If you’re still riding the emotional high of Bridgerton’s scandalous love stories and opulent Regency-era ballrooms, you’re not alone. The Netflix phenomenon has reignited a global appetite for period dramas that blend romance, intrigue, and jaw-dropping fashion. Whether you’re drawn to the powdered wigs of the 18th century or the corseted dramas of the Victorian era, there’s a historical series waiting to captivate you.
But with so many period dramas out there—from lavish BBC adaptations to steamy Netflix originals—how do you choose what to watch next? We’ve curated a list of 30 must-watch period dramas that will satisfy your craving for romance, drama, and period-accurate waistlines. These shows span centuries, from the Jane Austen adaptations you love to darker, more mature historical epics. Grab your tea (or something stronger), dim the lights, and prepare for a binge-watching marathon.
Period dramas offer more than just escapism; they transport us to worlds of grandeur, romance, and societal upheaval. The meticulous attention to detail in costumes, set design, and dialogue creates an immersive experience that modern-day settings often can’t match. For many viewers, these shows are a gateway to history—albeit a dramatized, romanticized version of it.
After Bridgerton, which blends historical aesthetics with modern storytelling, audiences are seeking out both traditional adaptations and fresh takes on classic eras. Whether you prefer the wit of Jane Austen, the gothic atmosphere of Victorian England, or the political intrigue of the Tudor court, there’s a period drama for every mood.
The resurgence of interest in historical dramas has also been fueled by streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and PBS Masterpiece, which have invested heavily in producing high-quality period content. Shows like Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story have even expanded the Bridgerton universe, proving that the demand for Regency-era entertainment isn’t waning anytime soon.
How to Choose Your Next Period Drama Binge
With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting your next watch:
- Era: Do you want Regency romance, Victorian morality, or Tudor intrigue?
- Tone: Lighthearted and romantic, or dark and dramatic?
- Setting: British aristocracy, American high society, or continental Europe?
- Source Material: Adapted from a novel, original screenplay, or historical events?
Below, we’ve organized our recommendations by era and tone to help you find your perfect match. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweeping romance or a historical thriller, these 30 period dramas will keep you glued to your screen.
Regency & Georgian Era (18th–Early 19th Century)
If you loved Bridgerton, these shows and movies will whisk you back to the ballrooms, duels, and romantic entanglements of the late 1700s and early 1800s.
The Great (2020–2023) – Hulu/Prime Video
The Great is a cheeky, anachronistic take on the rise of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia. While historically inaccurate (Catherine wasn’t a rebellious teenager plotting against her husband), the show’s sharp wit and stunning production design make it a standout. Elle Fanning stars as the ambitious young empress, and Nicholas Hoult plays her clueless husband, Peter III. The dialogue is packed with modern slang and humor, making it a refreshing departure from traditional period dramas. If you enjoy satire and royal intrigue, this is a must-watch.
Sanditon (2019–2023) – PBS Masterpiece/ITV
Jane Austen’s unfinished novel gets a modernized adaptation in Sanditon, which follows the spirited Charlotte Heywood as she navigates the ebb and flow of high-society life in a seaside resort. While the first season stays close to Austen’s unfinished draft, later seasons take creative liberties to expand the story. The show’s blend of romance, scandal, and social commentary makes it a worthy follow-up to Bridgerton. Keep an eye out for Theo James as Sidney Parker—he’s a brooding heartthrob in the best Regency tradition.
Vanity Fair (2018) – Amazon Prime Video
Based on William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic novel, Vanity Fair follows the cunning and ambitious Becky Sharp as she claws her way through Regency England’s upper crust. Olivia Cooke delivers a powerhouse performance as the antiheroine, navigating marriage, motherhood, and societal expectations with razor-sharp wit. The show’s dark humor and unflinching portrayal of class struggles make it a standout in the genre. If you enjoy morally complex female leads, this is a must-watch.
