26 Best Period Dramas Historical Shows to Watch If You Miss Bridgerton
Turns out Netflix, Hulu, and Prime are loaded with 10/10 period series.
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So, you've finished Bridgerton season 3 and now you're on the hunt for yet another historical show to satiate your need for juicy historical dramas. Well, you've come to the right place. While there are plenty of shows out there on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more, not all of them stand up well next to classics like Downton Abbey and the like. After hours spent binging nearly all of them we could find (tough job, we know), our editors pulled together this list of the top 26 best period dramas and historical shows for you to watch.
We've included the aforementioned classics that you've most likely heard of (and definitely need to watch if you haven't yet), along with quite a few lesser-known shows and new releases. From the early beginnings of what would become England in the 800s to 1990 Ireland, these shows may span the centuries, but they all stand the test of time.
Related: Where You've Seen the 'Bridgerton' Cast Before | Romantic Movies on Netflix | Romance Novels to Make You Swoon
'Queen Charlotte'
A prequel of sorts to Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte follows the story of the woman who would become the future Queen of England. From humble beginnings to navigating a marriage with her "mad" husband, Charlotte's life wasn't always as easy as Bridgerton might have you believe. Fans of Lady Danbury will be especially pleased that Agatha also plays a leading role in this mini series.
'Miss Scarlet & The Duke'
Murder mystery fans, rejoice: Miss Scarlet & The Duke combines your two loves into one fascinating show. After her father dies, Eliza Scarlet takes over his detective firm, becoming London's first female private detective. The show covers four seasons and is part of the PBS Masterpiece collection, known for their well-produced historical dramas.
'The Pursuit of Love'
Seeing as only one season is currently out, The Pursuit of Love won't keep you busy for too long, but that just frees up more time for the other period pieces on this list! The Pursuit of Love hilariously and scandalously recounts the tales of cousins and best friends Linda and Fanny. Akin to Little Women, one of the cousins chooses a calm and steady life while the other chooses to see what the world has to offer. The cast has tons of familiar names, like Lily James (Emily in Paris), Dominic West (The Crown), and Andrew Scott (Sherlock).
'Victoria'
The story of Queen Victoria might sound similar to that of another queen we're quite familiar with, Queen Elizabeth. Ascending to the throne at just 18, Victoria's reign would last over 60 years, the longest reign of a British monarch until Elizabeth. Victoria follows her story from the start, including her fairytale romance to Prince Albert.
'The Crown'
A masterpiece in production quality, casting, and acting, The Crown follows the childhood, ascension to the throne, and reign of Queen Elizabeth, the longest reigning monarch in British history. The six seasons of the show cover everything, including wars, scandal, and the infamous death of Princess Diana. Though the story does get into more recent times in the final season, seasons one through five cover her life in the decades of the 20th century.
'Anne with an E'
Based on the classic coming-of-age novel Anne of Green Gables, Anne with an E tells the story of a feisty orphan who finds a place to call home that will change her forever. Take a trip to Green Gables as Anne transforms the lives of everyone around her, including her new pseudo parents, siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.
'The Great'
If there was ever a story that was made for television, it's that of Catherine the Great. The German aristocracy darling turned Queen turned Empress thanks to a clever coup d'etat was a fierce leader whom Elle Fanning portrays excellently. Though it follows a tumultuous time in history, there's plenty of lighthearted fun to be had in the show. Huzzah to that, indeed.
'Outlander'
Ever thought you were definitely born in the wrong era? Then step into the shoes of Claire Randall, a married former combat nurse who is transported from her life in 1945 to 1743. Forced to marry Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser to save her life, she finds herself torn between two worlds and two loves: Jamie and her husband back home, Frank Randall.
'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is truly a diamond in the rough when it comes to historical pieces. Based in Australia in the 1920s, it follows Agatha Christie-esque detective Phryne Fisher as she solves crimes alongside the ever-reluctant Detective Inspector Jack Robinson. If you have any affinity for witty women, murder mystery shows, or the 1920s, then add it to your must-watch list immediately.
'1883'
Starring heavy hitters like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliot, 1883 is the story of the family that gave us our beloved Yellowstone. The road to finding wealth, fortune, and land in the late 1800s was a treacherous one. The Dutton family treks across America in search of a place to settle, but not without plenty of blood spilled along the way.
