3 romance-packed shows to watch if you're missing the love on Bridgerton

We won't get another blooming romance on Bridgerton since season 4 will premiere sometime in 2026, which is a shame because the commitment and love between the characters are among TV's best. The last two seasons brought us Kathony and Polin, with the former being an interracial couple and the latter having a gorgeous evolution of friendship to a passionate and adoring intimacy.

If I were to be honest, there's a 50% chance that the two leads will succeed as a couple, as it boils down to chemistry, dynamics, and how crafted their narrative is. There will be the occasion of being scripted as romantic, but its deliverance subtly made it to the screen, pushing the complex and often swirling question of "Will the pair be canonical or not be canonical?" when onscreen, the pair were initially designed as platonic.

But for the most part, it's truly a ride, and seeing how characters develop and grow over time from friends to lovers or enemies to lovers is a definite experience for fans.

It's the stuff right out of the romance books, and while I stand by my personal belief of ship neutrality and go by with whatever happens with a couple onscreen while enjoying the relationships, I still enjoy a little heart and head (mind) and the plot surrounding the ships.

But if you can't wait until season 4 of Bridgerton and its new societal couple, here are three show suggestions to get you over that carriage bump. The list has generational love, a classic period drama, and action mixed with romance.

3 shows to watch after you watched Bridgerton

Love Me (2021-2023)

Network: Binge Australia

Love Me is about finding equitable passion and romance in the three-generation Australian Mathieson family. There's Clara (Bojana Novakovic), a workaholic anesthesiologist; Aaron (William Lodder), a college student discovering adulthood; and their widowed father, Glen (Hugo Weaving), who must find the courage to move on after his wife passes away.

The cast additionally includes Bob Morley, who portrays male model Peter K, desiring to experience love just as much as the Mathieson family and seeks it in Clara. It's a beautiful, coming-of-age story, and you better prep yourselves as the intimate scenes are quite raw and steamy. Similar to Bridgerton, Love Me follows no rules surrounding the subject.

Throughout its two seasons (and there are cries for a third one), Love Me was nominated for numerous AACTA and Logie Awards, winning three. The drama grabbed two more Logie Noms for its upcoming 2024 ceremony in August.

Where to watch: Hulu

House of the Dragon (2022-current)

Network: HBO/MAX

The Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, offers all the action, romance, battles, and dragons(!) to tell an engaging tale of how war broke out across the Seven Kingdoms. As a fantasy period drama, you'll witness gorgeous wardrobes and spectacular landscapes across England, Portugal, and Spain. There are forbidden relationships, but they are integral plot points to push the story forward, leading up to the climax.

I want to think that outside of the battles and brutal deaths, House of the Dragon is a shipper's land outside of the battles and brutal death, as many couples have come and gone. And who's to deny the chemistry between Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'arcy) and her paternal uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)? It might be at times conflicted, but during the Medieval era, familial relationships were common.

As we're in the second season, the war between the Blacks and the Greens isn't stopping soon, but you can bet the love is as hot as a dragon's fire.

Where to watch: Max

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993-1999)

Network: CBS

It's the Wild Frontier taking place during the post Civil War era, and in charge of it all is a woman by the name of Dr. Michaela Quinn, played by the incomparable Jane Seymour. As Dr. Quinn settles in the growing town of Colorado Springs, Colorado, after arriving from Boston, she takes on the responsibilities of motherhood, preventing disease outbreaks, and getting used to the unpredictable Wild West and the people who inhabit it.

The doctor also falls in love with Sully (Joe Lando), who was raised by the Cherokee Tribe and has a strong appreciation for the land and nature. As this is considered a family drama, you won't get any heavy intimate sequences, though the looks, chemistry, and warm touches between Dr. Quinn and Sully are far more than enough to spark excitement.

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, additionally documented racism, disability activism, religious prejudices, and women's rights in a period where these discussions were mostly silenced in conscientious value. Dr. Quinn was groundbreaking in that respect since the series went in a positive direction with these topics while showcasing a realistic lens of their suppressions.

Where to watch: Freevee

5 other shows that ignite the romance

When you finish Love Me, House of the Dragon, and Dr. Quinn, here are a few more considerations.

• The 100 (Netflix)

• This Is Us (Hulu)

• When Calls The Heart (Peacock)

• Black Sails (Netflix)

• The Simpsons (Disney+ and Hulu) We think Homer an Marge are the It Ship.