Becoming Jane (2007) – Amazon Prime Video
For a lighter, more romantic take on the Regency era, Becoming Jane is a charming biopic about the young Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) and her real-life romance with Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). While the film takes creative liberties with Austen’s life, it’s a delightful exploration of love, creativity, and societal expectations. The lush costumes and pastoral settings make it a visual treat, perfect for fans of Austen’s world.
Emma (2020) – Amazon Prime Video
Autumn de Wilde’s adaptation of Emma is a visual and tonal departure from traditional Austen adaptations. With pastel colors, waltzing, and a dreamy score, the film feels like a Regency-era confection. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as the well-meaning but misguided Emma Woodhouse, and the chemistry between the cast is palpable. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, romantic comedy, this is a perfect choice.
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) – Amazon Prime Video
Armando Iannucci’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield is a fresh, modern take on the classic novel. Dev Patel stars as the titular character, navigating poverty, love, and personal growth in Victorian-era London. The film’s humor and heart make it a standout, and Patel’s performance is a revelation. While not strictly a Regency-era drama, its themes of class and resilience resonate with fans of Bridgerton.
Victorian Era (Mid–Late 19th Century)
The Victorian era is a goldmine for period dramas, offering everything from gothic romance to social commentary. These shows capture the contradictions of the time—prudish morality alongside scandalous secrets.
Bridgerton Season 2 (2022) – Netflix
Of course, we had to include the follow-up to Bridgerton itself! Season 2 shifts the focus to Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his quest for a suitable bride. While the pacing and character development aren’t as tight as the first season, the chemistry between Bailey and Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington) is electric. The lavish costumes and ballroom scenes will keep fans of Regency romance satisfied.
Note: If you’re holding out for a third season, keep an eye on Netflix’s announcements—Queen Charlotte’s story is far from over!
Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) – Netflix
Peaky Blinders isn’t a traditional period drama—it’s a crime epic set in post-World War I Birmingham, but its 1920s aesthetic and historical backdrop make it a must-watch for fans of the era. Cillian Murphy stars as Thomas Shelby, the ruthless leader of a street gang who rises to power in the aftermath of war. The show’s blend of historical detail, sharp dialogue, and stunning cinematography makes it a modern classic. If you enjoy antiheroes and high-stakes drama, this is a must-watch.
Miss Marple (2004–2013) – BritBox/ITV
Agatha Christie’s beloved detective comes to life in this classic series starring Geraldine McEwan and later Julia McKenzie. Each episode follows Miss Marple as she solves murders in the quaint village of St. Mary Mead. The show’s cozy, Agatha Christie-esque vibe makes it a perfect comfort watch. If you loved the mystery elements of Bridgerton, you’ll adore these clever whodunits.
Death Comes to Pemberley (2013) – Amazon Prime Video
Based on P.D. James’ novel, this Pride and Prejudice sequel follows Elizabeth and Darcy six years after their marriage, when a murder disrupts their peaceful life at Pemberley. The show’s lush settings and faithful adaptation of Austen’s world make it a treat for fans. Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin lead the cast, delivering performances that honor the spirit of Austen while adding their own depth.
Mr. Selfridge (2013–2016) – BritBox/ITV
Jeremy Piven stars as Harry Gordon Selfridge, the American entrepreneur who founded the iconic London department store. Mr. Selfridge is a lavish, soapy drama that explores the rise of consumer culture, women’s independence, and high-society scandal in the early 20th century. The show’s opulent sets and Piven’s charismatic performance make it a standout in the genre.
The Crimson Petal and the White (2011) – Amazon Prime Video
Set in Victorian London, this miniseries follows Sugar, a young prostitute who dreams of escaping her life of poverty. Adapted from Michel Faber’s novel, the show is a gritty, unflinching look at the underbelly of society. Romola Garai delivers a powerhouse performance, and the show’s dark themes make it a departure from more traditional period dramas. If you enjoy historical dramas with bite, this is a must-watch.
Warning: This show contains mature themes and is not for the faint of heart.
Early 20th Century (1900s–1920s)
The turn of the 20th century brought sweeping changes to society, from the suffragette movement to the aftermath of World War I. These period dramas capture the tension and transformation of the era.