'The Spanish Princess'
Of course, we all know the story of Henry VIII and his many wives (and their demises), but The Spanish Princess takes a look at history from a different (and far more interesting, IMO) character's point of view. Follow Catherine of Aragon from the moment she steps foot in England, originally betrothed to Prince Arthur, Henry's older brother. That's right—you'll never say history is boring again after this.
'Vanity Fair'
Bridgerton fans, if Eloise was your favorite character in the series (in which case, you have wonderful taste), then you'll be especially delighted at this next pick. Based on the novel of the same name by William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair follows the daughter of an opera singer and artist, Becky Sharp, as she tries to ascend the ranks of London's high society through the graces of her wealthy friend, Amelia Sedley, played by Claudia Jessie.
'North & South'
North & South is one of the older shows on this list, premiering in 2004, but the quality and craftsmanship of the storyline and production have stood the test of time (don't base your opinions directly on this trailer!). Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, the series follows Margaret Hale as she travels from her home in Southern England with her family to the North, a move that is quite the adjustment in the industrial era of the mid-1800s. She soon catches the eye of wealthy mill owner John Thornton, though their romance is riddled with plenty of prejudice to overcome.
'Reign'
Originally aired on CW, Reign is definitely a take on the life of Mary Queen of Scots that's geared to a more drama-driven demographic, but that makes it an incredibly juicy binge. The series begins with Mary's arrival in France and the meeting of her soon-to-be husband Prince Francis and ends with her notorious demise and is nothing short of a wild ride in between.
'Poldark'
Ross Poldark returned to his home in Cornwall, England, after fighting in the Revolutionary War to find his father dead, his estate falling apart, and his love betrothed to his cousin. So, things are not going well. With all odds against him, he brings his fighting spirit back to England and builds his life and his father's estate back while meeting the love of his life along the way. Poldark can be a bit of a slow burn, but if you stick with it through the first few episodes and pay attention, you'll soon be hooked.
'Sanditon'
Imagine The Unhoneymooners meets Bridgerton and you've got a pretty fair idea of the setting of this unfinished Jane Austen manuscript-turned-TV show. By chance, Charlotte Heywood ends up in a British coast resort town, but, ever the innocent, she's both intrigued and horrified at the gossip and drama Britain's elite can bring on vacation.
'Belgravia'
Based on the 2016 best-selling novel written by Julian Fellowes, Belgravia is about a battle between London's nouveau riche and old money. It follows the series of events that plays out after the daughter of the newly wealthy Trenchard family falls in love with Lord Bellasis, a Viscount. After he perishes in battle, the Trenchards are left with an unwed, pregnant daughter, who soon also dies herself in childbirth. Fast forward 20 years and the Trenchards have now settled next door to the Bellasis family in the affluent Belgravia neighborhood, and the forthcoming secrets might just tear both families apart.
'Bridgerton'
From the script to the set design to the costumes to the score, everything about Bridgerton is flawless, my dear. Based on Julia Quinn's book series of the same name and brought to life by Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes, the show follows the escapades of the Bridgerton family, with each season covering the romance of one of the family's 8 children. The series is set in Regency-era London, with drama and glamour galore. Start with season 1, which follows the steamy romance of Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, along with finding the answer to the burning question—who is Lady Whistledown? Imagine Gossip Girl meets Pride and Prejudice but so, so much better.
'Gilded Age'
From the king of historical dramas himself, Julian Fellowes, comes this newly released show for HBO that follows New York City high society in the time for which the show is named. If business was cutthroat in those days, then society was a stab to the back further. The show's main stars come from two families: orphan Marian Brook and her aunts, Ada Brook and Agnes van Rhijn, and the Russell family, the new railroad money clan that is most likely based on a family of another name that you know all too well—the Vanderbilts. Oh so juicy, indeed.
'Downton Abbey'
I'd find it hard to believe that anyone who is interested in historical pieces hasn't watched Downton Abbey yet, but, if that's you, take this as your cue to pick it up now. It can be a slow starter, but give it a few episodes and you'll soon be enthralled in all the affairs of the Crawley's expansive manor. The show is a favorite among viewers because it follows not only the Crawley clan, consisting of husband and wife Robert and Cora and their 3 daughters, but also the staff of the home. Set in the early 1900s, it includes many historical events such as the crash of the Titanic, the Spanish flu epidemic, and WWI.
Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.
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