- 31Su Pollard, Bill Pertwee, Paul Shane
Watch This Show If You Love: Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs, Mr. Selfridge, When the Boat Comes In, Paris
Why Should I Stream? From the creators of Upstairs, Downstairs, this British comedy series satirizes class divisions and social mores by depicting the antics and mishaps experienced by an eccentric aristocratic family and their bumbling servants during the 1920s. With its inventive humor and memorable characters, You Rang, M'Lord? provides a lighthearted alternative to more serious historical dramas while still delivering plenty of laughs for fans who enjoy period settings.You Rang M'Lord? is a BBC television sitcom written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the creators of Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum and Hi-de-Hi! It was broadcast between 1990 and 1993 on the BBC. The show was a comedy set in the house of an aristocratic family in the 1920s, contrasting the upper-class family and their servants in a house in London, along the same lines as the popular drama Upstairs, Downstairs. The series featured many actors who had also appeared in their earlier series, notably Paul Shane, Jeffrey Holland and Su Pollard, all of whom had previously been in Perry and Croft's holiday camp sitcom, Hi-de-Hi!. Also featured were Donald Hewlett and Michael Knowles from Perry and Croft's It Ain't Half Hot Mum, and Bill Pertwee and occasionally Frank Williams from Dad's Army. The memorable 1920s-style theme tune was sung by Bob Monkhouse. Episodes of You Rang M'Lord? were fifty minutes long, rather than the usual thirty, and attempted to introduce a more reflective approach and more complex plotting than other Croft and Perry series. There was also less reliance on filmed location sequences.More You Rang, M'Lord?
- Dig Deeper...David Croft Shows and TV Series
- #107 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #32 of 37 onThe Best British Sitcoms Of The '90s
- 32
Margie
Dave Willock, Cynthia Pepper, Tommy IvoWatch This Show If You Love: Brideshead Revisited, Rebecca, The Thorn Birds, You Rang, M'Lord?, The Village
Why Should I Stream? In this charming sitcom set during the Roaring Twenties, Cynthia Pepper stars as Margie Clayton—a fun-loving teenage flapper who navigates the ups and downs of romance, work, and family life. With its lighthearted humor and authentic period details, Margie offers viewers a nostalgic trip back in time to an era marked by bobbed haircuts, jazz music, and newfound freedoms for women. Fans of vintage TV shows and light-hearted comedies set against historic backdrops will find much to enjoy in this delightful series.Margie is an American television situation comedy starring Cynthia Pepper that was broadcast on ABC from October 12, 1961 to April 12, 1962 in the 9:30 Eastern Thursday time slot, sponsored by Procter & Gamble. The series was adapted from the 1946 film of the same name starring Jeanne Crain. - 33Brian Gleeson Aoife Duffin Simone Kirby Natasha O'Keeffe Gavin Drea
Watch This Show If You Love: Babylon Berlin, Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years, Harley and the Davidsons, American Horror Story: Hotel, Roots: The Next Generations
Why Should I Stream? Set during WWII in German-occupied France, Resistance chronicles the harrowing experiences of ordinary men and women who join together to form a covert resistance movement fighting against their oppressors. This gripping French drama boasts excellent performances from its ensemble cast while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its tense storytelling that explores themes such as survival, courage, and loyalty. Those seeking action-packed historical dramas with strong emotional cores should not miss out on Resistance.Resistance (RTÉ One, 2019) is an Irish historical fiction television miniseries written by Colin Teevan. The five-part limited series dramatizes the events surrounding the Irish War of IndependenceMore Resistance- #486 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #725 of 802 onThe 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
- #9 of 40 onThe Best TV Shows Set In Ireland
- 34Sam Neill, Leo McKern, Michael Bryant
Watch This Show If You Love: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, When the Boat Comes In, Paris, Cable Girls
Why Should I Stream? Based on a true story and starring Sam Neill in the title role, this gripping British miniseries tells the tale of Sidney Reilly—a Russian-born British agent who becomes one of history's most accomplished spies during the early 20th century. With its compelling mix of international intrigue and personal drama, Reilly, Ace of Spies offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into an often-overlooked chapter in espionage history that will appeal particularly to fans of spy thrillers and historical dramas.Reilly, Ace of Spies is a 1983 television miniseries dramatizing the life of Sidney Reilly, a Russian Jew who became one of the greatest spies ever to work for the British. Among his exploits, in the early 20th century, were the infiltration of the German General Staff in 1917 and a near-overthrow of the Bolsheviks in 1918. His reputation with women was as legendary as his genius for espionage. The mini series is written by Troy Kennedy Martin, and based on the 1967 book Ace of Spies by Robin Bruce Lockhart, whose father R. H. Bruce Lockhart was one of Reilly's fellow spies. Sam Neill stars as the title character. The theme music is the Romance movement from Dmitri Shostakovich’s The Gadfly Suite. The miniseries was issued on DVD by A&E Home Video on 22 February 2005. Starting on 8 December 2008, the series was shown on digital channel UKTV History in the UK. There are twelve episodes, each approximately 50 minutes in length. - 35Mouna Traoré, Alfre Woodard, Aml Ameen
