7 Most Romantic ‘Bridgerton’ Episodes (So Far), Ranked
Bridgerton has a four-for-four track record when it comes to delivering stellar romance, counting the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story spinoff. But just as some seasons have affected us more than others, certain episodes have as well. Netflix has graced us with 30 episodes in the Bridgerton universe over the past several years, and several in particular have truly made us swoon. Those are the ones we revisit when we want a bite-sized amount of Bridgerton rather than an entire rewatch.
In some cases, like Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page), it takes a while for the romance to blossom to its full potential, so the latter half of Season 1 has the episodes that shine. Enemies-to-lovers Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley) are in the same boat, but when they finally admit their feelings for each other, they deliver Bridgerton‘s most intense romantic moments in Season 2. On the flip side, it doesn’t take long for Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope’s (Nicola Coughlan) friends-to-lovers slow burn to pay off in Season 3. Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and George’s (Corey Mylchreest) best episodes are as tragic as they are romantic.
We’re not afraid to play favorites. Swooon has ranked the 7 most romantic episodes of the Regency drama and its prequel so far. We’re not looking at how good they are technically — though that’s a point in their favor. We’re talking about the episodes that made us squeal out loud on numerous occasions because they were that romantic. The ones that made us believe in true love. Let us know if you agree with our picks in the comments below.
Note: We have high hopes that Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie’s (Yerin Ha) Season 4 will inspire some new additions to our list. Check back for an update!
Bridgerton, Season 4, Part 1 Premiere, Thursday, January 29, 2026
Bridgerton, Season 4, Part 2 Premiere, Thursday, February 26, 2026
7. "The Duke and I" (Season 1, Episode 5)
You know when Bridgerton calls an episode by its book title that it’s going to be peak. The premise of Simon and Daphne being forced into marriage to avoid scandal isn’t all that romantic, but it’s plain as day that they have unsaid feelings for each other. Well, it’s obvious to everyone but them. The misunderstanding trope isn’t for everyone, but we think it’s what makes their grand “I burn for you” payoff so impactful.
The tension builds and builds, especially after Simon all but says “I love you” as he makes his plea to the Queen to allow them to marry quickly. The wedding itself is too overshadowed by Simon and Daphne’s lack of communication to be romantic, but they’re finally honest with each other on their wedding night. The passionate exchange and lovemaking that ensues set the tone for the rest of Bridgerton. In fact, it’s the episode that really made us fall for Bridgerton in the first place.
6. "Into the Light" (Season 3, Episode 8)
Is there anything more romantic than seeing a slow burn pay off? Admittedly, most of the lead-up to the end isn’t all that swoon-inducing, in the aftermath of all that Whistledown drama and Colin brooding about it. Still, even with all the turmoil going on, it’s obvious that Colin still loves Penelope. It’s evident especially when Protective Colin comes out, trying to stop Cressida from using Penelope’s secret to blackmail her. And we’d be lying if we said we didn’t enjoy a bit of romantic angst. They can’t get together too easily!
In addition to Francesca and John’s sweet and quiet wedding, the episode is most romantic once Penelope comes forward about her secret identity at the ball. Colin’s reconciliation speech, in which he expresses his admiration and love for his wife, is the perfect resolution to their relationship troubles. Finally, we get a taste of happy Polin, baby in tow, at the end! Those final scenes are some of the couples’ best throughout the entire season, now that there aren’t any more secrets and conflicts weighing them down.
5. "Harmony" (Season 2, Episode 7)
Sure, Season 2’s penultimate episode is plenty tense and awkward in the aftermath of Anthony and Edwina’s (Charithra Chandran) failed wedding, but it’s also the peak of Kate and Anthony’s pining. Anthony’s reaction to Kate’s scent as she walks past him? The man is so desperately in love with Kate at this point, it’s not even funny. But they can’t even entertain the prospect of having each other because they think it would ruin their families.
