Bridgerton’s erotic scenes have been one of the most discussed factors of the hit period drama, but some stand out more than others. Several members of the Bridgerton family tree have had their fair share of moments in the show that were filled with lust, tension, and a deep desire for intimacy. Even Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which took place earlier on in the Bridgerton timeline, had some incredible sex scenes.
The most recent installment, Bridgerton season 3, part 2, provided sequences that highlighted the taboo topic of sexual relations in the 18th century. While some were just brief moments and others longer, Bridgerton’s reputation for releasing some of the most pent-up and tense intimacy scenes improved upon itself with every season. Whether it was Bridgerton or Queen Charlotte, the Bridgerton universe has aired some of the steamiest scenes in TV history – though some of the most tension-filled scenes are not actually sex scenes.
20 Colin Dreams Of Penelope
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 3
Not all of the steamy scenes in Bridgerton were actually explicit. Some of the steamiest scenes speak to the connection between characters and what’s to come between them. That’s the case with this early season 3 scene.
The third episode of the season opened with Colin rushing across the Featherington family’s grounds to meet with Penelope. When he did, he confessed that he couldn’t stop thinking about her, and the two shared a passionate kiss. The scene was made all the more affecting because Penelope was in a nightgown and housecoat, something that anyone outside of her own family wouldn’t normally be allowed to see. (The design was also echoed later in what she wears once she and Colin are married).
While it might have been easy for the audience to tell that Colin was dreaming of Penelope because of the slight haze to the scene and the whispered dialogue as their actions faded away, Colin was completely unaware until he woke up, panting, and looking toward his window, which, presumably, faced Featherington house. It showed that Colin was becoming aware of his own feelings and attraction, even if he wasn’t voicing them outside of his dreams just yet.
19 A Bee Stings Kate
Bridgerton – Season 2, Episode 3
One of the things that season 2 did a good job of exploring was how much the trauma of Edmund’s death affected Anthony. While it affected the entire family, Anthony was the one who was there to witness Edmund being stung by a bee and dying from an allergic reaction that they didn’t understand. His reaction to bees was part of what allowed the audience to see just how much he cared for Kate and how attracted they were to one another.
In the third episode of the second season, Kate was stung by a bee while on the grounds of Aubrey Hall with Anthony. It’s the very same place where Edmund died. Anthony, only knowing that a bee sting can mean death, immediately became consumed with worry for her and panicked. Kate decided to place Anthony’s hand over her heart to prove that it beat just fine. For the Regency era, that’s an incredibly intimate gesture.
The intimacy of the gesture itself aside, the two simply stared at one another, touching foreheads, and even almost kissed, before they were interrupted. The encounter left them both shaken and increased the tension for the audience.
18 Colin And Penelope’s First Kiss
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 2
…their first kiss was a wake-up call for Colin…
While in reality, first kisses are often more awkward than they are sexy, television can make the experience even more heightened for the characters. In the case of Colin and Penelope in the third season, their first kiss was a wake-up call for Colin even though Penelope was trying to use it to say goodbye to her feelings for him.
After a disappointing evening at a ball and people gossiping about her, Penelope was sure that her plan to marry and get out of her mother’s house wasn’t going to work. She felt completely alone, and she’s had, at the very least, a crush on Colin since she first met him, so she asked him to kiss her. Penelope lamented that she could “die tomorrow” without ever having been kissed. While Colin might have found that sentiment amusing, he still agreed to do as she asked.
The kiss itself was relatively tame compared to other steamy scenes in the third season of the show, but it fueled Colin’s increasing interest in Penelope and helped him to realize he saw her as more than a friend. It was Colin who went in for a second kiss, and then, leaned in for another as Penelope thanked him and pulled away. Colin appeared emotionally wrecked after the kiss, leaving the audience with the realization of his attraction until the next episode.
17 Benedict’s Party With The Artists
Bridgerton – Season1, Episode 5
While Benedict’s relationships in the third season of Bridgerton might have allowed him to explore his sexuality, his early experiences with a community of artists in the first season helped to open his eyes to steamier experiences outside of conventional Regency era relationships. When he attended a party hosted by Sir Graville, Benedict found himself among people who were not only interested in art, but in purely physical forms of pleasure.
