This article contains mentions of violence against women and sexual assault.
This article contains spoilers forBridgertonbooks 5, 6, 7, and 8.
If there is one thing more beloved inBridgertonthan the titular family members, it is their spouses.EachBridgertonbookand season focuses on a different sibling, portraying different romantic dynamics that turn into epic love stories.Each couple is beloved for different reasons.Bridgerton’s Anthony and Katehave the best chemistry in a passionate and highly seductive enemies-to-lovers arc, while Colin and Penelope have a strong foundation of friendship. The show still has several more love stories, withBridgertonseason 4focusing on Benedict Bridgerton and his romance with Sophie Baek, previously Sophie Beckett.
The show has not yet introduced all the Bridgerton spouses, but there are a few more to meet in the following seasons.Bridgertonhas changed some aspects of the siblings' spouses—Kate Sheffield and Sophie Beckett are now Kate Sharma and Sophie Baek, whileBridgertonchanged Michael Stirling to Michaela Stirling. Regardless, they are still the same beloved characters from the books, and each spouse has their own strengths and unique characteristics. However,some Bridgerton spouses are undoubtedly better than othersand should be recognized for that.
9Phillip Crane
Marries Eloise Bridgerton InTo Sir Phillip, With Love(Book 5, Season 5 Or 6)
Philip Crane might be the only widely controversial Bridgerton spousein the series. In the bookTo Sir Phillip, With Love, he exchanges letters with Eloise after she expresses her condolences on the passing of his wife, Marina Thompson. Eloise escapes to Phillip’s estate in the middle of the night, hoping they will be an ideal match, but it turns out Phillip cannot stand Eloise’s loud and bold personality, and Eloise is horrified to learn that Phillip is harsh and boorish. They eventually fall in love, and Eloise brings life and love into a melancholic home.
However, Phillip should learn to be a good father and a kind man on his own; relying on a woman to change him is a misogynistic and outdated idea.
Phillip Crane is not ideal spouse material. The book portrays him as a violent man who sexually assaults Marina Thompson. Phillip even neglects his children, Amanda and Oliver, until Eloise comes along. However, Phillip should learn to be a good father and a kind man on his own; relying on a woman to change him is a misogynistic and outdated idea. There has been considerable discussion onwhetherBridgertonshould change who Eloise ends up with. Theo Sharpe is an idea, but he also talks down to Eloise, and the narrative has moved on.
Bridgertonwould need to do a few things to prepare Eloise if the show pursued Eloise and Phillip. Ideally,Bridgertonwould have to eliminate Phillip’s violence and change his dynamic with Marina. The narrative would have to treat Marina Thompson with the love and respect she deserves while honoring her memory instead of demonizing her character. IfBridgertonfollows through,Phillip Crane will be a socially awkward but loving person with a passion for plants who tries his best to be a good father. In that case, Phillip Crane will likely place higher in a Bridgerton spouse ranking.
8Simon Basset
Marries Daphne Bridgerton InThe Duke & I(Book 1, Season 1)
Simon Bassett is a delightful Bridgerton spouse. Although he only appears inBridgertonseason 1 and does not play a significant role in the books afterThe Duke & I, he is a complex character who is fascinating to learn about. The catalyst for Simon’s arc involves his neglectful and abusive father, which sets a heartbreaking stage, but it makes Simon compelling. At first, he appears cold and distant, but as Daphne learns,there is more to Simon than meets the eye. He is not the most exciting Bridgerton spouse, but he is still loved and cherished in his own way.
While Simon’s absence inBridgertonseason 2 was felt, the show managed to continue just fine given that he does not play a major role in the story after the first book. That said, with Daphne missingBridgertonseason 3 as well, there is very little we can learn about the state of their marriage in the show’s canon. It can be assumed that everything is playing out as it did in the books, just offscreen.
7John Stirling
Francesca Bridgerton’s First Husband InWhen He Was Wicked(Book 6, Season 5 Or 6)
John Stirling’s role in theBridgertonbooks is limited. He only appears in the first few chapters ofWhen He Was Wicked, and during this time, he dies. Francesca’s story is about falling in love with John’s cousin, Michael, now Michaela, four years later. However, John Stirling certainly belongs on this list. The show expands on John Stirling, giving him characteristics that live up to his legacy inWhen He Was Wicked.John is attentive, caring, thoughtful, and devoted. He adores Francesca and truly cherishes her.
