Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1: Better or Worse?

From the moment I finished binging season 1 of Bridgerton, I have been patiently waiting for season 2 and it has FINALLY COME!!! Now that I’ve finished watching Season 2, I’m already ~burning~ for season 3.

Before I get too ahead of myself, let’s analyze Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1.

The new season of Bridgerton brought an interesting mix of anticipation and hesitation; this fear that season 2 would never be able to measure up to the magnificence that was season 1. Well, now that I’ve completed my binge of season 2, it’s time to answer that question – does it measure up?

In some ways, yes, in some ways, not really.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Bridgerton Season 2 begins with a new season of courting among high society members of the regency era. Anthony Bridgeton is utterly disappointed with his courting options until the stunning Kate and Edwina Sharma arrive in town. The complex dynamic between the Bridgertons and the Sharmas forces each of them to choose between passion and duty. 

Oh my, where do I even begin?

Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1: Steaminess

After finishing season 2, my first thought was wow, that was a lot less sex and nudity than season 1. However, what season 2 lacked in sex, it made up for in sexual tension and character development which was absolutely on point.

Season 2 stripped itself (only figurately) of any vain, cinematic tactics that get people’s heart rates up and only included any sex/nudity that was pertinent to the scene.

Season 1 was spicier, season 2 was milder.

Season 1 definitely takes the cake when it comes to the steaminess of the romance.

I’ll get into this more in the next section comparing the sexual tension, but season 2 simply did not match season 1’s energy when it came to sex scenes.

Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1: Tension

The first 6 out of the 8 episodes of season 2 were all just a slow build-up to the inevitable. The wait was EXCRUCIATING.

As a viewer, the tension between Kate and Anthony was so achingly palpable yet the never-ending cascade of obstacles against their love (mainly themselves) was almost too frustrating to bear.

I found myself yelling at the screen several times for them to just drop the charade and make out already!

But the build-up wasn’t just boring fluff. It left room to further understand the characters, who they are, and what makes them tick. The intimacy was less physical and more emotional.

In terms of building up sexual tension, Season 2 of Bridgerton was a masterclass in that. Season 1 didn’t tease the audience so much with the possibility of a romance but rather gave us all the bittersweet flavors of romance upfront.

I will say this though, when Kate and Anthony finally gave in to each other and kissed after Edwina’s wedding ended in shambles, there was something lacking. The fire and anticipation from all of those close encounters didn’t end in the fireworks that I expected.

It was almost like my expectation for their romance slightly exceeded the reality of it. When you build the tension so high, the payoff has got to be worth it.

The sex scenes in season 2 almost seemed too tame, too choreographed for the build-up that led up to it. Just my thought. For the aching amount of build-up, the payoff didn’t suffice.

Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1: Intimacy

Season 2 expanded on the definition of intimacy and showed that it’s more than just exposing hidden skin – it’s exposing hearts, anxieties, and desires. This season of Bridgerton emphasized that this series is not a pool of shallow thrills, it’s an exploration of humanity and intimacy, love and drama.

Season 2 approached intimacy on a different plane, on a soul level, which was so beautiful to behold.

Season 1 approached intimacy in a more tangible, practical way. Obviously, it was very physically intimate while still taking the time to give the audience a bit of insight into the characters.

In intimacy, it’s hard to choose which season did it better.

But I do feel as though as an audience member, I was more intimately invested in the characters of season 2. I feel like I know them better and understand them better.

Their eye contact with each other was so electrifying. Half of the communication between the lovers was just intense, longing eye contact. It’s still fresh in my mind so I’m probably biased but I’ll give this one to season 2.

All in all, season 1 wins hands down for physical intimacy, and season 2 hands down for emotional intimacy.

Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1: Charm

Bridgerton season 2 held a subtle magnetic power. It had a sneaky way of hooking you into the narrative as if you were a part of this society yourself. It immersed you in the vibrant colors, the posh language, the extravagant balls, the sneaky gossip, and all the budding drama.

As per usual, the music was phenomenal!

When Kate and Anthony had that dance at the Featherington’s ball my eyes started welling up at the beauty of it. They were dancing to a classical arrangement of ‘Wrecking Ball’ by Miley Cyrus which is the most befitting song for their relationship.

The charm of Bridgerton season 1 was undeniably transferred into the second season. The atmosphere is so sweet and addictive that real-life Bridgerton-themed balls are taking place in big cities nationwide.

I binge-watched both seasons of this series because I become so invested in the narrative that I don’t want to exit it. I want to swim in the world and the atmosphere that Bridgerton creates. So if anyone wants to invite me to a Bridgerton ball…

The first episode is usually a bit hard to get through as your mind adjusts to this new world and finds reasons to become invested, but by episode three, it’s hard to stop. I was dragging my feet at work the next day because I sacrificed sleep for Bridgerton (no regrets).

Both seasons perfected the bright, pop atmosphere of romance in the Regency era.

Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1: The Final Verdict?

Steaminess: Season 1

Sexual Tension: Season 2

Physical Intimacy: Season 1

Emotional Intimacy: Season 2

Charm: Season 1 & Season 2

I would not say that season 2 was better than season 1 but I would say that season 2 lived up to season 1 especially plot-wise, music-wise, and vibe-wise. There was a lot less sex and nudity in season 2 than in season 1 but it didn’t take anything away from the appeal of the show.

Season 2 focused a lot more on plot, character development, and really understanding each character’s motivation. The tension between Kate and Anthony was CRAZY. It was so intense.

So is season 2 better or worse? Neither. It’s different in good ways and the same in all the most important ways.

In Conclusion…

Bridgerton continues to be a captivating celebration of the honeymoon period of love and I love it!

Season 2 added a new layer of drama, depth, and intimacy to the Bridgerton narrative and edified everything about Bridgerton that makes it the phenomenon that it is.

Impatiently waiting for Season 3…

Rating (for Season 2): 8.5/10

Bridgerton Season 2 vs Season 1 — what’s your verdict? Let me know in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe for the latest blog updates (form in sidebar).

Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

IMO