hide behind her quill. However, the way Colin stands up for Penelope, consistently, everywhere, and with anyone, including Pen's mother, who unfavorably speaks about her, speaks volumes about the love he holds for her. It's chivalrous, it's respectful, it's heartwarming, and it makes Colin declaring "I will always stand up for you," the most romantic line in Bridgerton since Daphne uttered "I burn for you." There's even something very sweet about the choreographed intimacy of Colin and Penelope's first time (cheers to that intimacy coordinator). Everything about it is handled with tender loving care, including the unspoken acceptance by Penelope that she is worthy of love. Not only is this one of the most romantic episodes of Bridgerton, it's also one of the most rewatchable.

1 "Crown Jewels"

Queen Charlotte: Episode 6 (2023)

queen-charlotte-episode-6-ending-explained — Image via Netflix

No article about the romance in Bridgerton would be complete without a mention of the best couple in the entire series, Queen Charlotte and King George. For this we must visit the prequel series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which provides the nuanced history of this unlikely pairing. “Crown Jewels” is the epitome of true love, the honey in a cup of tea, the cherry on top of a sundae. It’s all things sweet, endearing and uplifting as two people, who happen to be royal, fight through life’s obstacles side-by-side in a running theme of togetherness.

Young Charlotte (played by India Amarteifio) discovers King George's condition, some sort of psychiatric illness that's never directly diagnosed, and vows to stick by his side no matter what. This gesture of love leads young George (played by Corey Mylchreest) to also fight vigorously to be by Charlotte's side no matter what, blowing past guards to be physically in the room when Charlotte gives birth. It's a constant story of acceptance. Nobody is perfect and "together we are whole," to quote Charlotte herself. However, it's actually the very last scene when, now older, Queen Charlotte crawls under the bed of rarely seen King George and shouts "Come. Hide from the heavens with me," to George (played by James Fleet), who defines this episode as peak romance.

Meanwhile, there's also a very romantic subplot between Reynolds (played by Freddie Dennis) and Brimsley (played by Sam Clemment for young Brimsley, and Hugh Sachs), the King and Queen's loyal and devoted male servants, who are in their own love story stealing every moment they can to be together. From their bathtub dalliance, to their continuous fleeting glances while on duty, and their extremely swoon-worthy stolen dance during the King and Queen's ball, this couple proved Brimsley's line that "great love can make miracles." We don't know what ultimately happens to them, but Bridgerton showrunner and creator Shonda Rhimes has at least confirmed Reynolds is not dead and more could be written about their story in the future. Fingers crossed, as this is a story worth exploring.