Watch This Show If You Love: Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs, Mr. Selfridge, Hotel Portofino, A Gentleman in Moscow
Why Should I Stream? As one Canadian's journey through 1920s Montreal reveals the challenges faced by working-class immigrants striving for success amidst rampant corruption within labor unions, The Porter offers a compelling glimpse into an often-overlooked chapter in North American history. Anchored by standout performances from its ensemble cast—including Alan Hawco and Sergio Di Zio—this gritty drama series combines elements of crime shows with historical fiction for an immersive viewing experience that both educates and entertains.The journey of an ensemble of characters who fight for liberation on and off the railways. - 36Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Kadiff Kirwan, Adelayo Adedayo
Watch This Show If You Love: Cable Girls, Doctor Finlay‘s Casebook, Tugs, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries
Why Should I Stream? This quirky British comedy-drama follows a group of modern-day musicians as they accidentally time-travel back to 1920s London—only to discover that their present-day problems haven't changed all that much in the past century. With its blend of sharp wit, inventive storylines, and engaging characters (including Jazz Age versions of real-life figures like Winston Churchill), Timewasters offers fans a unique twist on traditional period dramas by adding elements of time travel and contemporary humor.A struggling South London jazz band are transported back to the 1920s via a block of flats.More Timewasters- #100 of 137 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #635 of 1,052 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #106 of 184 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- 37
The Bund
Chow Yun-Fat, Ray LuiWatch This Show If You Love: 1923, Babylon Berlin, Carnation, The Lawless Years, The Secret of the Sahara
Why Should I Stream? This epic Chinese drama series chronicles the lives, loves, and rivalries among several prominent families living in Shanghai during the tumultuous years leading up to WWII. Featuring stellar performances from its ensemble cast—including Chow Yun-fat—The Bund expertly weaves together sprawling storylines set against a rich historical backdrop filled with glamour, danger, and political intrigue. Fans of sweeping period dramas with complex character dynamics will undoubtedly find much to enjoy in this captivating series.The Bund is a Hong Kong period drama television series first broadcast on TVB in 1980. It is praised as "The Godfather of the East" and spawned several sequels, remakes and film adaptations. The theme song, which shares the same Chinese title as the series and was performed by Frances Yip, also became a memorable Cantopop hit. - 38Natascha McElhone, Mark Umbers, Olivia Morris
Watch This Show If You Love: Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs, Mr. Selfridge, A Gentleman in Moscow, Resistance
Why Should I Stream? Set in 1920s Italy amid an era marked by glamour and social change, Hotel Portofino follows the lives of various individuals connected to a luxurious hotel as they navigate personal challenges and societal expectations. Boasting stunning cinematography, rich character development, and authentic period details, this British-Italian co-production offers viewers a sumptuous viewing experience that combines elements from both classic period dramas and contemporary television series.In 1920s Italy, a mystery unfolds as Bella Ainsworth runs a quintessentially British hotel.More Hotel Portofino- #366 of 683 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #618 of 1,052 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #139 of 208 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- 39Michiel Huisman, Bug Hall, Robert Aramayo
Watch This Show If You Love: Babylon Berlin, Boardwalk Empire, Roots: The Next Generations, Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years, Peaky Blinders
Why Should I Stream? As an exploration into the origins of one of America's most iconic brands, this miniseries delves into the lives of motorcycle pioneers Walter Davidson (Michiel Huisman) and Arthur Harley (Bug Hall) as they struggle to build their legendary company amidst fierce competition from rival manufacturers. Combining thrilling race sequences with heartfelt personal narratives, Harley and the Davidsons is an enthralling watch for fans interested in American entrepreneurship during the early 20th century.The story of the Harley-Davidson brand. - 40
Carnation
Chiaki Kuriyama, Mari Natsuki, Akira TakaradaWatch This Show If You Love: 1923, Babylon Berlin, The Bund, The Lawless Years, The Secret of the Sahara
