If there is one show that has utterly consumed my thoughts lately, it is Bridgerton. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s eight-novel series, the hit drama is now heading into its fourth season. With the exasperating decision to split the season into two and have us wait until Feb. 26 to see what happens to Sophie and Benedict, I have been forced to rewatch each installment just to stay occupied. Beyond the elaborate gowns and ceaseless drama, what truly sets the show apart is its structure: Each season shifts the spotlight to a different Bridgerton sibling, and with them, a new romantic trope. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I couldn’t help but reflect on the love stories so far and offer my own evaluation. From fake dating to the slow burn to the Cinderella story, every season brings a new spin to keep audiences enraptured. Of course, everyone has their opinions on which trope is most swoon-worthy, but we are here to settle the matter once and for all.
Fake Dating:
Season one, the breakout installment that shocked audiences and got everyone hooked, focuses on Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. What could be more irresistible than two unbelievably attractive people pretending to fall in love only to realize they stopped pretending long ago? The pair forms a secret alliance, entering a faux courtship to serve their own agendas and, of course, end up falling for each other in the process. Surprise! (Said no one.) The tension was there all along. This classic fake-dating trope captivated viewers and helped launch Bridgerton into instant popularity. While Simon and Daphne’s love story is undeniably picturesque and sets a high bar for the seasons that follow, it also raises the question of whether another couple might tell an even more compelling story…
Enemies to Lovers:
Oh Jonathan Bailey, truly, no one does it quite like you. Season two turns its focus to Anthony Bridgerton, the quintessential rake who suddenly decides it’s time to put duty before desire and find a suitable wife. As the eldest Bridgerton, he sets his sights on the season’s diamond, Miss Edwina Sharma, determined to make a practical match. However, an ever-present obstacle in his way is Edwina’s older sister Kate Sharma. The two clash at every turn, trading barbs and testing each other’s patience, though their chemistry is so obvious it’s almost painful to watch. Whether it be love or hate, the passion between Kate and Anthony is palpable; no matter how hard they try to resist, they can’t seem to stay apart. Through scandal, longing glances and mounting tension, their slow-burn enemies to lovers’ romance keeps audiences completely on edge. It’s hard not to wonder if any love story that follows could possibly top it.
Friends to Lovers:
Season three, perhaps the most controversial installment yet, centers on the long-awaited romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Penelope has loved Colin since childhood, though for years she was seen as nothing more than a friend, or worse, his little sister’s friend. However, after a very 21st century glow-up and Penelope’s dalliance with another man, Penelope suddenly becomes impossible for Colin to overlook. For the first time, he truly sees her, and once he does, he can’t stop himself from falling. The friends-to-lovers trope is a classic for a reason; there’s something undeniably satisfying about two people who have known each other forever suddenly realizing their feelings run deeper. However, fans remain divided on the execution of Penelope’s and Colin’s story. In theory, it’s one of the most beloved romantic setups. In practice, it feels fair to say it could have been done a bit better than this version delivered.
The Cinderella Story:
We are now up to season four, which remains unfinished. This season centers on Benedict Bridgerton, and his search for the mysterious Lady in Silver, whom viewers quickly learn is Sophie Baek, the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, forced into servitude as a maid. From the very first moments, it’s clear the story leans into a full Cinderella retelling: Sophie slips away from the ball at midnight, returning to her bleak reality under the watch of a cruel stepmother and her eccentric stepsisters. Cinderella is a classic for good reason, and Bridgerton certainly leans into that magic. I cannot even begin to explain my frustration at having to wait an entire month to see how it all unfolds. And that cliffhanger, “Will you be my mistress?” I just know everyone’s jaws dropped. We all adore Benedict, but that was not his finest moment. It’s too early to know where this season will ultimately land in the rankings, but for now, the drama, mystery and fairytale romance already have it sitting near the top of my list.
All in all, Bridgerton truly offers something for everyone. Whatever romantic trope speaks to you most, you’re bound to find it somewhere among the Bridgerton siblings, and the list will only grow as the series continues. For now, though, I can confidently say (as you can probably tell) that no love story has quite topped Anthony and Kate’s enemies-to-lovers arc. There’s a tension and intensity to their romance that’s hard to beat. That said, Benedict and Sophie’s season has the potential to steal the first-place spot (if Benedict steps up his game). And of course, an honorable mention must go to Queen Charlotte and King George. Their story stands in a league of its own, and their season remains one of the show’s most moving and memorable chapters. Now, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Bridgerton makes the case that love can start anywhere, in conflict, in comfort or in coincidence, and unfold in ways we may never expect.
Layla Copen is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at lmc374@cornell.edu.
Layla Copen is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a contributor for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at lmc374@cornell.edu.