This party featured Benedict witnessing multiple guests exploring one another’s bodies, but also Sir Granville having a relationship with a man. He might not have received the full story of their relationship until later, but it’s part of what allowed Benedict to more fully explore himself as the series continued. He also began a physical relationship with Madame Delacroix here – as well as another woman.
The party really helped to establish that Benedict might not be seen as one of the most romantic Bridgerton siblings yet, but he was one of the most sensual.
16 Anthony Admits He Desires Kate
Bridgerton – Season 2, Episode 5
For the audience, it was incredibly obvious that there was an attraction between Anthony and Kate early in season 2. Daphne, Lady Danbury, and Violet all noticed something amiss but didn’t necessarily make their concerns obvious to others. Anthony and Kate, however, spent the first few episodes in denial. It’s not until Edwina and Anthony were actually to be married that Anthony was willing to give voice to how he felt about Kate, eventually making Edwina’s wedding day a disaster from start to finish.
It’s when Anthony and Kate were alone after a disastrous dinner with Edwina’s grandparents that he gave one of his most famous speeches in the series:
You are the bane of my existence, and the object for all my desires. Night and day, I dream of you… Do you even know all the ways a lady can be seduced? The things I can teach you.
He also flat out told Kate that even if Kate left for India and he married Edwina, his desire for her would not abate:
Do you think there is a corner of this Earth that you can travel to far away enough to free me of this torment?
Anthony and Kat spent their time together nearly breathless with anticipation even though Anthony walked away, intending to marry Edwina as he promised. The tension between the two of them is part of what makes season 2 so great even without overtly steamy scenes.
15 Kate Remembering Her Kiss With Anthony
Bridgerton – Season 2, Episode 7
While not a sex scene technically, Kate remembering her kiss with Anthony was definitely steamy. Edwina left Anthony at the altar, but he ended up kissing Kate in the same church later on, which was where the previous episode wrapped up. The next morning, Kate dwelled on the experience in bed. The scene jumped between an extended flashback of their kiss and Kate remembering it, with her hands running across her lips and her chest heaving as she thought about the tension-filled interaction.
At this point in Bridgerton, there was no denying the connection between Kate and Anthony. Kate and Anthony’s Bridgerton book story was heated enough, but this simple scene proved that even when they weren’t in one another’s presence, the memory of the other was always prominent in their minds. While it wasn’t as sensual as when Daphne discovered her body and sexual feelings, the fact Kate was abruptly pulled from her thoughts by her maids calling heavily implied that her hands were likely planning to move in the same direction.
14 Kate And Anthony’s Honeymoon Bliss
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 1
Anthony’s allowing himself to be in love and fully encouraging his life as a married man was an incredible piece of character development.
Bridgerton season 3 opened up with plenty of anticipation, although among the drama between Colin, Eloise, and Penelope and the identity of Lady Whistledown debacle, it was hard not to refocus on Kate and Anthony. After the pair married at the end of season 2, Kate and Anthony embraced their newlywed status both in public and private. The moment in which the two were wrapped around each other in bed, all limbs and barely clothed, was heated and sweet at the same time.
Anthony’s allowing himself to be in love and fully encouraging his life as a married man was an incredible piece of character development. Before he met Kate, Anthony was determined that his future spouse needed to be a practical match rather than a pairing for love, but Kate ticked all of his boxes. What made this scene so brilliant, too, was that the sex was perceived as something other than a scandal or a seedy moment. This sex scene was truly about the newlyweds being intimate with one another and enjoying being in each other’s arms.
13 Brimsley And Reynolds’ Hookup
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – Season 1, Episode 2
Queen Charlotte’s relationship with her right-hand man, Brimsley, was expanded upon in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. So was Brimsley’s character overall. The Bridgerton spinoff developed a fascinating backstory for Brimsley, and in episode 2, his sexuality was explored. While he waited for Charlotte and George’s meeting to end, George’s footman, Reynolds, invited Brimsley inside, which led to a passionate and flustered sequence between the two men. In the 18th century, homosexuality was a massive taboo. However, the show’s universe started to veer away from this historical fact by introducing Michaela Sterling as Francesca’s new love interest in Bridgerton.
What was comical about this scene was the debate over Charlotte and George’s behavior as the pair crashed around the room, colliding with the walls and bed as they stripped each other’s clothes off. Incredibly, their discussion didn’t put them out of the mood or slow things down; if anything, it encouraged them further. Reynolds talking about the size of George’s manhood while also fondling that of his lover at the same time was wild but brilliant. Sadly, there weren’t more hookup scenes for Brimsley, but it could be something that Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story season 2 could facilitate.
12 Lady Danbury And Lord Ledger’s Affair
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – Season 1, Episode 5
Lady Danbury’s history in Bridgerton was relatively vague and unknown until her introduction in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which helped audiences better understand her past. Agatha was promised to Lord Danbury as a young child in Sierra Leone, but because of their significant age gap, her husband died while she was still quite young herself. Even though she resented her husband and wasn’t exactly heartbroken by his death, Agatha was still a person with needs. In episode 5, she ended up in bed with Lord Ledger after spending more time with him.
The only downside to this sequence was the interruptions by Charlotte and George’s storyline. However, the intermittent clips of the older Lady Danbury looking through a box of memories contributed to the tone overall. The moment between Lady Danbury and Lord Ledger was full of underlying tension. When they eventually made it to bed, however, the tension was ripped apart, much like their clothes. It was refreshing to see Agatha in a satisfying embrace and taking control of her pleasure, especially as her marital acts with Lord Danbury were rather uneventful and far from enjoyable for her.
11 Anthony And Siena Reunite At The Boxing Match
Bridgerton – Season 1, Episode 8
…the taboo nature of their interaction was what made it so exciting…
In the days before Kate Sharma, Anthony Bridgerton was entangled with opera singer Siena. Siena was a character in Bridgerton who wasn’t in the books, although her counterpart, Maria, appeared later in the series but had a significantly smaller role. While it wasn’t exactly love between the pair, Anthony and Siena’s relationship was absolutely powered by lust. The two had a few passionate sex scenes in Bridgerton, but their steamiest by far was when they reunited at the boxing match. They slipped under the stalls for a dramatic romp, with Anthony’s hands pinned above his head.
While the two had sex standing up, it was incredibly sensual, granted, although there were some logistical issues. It was bizarre that the pair managed to do so without anyone above them noticing their absence or hearing their cries of passion, even in the world of Bridgerton, where sex out of marriage was so scandalous, yet it seemed to be happening around every corner. However, the taboo nature of their interaction was what made it so exciting, especially because of Anthony’s dilemma between his desire for Siena and his duty to his family and title.
10 Penelope And Colin Finally Consummate Their Marriage
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 8
Because Penelope’s identity as Lady Whistledown was revealed, she didn’t consummate her marriage to Colin immediately. Thankfully, this didn’t last for long, and in the final episode of Bridgerton season 3, they finally laid together as man and wife. While this scene was just as passionate as others throughout the show, it was the events that transpired just before this that made it so impactful. Penelope faced the music and admitted to being Lady Whistledown, but the Queen was humbled by her speech, and the youngest former Featherington sister was able to breathe freely.
Without the weight of her guilt on her shoulders, Penelope was ready to start her new life as Mrs. Bridgerton. Colin forgave Penelope, and with her on top of him, they consummated their marriage. This was an interesting reflection on how far Penelope had come since season 1, and it highlighted the confidence she’d gained because of Colin. This moment wasn’t just about steamy, passionate sex; it was also about love. Penelope was free to live as her true self, and having sex with Colin was natural, as she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
9 Daphne And Simon’s First Kiss
Bridgerton – Season 1, Episode 4
Although Daphne and Simon’s story in Bridgerton had a happy ending, the cause of all of its dramatics was the result of one kiss in the wrong place at the wrong time. Simon and Daphne’s first kiss was unlike any other, and if it hadn’t been for Anthony’s sudden arrival, it would have likely led to sex. Tensions built throughout the scene as the pair argued, and Simon followed Daphne into the darkness of the gardens. The couple eventually shared a sexually charged kiss that would have made many of the guests at the ball faint if they’d witnessed it.