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It is unknown whenBridgertonwill execute John Stirling’s death, but it will be far more emotional because of the added weight to his character and dynamics. His only fault is dying early because he is that wonderful. Hopefully,Bridgertonwill also expand his dynamic with his cousin Michaela, his best friend. Their bond is also critical to Francesca and Michaela’s eventual romance. John’s death might be the saddest inBridgerton, but it is important to savor John and Francesca’s love story before it comes to an untimely end.
6Lucy Abernathy
Gregory Bridgerton’s Wife InOn The Way To The Wedding(Book 8, Season 7 Or 8)
Lucy Abernathy is Gregory Bridgerton’s love interest in the finalBridgertonbook,On The Way To The Wedding. She is loyal, selfless, and kindhearted, always putting her family and friends' needs before hers. Lucy is a quiet girl who does not like to stand out, butshe wants to shape the world to benefit her loved ones, one of the many reasons she is so beloved.On The Way To The Weddingis one ofthe bestBridgertonbooks, largely because of Lucy Abernathy. She is an underrated character who will make a stated entrance when it is her time.
In theory,Lucy Abernathy’s story should come into play in the final season of Netflix’sBridgerton, assuming the show will have gotten through all the other books by then. SinceBridgertonhas made changes to the source material and changed the order of the events already, it is impossible to say for certain how long it will take for Gregory to have his season, and for Lucy to show up.
5Michaela Stirling (Previously Michael Stirling)
Marries Francesca Bridgerton InWhen He Was Wicked(Book 6, Season 5 Or 6)
Bridgertonmade a bold choice in season 3, episode 8, “Into The Light,” when the narrative introduces Michaela Stirling, the new (and improved) version of her book counterpart, Michael Stirling. Michael Stirling is witty and charming, known as the “Merry Rake.” However,there is much more to Michael Stirling than his reputation and charm—he is loyal, affectionate, and sensitive.He is one of the best husbands in theBridgertonbooks, but he is still somewhat problematic because he is not always considerate of Francesca’s feelings once they start sleeping together.
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Michael Stirling even threatens to impregnate Francesca Bridgerton if she refuses to marry him, which is not a good perception of his best side. By turning Michael into Michaela,Bridgertonwill remove these problematic aspects while keeping the essence of Michael’s character. Michaela Stirling is only prominent in one scene so far, but in that scene alone, it is quite clear thatMichaela carries Michael’s charming, rakish, and playful personality. Michaela Stirling is Michael Stirling without the dubious aspects. Her only scene is an excellent reminder of why Michael is so beloved in the first place.
4Gareth St. Clair
Marries Hyacinth Bridgerton InIt’s In His Kiss(Book 7, Season 7 Or 8)
Gareth St. Clair is the best husband of the men who marry into the Bridgerton family. The show has not introduced him yet sinceGareth marries Hyacinth Bridgerton, but he is already highly anticipated, given that his grandmother is none other than Lady Agatha Danbury. Gareth is charismatic, caring, and somewhat perceptive. He adores his grandmother and is the one grandchild who is consistently there for her.Gareth is the only man who matches Hyacinth’s intellect and fast-paced personality; no one else can keep up with her the way he can.
Bridgertonseason 5 or 6
On the Way to the Wedding (#8)
Bridgertonseason 7 or 8
July 21, 2025
Gareth St. Clair also has the most romantic proposal in theBridgertonbooks; his proposal acknowledges Hyacinth’s bold and dominant personality, which is something that scares other men in theton. However, Gareth adores Hyacinth for who she is, and it is quite clear because of how he endorses all her antics—even the craziest and most scandalous ones. Gareth St. Clair’s proposal automatically makes him one ofthe best characters inBridgerton. There is no doubt that, despite his playful scheming, he is the best husband in the books, and will likely be on the show as well.