Why Should I Stream? Set against the backdrop of Tokyo's vibrant Ginza district during the early 20th century, Carnation is a Japanese television drama chronicling the life and career of pioneering fashion designer Ayako Koshino (played by Machiko Ono). As Koshino rises through the ranks within Japan's burgeoning fashion industry while navigating personal challenges and societal expectations, Carnation offers viewers a visually stunning journey into an era marked by cultural transformation and female empowerment within traditional societies.Carnation is a Japanese television drama that aired in the Asadora slot on NHK from 3 October 2011 to 31 March 2012. It is the 85th Asadora. It is based on the life of the fashion designer Ayako Koshino in Kishiwada, Osaka. Ayako was the mother of the internationally famous designers Hiroko Koshino, Junko Koshino, and Michiko Koshino. - 41James Gregory, Robert Karnes
Watch This Show If You Love: Peaky Blinders, Boardwalk Empire, The Making of the Mob, Underbelly: Squizzy, Babylon Berlin
Why Should I Stream? Another gem from television's Golden Age, The Lawless Years captures the crime-ridden world of Prohibition-era New York City as seen through the eyes of police detective Barney Ruditsky (James Gregory). Offering thrilling action sequences alongside insightful looks at various aspects of urban life during this turbulent time—from speakeasies and bootlegging to gang warfare and police corruption—this classic series is an engrossing watch for fans of vintage crime dramas set against historically rich backdrops.The Lawless Years is an American crime drama series that aired on NBC from April 16, 1959, to September 22, 1961. The series is the first of its kind set during the Roaring 20s, having predated ABC's far more successful The Untouchables by six months. The series stars James Gregory and Robert Karnes. - 42Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Leah Harvey
Watch This Show If You Love: Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs, Mr. Selfridge, Hotel Portofino, Resistance
Why Should I Stream? Adapted from Amor Towles' best-selling novel, this forthcoming miniseries stars Kenneth Branagh as Count Alexander Rostov—a Russian aristocrat who is sentenced to house arrest within Moscow's luxurious Metropol Hotel following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. As Rostov navigates his newfound confinement amidst shifting political landscapes over three decades, A Gentleman in Moscow promises to deliver an engrossing exploration of themes such as resilience, human connection, and personal growth set against a rich historical backdrop.A Russian aristocrat is placed on house arrest while the Bolshevik Revolution plays out before him.More A Gentleman in Moscow- #387 of 683 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #112 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #207 of 1,052 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 43Anthony Valentine, Andrew Cruickshank, Duncan Macrae
Watch This Show If You Love: Timewasters, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Tugs, Cable Girls
Why Should I Stream? As a classic example of British television from the 1960s, Dr. Finlay's Casebook explores the relationship between two Scottish doctors (Bill Simpson and Andrew Cruickshank) as they navigate the trials and tribulations of practicing medicine in a rural village during the early 20th century. Featuring captivating storylines that focus on personal dilemmas alongside medical mysteries, this enduring drama offers fans of vintage TV shows an entertaining window into the lives and attitudes of a bygone era.Dr. Finlay's Casebook is a television series that was broadcast on the BBC from 1962 until 1971. Based on A. J. Cronin's novella entitled Country Doctor, the storylines centred on a general medical practice in the fictional Scottish town of Tannochbrae during the late 1920s. Cronin was the primary writer for the show between 1962 and 1964. - 44
The Secret of the Sahara
Ben Kingsley, Andie MacDowell, David SoulWatch This Show If You Love: Babylon Berlin, 1923, The Bund, Carnation, Timewasters
Why Should I Stream? Boasting stunning desert landscapes and exotic locales, this Italian-French miniseries plunges viewers into the adventurous world of 1920s archaeology as it follows an American adventurer (Michael York) seeking a legendary lost city in North Africa. With its thrilling mix of action-packed escapades, historical intrigue, and romantic entanglements, The Secret of the Sahara offers fans an exhilarating viewing experience reminiscent of Hollywood adventure films from yesteryear.The Secret of the Sahara is a 1988 adventure TV mini-series directed by Alberto Negrin. - 45Jamie Farr, Dean Jones, Ann Sothern
Watch This Show If You Love: Fawlty Towers, Cheers, M*A*S*H, Barney Miller, Taxi
Why Should I Stream? This short-lived sitcom from 1971 offers a light-hearted take on Prohibition-era gangsters, focusing on the antics of a crime lord (Dean Jones) who opens a speakeasy in an attempt to go legit while encountering numerous obstacles—from rival mobsters to bumbling henchmen—along the way. With its fast-paced humor and authentic period details, The Chicago Teddy Bears provides fans of vintage TV shows with an enjoyable glimpse into the lighter side of Roaring '20s mob life.The Chicago Teddy Bears is an American sitcom that aired on CBS. The series was part of the network's 1971 fall lineup, premiering on September 17, 1971. - 46George C. Scott, David Suchet, Lee Grant
Watch This Show If You Love: Peaky Blinders, Boardwalk Empire, Roots: The Next Generations, American Horror Story: Hotel, Houdini