Downton Abbey (2010–2015) – Netflix/PBS
No list of period dramas would be complete without Downton Abbey, the gold standard of historical epics. Created by Julian Fellowes, the show follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in early 20th-century England. With its sprawling cast, intricate plotlines, and meticulous attention to detail, Downton Abbey is a masterclass in storytelling. The film sequels (2019 and 2022) continue the saga, offering a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Upstairs Downstairs (2010–2012) – BritBox/Prime Video
The original Upstairs Downstairs (1971–1975) is a classic, but the 2010 revival brings the drama into the 21st century. Set in the same Belgravia townhouse as the original, the new series explores the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants from 1936 to the 1970s. The show’s blend of historical events and personal drama makes it a compelling watch.
Mrs. America (2020) – Hulu
This nine-part miniseries explores the women’s suffrage movement in the United States, with a focus on Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett) and her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. The show’s all-star cast includes Uzo Aduba, Rose Byrne, and Tracey Ullman, and the writing is sharp and thought-provoking. If you’re interested in the political and social upheavals of the 1970s, this is a must-watch.
The Gilded Age (2022–) – HBO Max
Created by Julian Fellowes (the genius behind Downton Abbey), The Gilded Age transports viewers to 1880s New York, where old money clashes with new. The show’s lavish sets, intricate plotting, and powerhouse performances (led by Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski) make it a standout. If you loved the aristocratic drama of Downton but want to explore America’s Gilded Age, this is the perfect pick.
Ripper Street (2012–2016) – BritBox/Prime Video
Set in Victorian London’s Whitechapel district, Ripper Street follows the detectives of H Division as they solve crimes in the wake of Jack the Ripper’s murders. The show’s gritty realism and dark humor make it a departure from more traditional period dramas. Matthew Macfadyen stars as Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, and the show’s attention to historical detail is impressive.
The Alienist (2018–2020) – Netflix
Based on Caleb Carr’s novel, The Alienist follows psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Brühl) as he uses early forensic science to track down a serial killer in 1896 New York. The show’s dark themes, stunning cinematography, and stellar cast (including Dakota Fanning and Luke Evans) make it a gripping watch. If you enjoy historical crime dramas with a psychological edge, this is a must-watch.
Medieval & Tudor Era (5th–16th Century)
For those who prefer their period dramas with a side of swords, intrigue, and royal betrayal, the medieval and Tudor eras deliver. These shows blend history with high-stakes drama, often with a healthy dose of bloodshed.
The Tudors (2007–2010) – Amazon Prime Video/Prime Video
Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as the infamous King Henry VIII in this lavish drama that explores his marriages, political maneuvering, and larger-than-life personality. While the show takes liberties with historical accuracy (Henry VIII was never as young and handsome as Meyers portrays him), it’s a compelling watch. The costumes, set design, and powerhouse performances make it a standout in the genre.
Warning: This show contains mature themes, including violence and sexual content.
Wolf Hall (2015) – PBS Masterpiece/BBC
Based on Hilary Mantel’s award-winning novels, Wolf Hall follows Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) as he rises to power in Henry VIII’s court. The show’s slow-burning tension and masterful performances make it a standout. Damian Lewis stars as Henry VIII, and Claire Foy plays Anne Boleyn. If you enjoy political intrigue and historical accuracy, this is a must-watch.
The White Queen (2013) – Starz/Prime Video
Part of the Cousins' War series, The White Queen follows Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson) as she navigates the treacherous world of the Wars of the Roses. The show’s blend of romance, war, and political maneuvering makes it a gripping watch. While the historical accuracy is questionable at times, the performances and drama are top-notch.
Outlander (2014–) – Starz/Netflix
While not strictly a period drama (it blends historical fiction with time travel), Outlander deserves a mention for its stunning portrayal of 18th-century Scotland. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels, the show follows Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a World War II nurse who finds herself transported to the Scottish Highlands. The romance, adventure, and historical detail make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Vikings (2013–2020) – Amazon Prime Video
If you’re in the mood for a more action-packed historical drama, Vikings delivers. The show follows the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) as he rises from farmer to warrior king. With its
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