3Penelope Featherington
Marries Colin Bridgerton In Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Book 4, Season 3)
Penelope Featherington is one of the most iconic characters inBridgerton. If the Bridgerton spouses rankingonly considered the books, Penelope easily earns first place. She has the best character arc and growth in the books. Penelope creates Lady Whistledown to satirize thetonand express her feelings about the society she lives in. She knows that despite the severe bullying she endures at Cressida Cowper’s hands, she remains kind and hopeful. Penelope learns to stand up for herself, her values, and what she believes in. She becomes confident and unafraid to be herself in society.
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What happens to Lady Whistledown in the books differs from Bridgerton because the circumstances surrounding Penelope Featherington are different.
While her show counterpart introduces many of these characteristics,Bridgertonseason 3 does not live up to its book counterpart,Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. While Penelope still uses Lady Whistledown to express herself in the show,she also uses her column to get back at other women out of jealousy, something her book counterpart is vehemently against. Of course, Penelope is not perfect—Lady Whistledown still caused a lot of damage and hurt people. However, Penelope’s column in the books does not expose shameful secrets to hurt other women.
However,Bridgertonseason 3 attempted to fix Penelope Featherington’s characterization from the first two seasons, andby the end of season 3, Penelope is much more like her book counterpart. Going intoBridgertonseason 4 will be fascinating because of how she will handle her column. Regardless, Penelope Featherington attracted a wide audience from the show, and she remains one of the most beloved characters. Despite some characterization changes, Penelope is complex and compelling, with one of the most riveting arcs. She will always deserve a spot in the top 3 Bridgerton spouses ranking.
2Kate Sharma (Previously Kate Sheffield)
Marries Anthony Bridgerton InThe Viscount Who Loved Me(Book 2, Season 2)
Kate Sharma is known as Kate Sheffield inThe Viscount Who Loved Me, and she is already one of the best characters in theBridgertonbooks.Kate is selfless and constantly puts her loved ones before herself. She is quiet but stands her ground and refuses to falter in her beliefs. However, what makes her truly special ishowBridgertonimproved Kate from the books, making her the best character in the show thus far.Bridgertongreatly expands on Kate’s family dynamics, complicating her relationships with Edwina and Mary.
Although complicating the Sharma family dynamics was a risky choice, it paid off in the end with Edwina’s unwavering love and support for Kate and the conversation Mary and Kate have in the season 2 finale.
Although complicating the Sharma family dynamics was risky, it paid off in the end with Edwina’s unwavering love and support for Kate and the conversation Mary and Kate have in the season 2 finale. Furthermore,Kate Sharma is a much stronger version of her book counterpart. She is more independent and refuses to adhere to societal standards. While Kate Sheffield also shares similar qualities, her lack of beauty is a large part of why she is perceived as different inThe Viscount Who Loved Me.Bridgertonemphasized Kate’s independence and illustrated her differences from thetonbased on her personality.
Kate Sharma does not care what others think of her; she is brazen and proud. Kate is unafraid to call out Anthony for his misogynistic ideas and thetonfor its treatment of women. She is fiercely protective of her family and always has the best intentions, even if things do not always end well. It was an excellent idea to change this aspect of Kate, providing a more feminist interpretation of the beloved character. Regardless, Kate Sharma is one of the most compelling characters in theBridgertonbooks and on screen.
1Sophie Baek (Previously Sophie Beckett)
Marries Benedict Bridgerton InAn Offer From A Gentleman(Book 3, Season 4)
There is no one else more deserving of the top spot in the Bridgerton spouse ranking than Sophie Baek herself, previously Sophie Beckett, Benedict’s love interest inBridgerton.Sophie is one of the most anticipated characters—so much so thatSophie sparked a unanimous response when theBridgertoncasting was revealed. There are many reasons why Sophie is the best Bridgerton spouse. She has the most unique arc and brings something different to the table with her working-class background and illegitimate status. No matter what Sophie endures, she remains as kindhearted as possible.
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Sophie loves the color green; she loves to read and is a fan of Lady Whistledown.Sophie Baek is a dreamer and a romantic who wants to believe in fairy tale love and happy endings, although her pragmatic side forces her to think otherwise. She just wants to find love and a family.An Offer From A Gentlemanis special because of Sophie Baek. Now thatBridgertonseason 4 is officially in production with the first on-set photos, it is only a matter of time before Sophie Baek will finally grace theBridgertonscreen.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on August 05, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
