If there is one thing more beloved in Bridgerton than the titular family members, it is their spouses. Each Bridgerton book and 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 Kate have 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, with Bridgerton season 4 focusing 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. Bridgerton has changed some aspects of the siblings’ spouses—Kate Sheffield and Sophie Beckett are now Kate Sharma and Sophie Baek, while Bridgerton changed 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 others and should be recognized for that.

9Phillip Crane

Marries Eloise Bridgerton In To Sir Phillip, With Love (Book 5, Season 5 Or 6)

 

Philip Crane might be the only widely controversial Bridgerton spouse in the series. In the book To 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should learn to be a good father and a kind man on his own; relying on a woman to change him is a misogynistic and outdated idea.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should learn to be a good father and a kind man on his own; relying on a woman to change him is a misogynistic and outdated idea.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 on whether Bridgerton should change who Eloise ends up with. Theo Sharpe is an idea, but he also talks down to Eloise, and the narrative has moved on.

Bridgerton would need to do a few things to prepare Eloise if the show pursued Eloise and Phillip. Ideally, Bridgerton would 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. If Bridgerton follows 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 In The Duke & I (Book 1, Season 1)

 

 

Simon Bassett is a delightful Bridgerton spouse. Although he only appears in Bridgerton season 1 and does not play a significant role in the books after The 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 in Bridgerton season 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 missing Bridgerton season 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 In When He Was Wicked (Book 6, Season 5 Or 6)

John Stirling’s role in the Bridgerton books is limited. He only appears in the first few chapters of When 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 in When He Was Wicked. John is attentive, caring, thoughtful, and devoted. He adores Francesca and truly cherishes her.

It is unknown when Bridgerton will 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, Bridgerton will 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 in Bridgerton, 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 In On The Way To The Wedding (Book 8, Season 7 Or 8)

  Lucy Abernathy is Gregory Bridgerton’s love interest in the final Bridgerton book, 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, but she wants to shape the world to benefit her loved ones, one of the many reasons she is so beloved. On The Way To The Wedding is one of the best Bridgerton books, 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’s Bridgerton, assuming the show will have gotten through all the other books by then. Since Bridgerton has 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 In When He Was Wicked (Book 6, Season 5 Or 6)

Bridgerton made 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 the Bridgerton books, but he is still somewhat problematic because he is not always considerate of Francesca’s feelings once they start sleeping together.

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, Bridgerton will 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 that Michaela 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 In It’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 since Gareth 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.

Bridgerton Books

Bridgerton Sibling
Love Interest
Book Title
Publication Date
Corresponding Season

Anthony Bridgerton
Kate Sharma (previously Sheffield)
The Viscount Who Loved Me (#2)
December 1, 2000
Bridgerton season 2

Benedict Bridgerton
Sophie Baek (previously Beckett)
An Offer From A Gentleman (#3)
July 3, 2001
Bridgerton season 4

Colin Bridgerton
Penelope Featherington
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (#4)
July 2, 2002
Bridgerton season 3

Daphne Bridgerton
Simon Basset
The Duke & I (#1)
January 5, 2000
Bridgerton season 1

Eloise Bridgerton
Phillip Crane
To Sir Phillip, With Love (#5)
June 24, 2003
Bridgerton season 5 or 6

Francesca Bridgerton
Michaela Stirling (previously Michael)
When He Was Wicked (#6)
June 29, 2004
Bridgerton season 5 or 6

Gregory Bridgerton

Lucy Abernathy
On the Way to the Wedding (#8)
June 27, 2006
Bridgerton season 7 or 8

Hyacinth Bridgerton
Gareth St. Clair
It’s in His Kiss (#7)
June 28, 2005
Bridgerton season 7 or 8

Gareth St. Clair also has the most romantic proposal in the Bridgerton books; his proposal acknowledges Hyacinth’s bold and dominant personality, which is something that scares other men in the ton. 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 of the best characters in Bridgerton. 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 in Bridgerton. If the Bridgerton spouses ranking only 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 the ton and 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.

While her show counterpart introduces many of these characteristics, Bridgerton season 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, Bridgerton season 3 attempted to fix Penelope Featherington’s characterization from the first two seasons, and by the end of season 3, Penelope is much more like her book counterpart. Going into Bridgerton season 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 In The Viscount Who Loved Me (Book 2, Season 2)

 

 

Kate Sharma is known as Kate Sheffield in The Viscount Who Loved Me, and she is already one of the best characters in the Bridgerton books. 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 is how Bridgerton improved Kate from the books, making her the best character in the show thus far. Bridgerton greatly 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 in The Viscount Who Loved Me. Bridgerton emphasized Kate’s independence and illustrated her differences from the ton based 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 the ton for 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 the Bridgerton books and on screen.

1Sophie Baek (Previously Sophie Beckett)

Marries Benedict Bridgerton In An 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 in Bridgerton. Sophie is one of the most anticipated characters—so much so that Sophie sparked a unanimous response when the Bridgerton casting 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.

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 Gentleman is special because of Sophie Baek. Now that Bridgerton season 4 is officially in production with the first on-set photos, it is only a matter of time before Sophie Baek will finally grace the Bridgerton screen.

5Michaela Stirling (Previously Michael Stirling)

Marries Francesca Bridgerton In When He Was Wicked (Book 6, Season 5 Or 6)

Bridgerton made 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 the Bridgerton books, but he is still somewhat problematic because he is not always considerate of Francesca’s feelings once they start sleeping together.

The show has not yet introduced all the Bridgerton spouses, but there are a few more to meet in the following seasons. Bridgerton has changed some aspects of the siblings’ spouses—Kate Sheffield and Sophie Beckett are now Kate Sharma and Sophie Baek, while Bridgerton changed 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 others and should be recognized for that.

9Phillip Crane

Marries Eloise Bridgerton In To Sir Phillip, With Love (Book 5, Season 5 Or 6)