Lo and behold, Kate and Anthony can’t hold themselves to their convictions, giving in to the depth of their feelings in that stellar gazebo scene. In the wake of their failed plan to restore their reputations at a ball, the two have an intense argument, but it quickly turns into one of Bridgerton‘s most passionate moments. Anthony finally confesses how he feels, and they get hot and heavy under the stars. The romance is put on hold afterward when Kate disappears, but honestly, the additional angst just makes the episode even more romantic.
4. "The Choice" (Season 2, Episode 6)
Sorry, Edwina. We know this isn’t the most romantic episode for you, but it sure was for Kanthony shippers. Anthony’s feelings are so strong for Kate that he can’t keep them from rising to the surface. Even at his wedding to someone else! As the ceremony begins, Anthony daydreams about a wedding dress-clad Kate standing across from him at the altar. Edwina finally picks up on the tension between her soon-to-be-husband and sister when he almost rushes forward to pick up the bangle Kate dropped. After a romantic rendezvous in a closet, one thing leads to another, and Kate and Anthony share a cinematic first kiss in the chapel. That scene alone nearly puts this episode at the top of our list, but Anthony also solidified his place as Bridgerton‘s top yearner here, so we would be remiss not to include it.
3. "Crown Jewels" (Queen Charlotte, Episode 6)
Tragedy and romance sometimes amplify each other. The spinoff’s finale is so painful, but also offers Charlotte and George’s best moments as a couple. First, George finally stops pushing his wife away and, at her insistence, admits that he loves her. It’s a top-tier love confession if we’ve ever seen one. We also see evidence of Charlotte’s unwavering devotion to her husband, who doesn’t want to tie her down to him, given his mental condition. They become even more enamored with each other throughout Charlotte’s pregnancy and when the baby comes along. (George threatening the Archbishop to be by Charlotte’s side during the birth? Swoon.)
The romantic juggernauts come in the final act of the episode, in the wake of George’s failed attempt at making a speech from Parliament. Charlotte “hides from the heavens” under their bed, and she refuses to leave him when he presents the option to her. “I love you. That is enough,” she confirms. Charlotte also delivers the stunning “Together, we are whole” line in the scene. When their older actors mirror the moment in the present, proving that their love hasn’t dimmed even though George’s health is on the decline, the Queen Charlotte finale becomes one of the best episodes in the Bridgerton universe… period.
2. "The Viscount Who Loved Me" (Season 2, Episode 8)
The Season 2 finale starts off on a high note for Kanthony fans, as Anthony agonizes over an injured Kate. Anthony is down bad all season long, but especially at the start of Episode 8, when he’s faced with the prospect of losing Kate. The depth of his feelings really shines through in those low moments. Though Anthony’s rushed proposal in the aftermath leaves a lot to be desired, and Kate briefly tries to run away to India, the eventual payoff is a treat.
The Featherington ball is peak yearning for Kate and Anthony, as they indulge in what they think is their last dance ever, despite facing the gossip of the ton in the wake of the Edwina drama. Everyone stares, but Anthony assures Kate that “nothing else matters.” It’s only the first banger of a line we get from Anthony, because in the garden, he delivers a stunning love declaration to encourage her to stay in London. Finally, they can be happy! And fireworks make the scene all the more perfect.
1. "Old Friends" (Season 3, Episode 4)
We don’t really need to say more than “carriage scene” to justify why this episode is our top pick, but we can wax poetic about “Old Friends” all day long. Colin, in this episode is neck-in-neck with Anthony in “The Choice” for the title of Bridgerton‘s top yearner. First, Colin gets jealous watching someone else court Penelope. Colin gradually comes to terms with his feelings for Penelope over the course of the episode, though it’s definitely an angsty struggle. He can’t keep up his cool-guy facade anymore because he loves Pen that much. The tension finally boils over when he realizes he has to stop Penelope from getting engaged to her suitor. (We’ll always eat up the jealousy trope.)
The ensuing love confession and sexy times in the carriage are not only some of Bridgerton‘s hottest scenes, but also the most emotional. We’ve watched Penelope pine after Colin for seasons, and he’s finally realized they’re perfect for each other. Considering that, what other episode could possibly be our top pick?
