Bridgerton couples ranked: From power pairing to problematic

Bridgerton
Bridgerton (via Netflix / Bridgerton)

The Bridgerton universe, created by Shonda Rhimes and based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, is a decadent blend of romance, scandal, and swoon-worthy slow burns set against the backdrop of Regency-era England. But beyond the dazzling ballgowns and orchestral pop covers lies the real heart of the show: the couples. We’ve ranked the Bridgerton couples from the ultimate power pairings who had us all screaming 'I burn for you,' to the duos who made us wonder why they were even a thing, Bridgerton is a romantic rollercoaster.

Whether you’re here for the steamy chemistry, the emotional depth, or simply trying to figure out which couple should never have made it past a second dance, this list is for you. We’ve ranked the Bridgerton couples from the ultimate power pairings who had us all screaming "I burn for you," to the duos who made us wonder why they were even a thing. So get ready - because there will be hot takes, strong opinions, and possibly a duel or two.


Bridgerton couples ranked: From power pairing to problematic

1) Simon and Daphne (Season 1) - The Blueprint

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They bickered, bantered, and faked a courtship...only to fall madly in love. Classic! Simon and Daphne are the OG Bridgerton couple, and they brought the heat (that garden scene, anyone?). While their relationship did hit some rocky terrain - a moment that sparked serious conversations among fans - it’s hard to deny the chemistry that started it all. Their evolution from reluctant allies to passionate lovers remains one of the most iconic arcs in the show. Bonus points for the emotional vulnerability and that spoon scene.


2) Kate and Anthony (Season 2) - Enemies to Lovers Perfection

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If longing looks and loaded glances were currency, Kate and Anthony would be the richest people in Mayfair. These two are the slow burn to end all slow burns. Their verbal sparring was practically foreplay, and when they finally gave in, it felt like fireworks and thunder had merged. Anthony’s emotional growth, Kate’s strength and wit - chef’s kiss all around. Their romance is equal parts electric and emotionally grounded, which makes them arguably the strongest pairing on the show.


3) Penelope and Colin (Season 3) - A Long Time Coming

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Colin Bridgerton: oblivious king. Penelope Featherington: queen of patience (and secrets). These two had a slow-burn friendship that finally exploded into something more in Season 3. Watching Penelope glow-up and Colin finally see her was satisfying - though we won’t forget how harshly he dismissed her earlier. And of course, the Lady Whistledown secret is still hanging over them like a chandelier at a Featherington ball. Can love survive deception and public scandal? So far, it’s holding strong.


4) Eloise and Theo (Season 2) - The One That Got Away

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These two were never officially a couple, but we’re still heartbroken over their potential. Eloise’s feminist fire and Theo’s working-class intellectual vibe? Yes, please. Their bond was based on ideas, rebellion, and mutual respect - something rare in their world. Unfortunately, societal expectations and the Lady Whistledown fallout ruined everything. They may not have had the steamy moments of other couples, but theirs was a connection of the minds - and it deserved more time.


5) Benedict and…To Be Determined (We’re Waiting, Netflix)

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Benedict Bridgerton, the artist of the family, has flirted with several suitors and gender-fluid flirtations, but hasn’t yet landed a defining romance. That said, his vibe screams pansexual chaos and poetic vibes, and fans are dying to see him fall - hard. Whether it’s with Sophie (as in the books) or someone else, Benedict’s future love story has top-tier potential. We’re manifesting something bold, bohemian, and a little bit scandalous!


6) Marina and Colin (Season 1) - A Forced Farce

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Colin deserved better. Marina deserved better. We deserved better. What started as a potentially sweet romance turned into a manipulation fest, with Marina trying to marry Colin to cover up her pregnancy. Sure, she was desperate, but it was still a bit of a mess. Colin’s heartbreak was palpable, and Marina’s tragic arc was just...grim. In the end, they were two people in the wrong story.


7) Queen Charlotte and King George (Queen Charlotte series) - Love in Madness

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This one hurts. Queen Charlotte and King George had a love story filled with fire, heartbreak, and depth. Despite George’s mental illness and Charlotte’s initial frustration, their love endured through the storm. Their scenes were devastatingly beautiful. Watching Charlotte care for him, even as she ruled a kingdom, showed the strength of her love. But it’s bittersweet, because their relationship was rooted in tragedy more than triumph.


8) Edwina and Anthony (Season 2) - Unfortunate Mismatch

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Poor Edwina. She was lovely, kind, and genuinely smitten-until she realized she was the third wheel in her own engagement. While she handled the truth with grace, watching her be blindsided was painful. Anthony, bless him, tried to make it work, but his heart was clearly elsewhere. We’ll always appreciate Edwina for her strength and the way she bounced back, but this pairing was doomed from the start.


9) Portia Featherington and Lord Featherington - Comic Relief Chaos

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We didn’t see much of their relationship, but what we did see was...chaotic. Portia is dramatic, ambitious, and often borderline diabolical. Lord Featherington? A gambling mess. Together, they were more of a comedic cautionary tale than a romance. But hey, someone has to provide the mess - and they did it with flair!


10) Francesca and John Stirling (Season 3) - Sweet but Stiff

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Francesca Bridgerton’s debut into romance was understated and elegant - almost too much so. Her bond with John Stirling is quiet, cerebral, and charming in its own way, but lacks the fireworks fans have come to expect. While there’s a gentle kind of love here, it doesn’t leave a strong impact. However, her story is far from over. If it follows the books, emotional depth is on the way, with a lot more complexity.


Bridgerton doesn’t just serve us romance, it serves us variety. From burning passions to bittersweet heartbreaks, every couple brings something new to the ton. Whether you’re rooting for the fiery lovers, the underdog besties, or the tragically doomed, there’s no denying this series knows how to stir emotions - and maybe a scandal or two! So tell us, did your favorite couple make the top of the list?

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Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal