Bridgerton is known for its steamy affairs, historical and cultural pedagogy, fashion, and diversity. This is not the end of our list for adoring the show though. Bridgerton has also served swoon-worthy men – from being classically handsome to being emotionally vulnerable, it has introduced some of the best male characters. Both seasons 1 and 2 of the popular Netflix series introduced strikingly fine gentlemen whom we have appreciated.
With Bridgerton season 3 Part 1 finally streaming on Netflix, you might like to revisit these characters from seasons 1 and 2 who captivated and ruled our hearts like no other before you delve deep into Penelope and Colin’s blossoming romance. Here are some of the Bridgerton men ranked according to their popularity, insanely good looks, their ability to be vulnerable and the honour they hold for their loved ones.
All the main men from Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 ranked by their popularity
1. Anthony Bridgerton, Viscount Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey)
He takes away our breath the moment he appears on the screen. Perhaps the most flawed yet one of the most loved men of the Regency romance series is Anthony Bridgerton. Jonathan Bailey as Anthony essays the character perfectly – peeling away one layer at a time. Be it the expressiveness he wears on his face in moments of quietness or the support he extends to his sister, Daphne during her ordeal, Anthony knows his duties quite well. However, the anxiety he has when it comes to tracking time is what overshadows his efforts to strive for excellence. His fear of death and the consternation that comes with it makes him act otherwise.
By far, Anthony’s capacity for love is his greatest strength. He shows as if he does not care but that’s far from the truth. It isn’t simple when it comes to matters of the heart for Anthony Bridgerton and he is far from perfect but his vulnerability is what makes him genuine. This is what separates him from the rest of the Bridgerton men and the reason why he is number 1 on our list.
2. Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page)
Next on our list is Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. He is an incredibly complex yet realistic character. Basset emotes his sentiments beautifully for a person who has been inflicted with trauma since childhood. We cannot help but fall in love with a man who is extremely kind and stubborn at the same time. Simon admits time and again how he is not worthy of love, but his actions say otherwise when it comes to Daphne. His belief in her is explored beautifully throughout Bridgerton season 1 and that adds a certain dimension to his character. While everything that he does is commendable, Simon could’ve done better when it came to Daphne.
Even though he believed in her, he ended things with her before anything constructive began. He even lied to her about not being able to bear children (even though it was his decision not to want to have children at all). This all stems from the fact that Simon was afflicted with traumas of his own that he refused to let go to live a fuller life. While Simon may not be the perfect Duke, his way of navigating the complexities of life made him one of the most loved men in Bridgerton.
3. Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton)
He is the third son in the Bridgerton family and the third on our list as well. You may have found him innocent and inexperienced in season 1 but he gradually stood out as the show developed. He has a strong sense of humour and is loyal to a fault. He is great as a sibling and even so as a son. Colin Bridgerton is strong, handsome, and reliable but is more relaxed than his brothers. He is a man who likes adventure and so it shall be as Season 3 Part 1 finally depicts Colin and his relationship with Penelope. It was not this rosy since the beginning though. Colin had little purpose in life and did not take Penelope seriously. He wasn’t kind or a great friend, to say the least as he would joke behind her back. Like several others, he too judged Penelope because of her looks. This is all set to change though with the latest season. Are you excited to witness the budding romance between the two? I know I am for sure.
4. Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson)
He loves his family, and those who are close to his heart and that reflects in his art. However, he is unable to move ahead as he remains in constant doubt. He does not enjoy events of the society, but the love and respect he has for his mother makes him attend these affairs. He is hot-tempered when it comes to defending his sisters’ honour. If there were a word to describe lost, it would be Benedict Bridgerton. He is searching for something eternal. He is in pursuit of himself and this drives him to protect his loved ones. It is interesting to note that while fiercely protecting his family, he not only learns more about himself but also about all those close to his heart, thus expanding his horizon as an individual.
5. Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch)
Who does not like a man who champions feminism and loves books? In addition to this, he is handsome as well. That is Theo Sharpe for you. He knows how to garner attention and is a man worthy in every aspect of life. He champions the rights of all and is captivating to say the very least as he doesn’t count on either his status or finances to take a stand for himself. Although he dreams of uplifting society one cause at a time, his preconceptions come in the way. He is quite harsh with Eloise Bridgerton as he views her to be acting in an immature fashion.
6. Prince Friedrich (Freddie Stroma)
He did not measure up to Daphne’s expectations, but that doesn’t make Freddie Stroma aka Prince Friedrich any less attractive. He is handsome, gentle, kind and has honourable intentions — that is quite princely indeed. He might not be as earnest as some of the other men on Bridgerton, but he makes for a partner worthy of respect, love, and appreciation. He made for quite an eligible bachelor in season 1.
7. Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe)
He may not be a Bridgerton but his charm is at the same level. Meet Will Mondrich, Simon Basset’s confidante and boxer friend from season 1. He is ambitious and has a big heart full of kindness, reliability, and confidence. He has his fair share of struggles, but he doesn’t let them mess him up. He remains a calm and composed person even though he is ridiculed for his business by several people. Will is the embodiment of the green flag as we say in Gen Z lingo. He is a doting and loyal husband to Alice Mondrich. Rarely flustered and a go-getter, Will runs a successful gentlemen’s club alongside his wife.