While Daphne was completely inexperienced, Simon was not, and he knew exactly how to get her riled up. Although they were outdoors, as Simon ran his hands all over Daphne’s body and started pulling up her dress, steam could practically be seen emitting from them. However, Anthony putting a stop to it and calling out his old friend for feeling up his sister was what truly made this scene so heated. By calling out the taboo of the situation, it made Daphne and Simon even more drawn to one another, and the Duke could no longer deny his attraction.
8 Charlotte And George’s Bathtub Scene
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – Season 1, Episode 3
Charlotte and George formed a plan to try to conceive an heir on even days and created a routine in which they’d sleep together. While it wasn’t the most romantic of ideas, the more they proceeded with this pattern, the closer they grew to one another. Over time, their even days became more passionate and intimate, although their plan to get pregnant was still at the forefront of their minds. While it was only a brief scene, Charlotte accosting George in the bathtub was incredibly lustful and proved just how much they’d grown as a couple.
Charlotte told George it was an even day and no other dialogue was needed. Charlotte didn’t even bother to undress; she simply climbed into the bathtub and sat upon her husband’s lap. Within mere seconds, the pair were in an intense embrace, gripping at one another as if their lives depended on it. Technically, it did, as Charlotte and George were expected to produce an heir. However, in this scene, they clearly were more preoccupied with making the baby rather than with the thought of actually having one.
7 Kate And Anthony’s Kiss In The Church
Bridgerton – Season 2, Episode 6
The stolen glances and double-meaning remarks between Kate and Anthony finally paid off when the two shared a fiery kiss. The location was a little inappropriate, considering he was supposed to marry Kate’s sister in the same spot beforehand, although it did mirror some earlier scenes. When Edwina walked down the aisle, Anthony could only picture Kate. Kate and Anthony shared similar values and only wanted what was best for their families, which played a big part in their kiss. Despite acknowledging the connection between them, Kate was determined that they both faced up to failing at their duties.
It was the two of them believing that they’d screwed up beyond repair that allowed them the vulnerability to give in to one another. Their lips collided, several little gasps escaped, their bodies pushed against each other, and they released the tension that had built up throughout the season. Even though Kate stuck to her guns and still decided she was going to leave for India, this moment was a crack in her normally strong characterization, and she let herself be more than just the dutiful big sister. Unsurprisingly, Anthony didn’t relent in pursuing his one true love.
6 Daphne And Simon’s Honeymoon Montage
Bridgerton – Season 1, Episode 6
After Daphne and Simon married and she got her head around the marital act, the pair were busy. Anywhere and everywhere, Simon and Daphne were having sex – the bed, a field, even up a ladder. Across a three-minute montage, the Duke of Hastings and his new Duchess made their way around their entire estate and left no area untainted with their lovemaking. In fact, even their staff stood at their bedroom door at one point, listening in. It was weird for them to do so, but in Bridgerton, it was because they hoped for news of an heir.
Although there were many sex scenes in Bridgerton season 1, episode 6, “Swish,” this particular montage stood out. It highlighted just how much the relationship between the married pair had developed since episode 1 and how Daphne wasn’t the same naive girl. Up until “Swish,” any mention of sexual relations for Daphne was met with shame or the implication of her being a ruined woman. But once she and Simon found their rhythm, they were able to enjoy a natural part of life without the taboos that came along with it.
5 Daphne’s Lesson In Self-Pleasure
Bridgerton – Season 1, Episode 3
A crucial moment that played a significant part in Daphne’s understanding of sex was an early conversation she had with Simon. The Duke, much to his surprise, discovered that Daphne was completely unaware of masturbation. The hushed conversation he had with her was steamy enough, but it was even more so when Daphne went home and decided to reenact his instructions. Although it was a bit unrealistic how quickly Daphne picked up on how to pleasure herself, it also made sense as she thought about Simon the entire time.
Plus, it was extremely taboo that a man who wasn’t her husband told Daphne to touch herself, which added to the tension. Alone in her room, with no house staff or overbearing family to bother her, Daphne allowed herself to feel things for Simon that she’d put off until this point. The flittering flashbacks of their fingers brushing and their intense looks were enough to satisfy her. Even though he wasn’t physically there, Simon gave Daphne her first sexual experience. However, his doing so also put him in a difficult situation, especially as he wanted to distance himself from her.
