VALENTINE’S weekend is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than a recap of some of the steamiest moments from TV.
Period dramas have become increasingly sexy and scandalous, far less afraid to push the boundaries of what they show on-screen.
And that sentiment extends far beyond the recent return of Bridgerton on the box, known for its frequent romps and raunchiness.
Here we take a look at some of the hottest moments from a number of period dramas, from passionate must-have-you-now sex to threesomes and a lively lesbian tryst.
BRIDGERTON: SEASON FOUR
This hot and heavy Netflix Regency stalwart returned to screens with Season 4, Part 1 in late January – and with it a handful of scorching new sex scenes for viewers to feast their eyes on.
Benedict Bridgerton’s love story takes centre stage in this chapter and while he tries to fend off his feelings for saucy maid Sophie, episode four finally saw him succumb.
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Viewers were stirred as Benedict (Luke Thompsn) slammed Sophie (Yerin Ha) up against a wall, letting his fingers reward her justly.
However, the second-eldest son isn’t the only one having all the fun this season.
Mum Violet (Ruth Gemmell) threw caution to the wind and invited her friend’s stunning brother over for some ‘evening tea’.
One of the accompanying treats included a delectable close-up of Lord Marcus Anderson’s peachy buttocks.
BRIDGERON: SEASON THREE
Fans shipping ‘Polin’ finally got their steamy moment in season 3 with the now infamous carriage scene.
Initially ‘helping’ Penelope with efforts to find a suitor, Colin had a lightbulb moment and realised his true intentions for the Lady Whistledown writer during the drive.
The pair radiated sexual tension while sitting in the enclosed space until an aroused and newly awakened Colin had to take her there and then.
Colin (Luke Newton) climbed on top of Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) on the carriage’s bench and the redhead cried out with several moans of pleasure as they writhed on the backseat during their bonk.
Meanwhile, brother Benedict was happily engaged in a polyamorous act with couple Tilly and Paul.
After kissing a man for the first time Benedict discovered new feelings of sexual attraction and lept into bed to experience male-on-male and three-way pleasure.
Though their interaction was a one-off, it’s the moment that led fans to learn that Benedict was bisexual.
BRIDGERTON: SEASON TWO
Season two saw Jonathon Bailey’s Anthony tamed by the beautiful yet mysterious Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) – though she initially couldn’t be less interested in getting to know him.
In a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline, the pair eventually overcame the odds and developed a connection that blossomed into marriage, fuelled by a lot of intense lovemaking.
One pivotal scene saw Anthony and Kate alone in a garden, and upon noticing that he was getting horny, Anthony prompted Kate to leave.
But Kate refused and disobeyed him as sparks flew and the couple fiercely romped outdoors.
Kate commanded “do not stop” several times, flashing her lavender silk underwear as she raised up the skirt of her dress.
BRIDGERTON: SEASON ONE
The first season set the tone of this Regency bonkfest with the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) falling for the eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor).
Daphne and Simon’s growing desire after their honeymoon left screens across the country charged with chemistry.
And after losing her virginity, Daphne can’t think about doing anything else.
She craves Simon’s touch constantly, whether it’s up against the wall of her grand home or through her own hand masturbating to the thought of him.
The masturbation scene is both sexy as well as powerful, showing Daphne learning how she can be in control of her own pleasure.
GENTLEMAN JACK: LESBIAN ROMP
In 2019, an episode of Gentleman Jack aired that was so explicit viewers were left blushing.
The BBC show depicted drama darling Suranne Jones as Anne Lister, performing oral sex on another woman.
Laying back stark naked in bed, future wife Ann Walker (Peaky Blinder’s Sophie Rundle) threw one hand back next to her head as she moaned, guiding Anne’s head with her other.
The saucy snippet only appeared on TV for a matter of moments but it had viewers talking online.
“Wow I even went red,” said one user on X.
Another added: “Looked up to see Anne giving/receiving an enthusiastic lesson in anatomy.”
POLDARK: STEAMY BATH SCENE
Aidan Turner earned his period hunk status in the rebooted BBC series Poldark back in 2015.
And even his on-screen wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) couldn’t keep her eyes off ripped Ross during one naked scene in the bath.
Standing over the tin tub she began to seduce him, placing her hands on his face and pulling him in for a steamy snog.
His body was covered by bubbles but Ross’ excitement was palpable as the kiss intensified – it’s clear what ended up happening behind closed doors.
THE TUDORS: FOREST FUMBLE
Some of the sweatiest scenes come from The Tudors, starting off with King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and Anne’s first time having sex.
It was blatantly clear from the way they looked at one another that they wanted each other, right there and then.
So they got to action, on the floor of a forest.
Anne (Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer) rode on top of Henry at one point, driving him insane, but before he could finish, she got off and wouldn’t let him finish.
Ever the tease, this made Henry only desire Anne even more.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE: HATE SEX
A young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and young King George III (Corey Mylchreest) wed but insisted they were not in love. In fact, they hated each other.
Living in separate quarters of the house and knowing it was only a matter of time before they’ll be expected to produce an heir, the couple began to engage in “hate sex”.
Though they seemed to be rather into it, getting busy all over the house.
Pushing Charlotte up against a post George took her, then again on a desk, and yet again on the dinner table.
As Charlotte exclaimed in pleasure, the servants around the dining room attempted to avert their eyes from the act, but the couple didn’t care who was watching.