Why Should I Stream? This compelling miniseries delves into the life and rise to power of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, offering a fascinating glimpse into his turbulent personal relationships and controversial political career. Featuring a powerhouse performance by George C. Scott in the lead role, Mussolini: The Untold Story provides viewers with an intriguing look at one of history's most infamous figures while exploring themes such as ambition, betrayal, and personal struggle.The rise and fall of Benito Mussolini.- #164 of 184 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- #130 of 139 onThe 101 Best Period Piece TV Shows
- #129 of 216 onThe 145+ Best Mini Series List
- 47John Heard, Mel Harris, David Morse
Watch This Show If You Love: Houdini, Lady Chatterley, Rebecca, American Horror Story: Murder House, The Thorn Birds
Why Should I Stream? Based on a true story from 1920s Indiana, Cross of Fire chronicles the rise and fall of Ku Klux Klan leader D.C. Stephenson (John Heard) as he clashes with those who refuse to bow to his reign—forbidden love between Stephenson's secretary (Mel Harris) and a local newspaper editor (Lloyd Bridges). This powerful drama explores themes such as racism, political corruption, and moral courage while providing viewers with an insightful look at a dark chapter in American history that still resonates today.Cross of Fire is an American 1989 television miniseries based on the horrific rape and murder of Madge Oberholtzer by D. C. Stephenson, a highly successful leader of the Indiana branch of Ku Klux Klan. It stars John Heard as Stephenson and Mel Harris as Oberholtzer. Lloyd Bridges is also in the cast. It was originally shown in two parts. In syndication, it is shown as a television movie. - 48Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, Taissa Farmiga
Watch This Show If You Love: Houdini, Lady Chatterley, Cross of Fire, Rebecca, The Forsyte Saga
Why Should I Stream? The inaugural season that launched the popular anthology series, American Horror Story: Murder House entices viewers into its eerie world filled with supernatural occurrences, mysterious deaths, and complicated relationships. With its unique storytelling approach and standout performances from series regulars including Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott, this chilling season sets the stage for a television phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences with each new installment.A family of three moves from Boston to Los Angeles to reconcile its painful past. - 49Lan Qin, Zhang Nan, Jinyan Wu
Watch This Show If You Love: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Cable Girls, Reilly, Ace of Spies, Paris
Why Should I Stream? An ambitious historical drama set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Russia during the twilight years of Tsarist rule, Legacy delves into the lives of several prominent families struggling to maintain their privileged positions amidst political upheaval and societal transformation. Featuring powerful performances from an ensemble cast—including Anna Kovalchuk in a star-making turn as Countess Vera—an engrossing narrative expertly explores themes such as ambition, betrayal, loyalty within familial relationships.Three sisters of the wealthy Yi family vie to inherit their father's business empire.More Legacy- #495 of 682 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #318 of 1,051 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #606 of 650 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 50Patrick Allen, Simon Nash, Shaun Prendergast
Watch This Show If You Love: Timewasters, Doctor Finlay‘s Casebook, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Cable Girls
Why Should I Stream? This unique children's series from the creators of Thomas & Friends transports viewers to the bustling world of Bigg City Port during the 1920s—where anthropomorphic tugboats work together to keep maritime commerce running smoothly while overcoming various obstacles along their way. With its engaging characters, clever writing, and detailed miniature sets, Tugs provides young audiences with an enjoyable introduction to historical settings and themes through entertaining stories filled with adventure, friendship, and teamwork.Tugs is a British children's television series first broadcast in 1988. It was created by the producers of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Robert D. Cardona and David Mitton. The series dealt with the adventures of two anthropomorphized tugboat fleets, the Star Fleet and the Z-Stacks, who compete against each other in the fictional Bigg City Port. The series was set in the Roaring Twenties, and was produced by Tugs Ltd., for TVS and Clearwater Features Ltd. Music was composed by Junior Campbell and Mike O'Donnell, who also wrote the music for Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Due to the bankruptcy of production company TVS, the series did not continue production past 13 episodes. Following the initial airing of the series throughout 1989, television rights were sold to an unknown party, while all models and sets from the series sold to Britt Allcroft. Modified set props and tugboat models were used in Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends from 1991 onwards, with footage from the original program being heavily dubbed and edited for use in American children's series Salty's Lighthouse.
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11 MORE LISTS
The Roaring (19)Twenties
After the world didn't end with the conflict between the Allied and Central Powers, the decade that followed saw a surge of prosperity marked by jazz, flappers, bootlegging, household technology, and the Charleston.
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