4 Benedict’s Threesome
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 8
Benedict’s bisexual awakening in Bridgerton was an incredible scene. While it seemed impossible that his affair with Lady Tilley Arnold couldn’t get any steamier, Paul Suarez was introduced. When Tilley and Paul initially offered Benedict to join them in bed, he turned them down. However, when they finally had the threesome, the fact Benedict had said no once made the moment even more impactful. Benedict spent some time thinking about the laws of attraction and their relation to gender, so when he decided to let loose and embrace it, he was totally at peace with his choice.
This made sex with Tilley and Paul even more interesting because Benedict went into it completely openly and with no hesitation. Bathed in candlelight, Benedict felt free as he happily moved back and forth between his two partners, kissing and grabbing at them both. At points, it was hard to work out whose hands were entwined. Unlike other Bridgerton sex scenes, Benedict’s threesome wasn’t displayed in great detail. However, these camera angles, which focused on their sweaty bodies and glistening skin, were more than enough, and the implication was more powerful than if it was properly shown on-screen.
3 Kate And Anthony In The Garden
Bridgerton – Season 2, Episode 7
After a season of ridiculous tension between Kate and Anthony, their first sex scene in the garden was a fantastic payoff. The picturesque scene involved the pair in the grounds of the Bridgerton family’s home, surrounded by beautiful flora, vines, and the soft lighting of candles scattered around. Although their argument may have dampened the atmosphere at first, everything was quickly forgotten after Anthony’s emotional monologue about his desire for Kate. Within the blink of an eye, the two were in the throws of passion, and they were even more controversial than Simon and Daphne ever were pre-marriage.
Kate’s lingerie was on full display as Anthony rolled down her stockings and disappeared with his hand up her skirt. Amongst the cluster of heaving bosoms, sharp gasps, and a distinct pair of gloves gripped around Anthony’s neck, the two forgot about the world around them. Even though it was dark, neither of them seemed to care that they were out in the open, and they made their way to the ground so Anthony could perform oral sex on Kate. Considering the incredible slow burn between them all season long, when they did become intimate, it was worth the wait.
2 Penelope And Colin’s Carriage Scene
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 8
…no other couple took as long to give in to their desires.
Following several seasons of Colin and Penelope’s relationship in Bridgerton being continuously teased, their lust quickly developed in season 3. After Colin ruined her chance at a proposal from Lord Debling, Penelope tried to rush away, but Colin joined her in her carriage and tried to apologize. Before long, they were kissing, and Colin’s hand made its way up Penelope’s skirt. Bridgerton season 3’s carriage scene was one of the most lustful moments in the entire show, mainly because no other couple took as long to give in to their desires.
Although Colin’s attraction wasn’t immediate, like Anthony’s or Daphne’s, his years of memories with Penelope were an important factor. Even the song in Bridgerton’s carriage scene was a reference to their journey together, and it was a callback to their first kiss earlier in the season. Penelope had only ever reported about sexual encounters as Lady Whistledown and only received her first kiss because she asked Colin for it, so this was a groundbreaking moment for her. Penelope assumed she’d always be an unwanted spinster, so she very much deserved to get this sex scene.
1 Penelope And Colin’s Mirror Scene
Bridgerton – Season 3, Episode 5
By far, the steamiest scene in Bridgerton is Colin and Penelope’s first sexual experience together. Bridgerton season 3’s mirror scene was a standout for several reasons. Despite the fact they weren’t married yet, Penelope didn’t hesitate to let Colin seduce her. Colin stood Penelope in front of a mirror in their future home as a married couple and showered her with wholesome compliments, which gradually grew to become more heated. The look in his eyes while staring at his future bride was stellar, but there were so many other small details in this scene that increased the tension between them.
Penelope’s facial expression as Colin unbuckled his belt and his pants fell to the floor was amazingly realistic. These brief shots that hinted at their complete nudity were brilliantly paced, and the way Colin laid Penelope out on the sofa was something out of a Renaissance painting. The two’s first time having sex was gripping, especially as Penelope immediately asked if they were able to do it again once they finished. Although Penelope wasn’t the most sexual person in Bridgerton, it was perfect that she experienced the same passion others had.
