25 Best Hidden Gem Period Drama Series
25. 'Pan Am' (2011–2012)
Set during the glamorous golden age of air travel, 'Pan Am' follows the lives of pilots and flight attendants working for the iconic airline. Alongside workplace drama and romance, the series explores the political climate of the 1960s and the growing desire for independence among women. It captures both the excitement and limitations of the era with style and charm.
24. 'The Nevers' (2021–2023)
Set in Victorian London, 'The Nevers' follows a group of women who suddenly develop extraordinary abilities after a mysterious event. Known as the “Touched,” they are feared and distrusted by society while uncovering a much larger conspiracy. Blending period drama with science fiction, the series explores themes of power, prejudice, and gender inequality through a visually striking story.
23. 'The Living and the Dead' (2016)
This supernatural thriller takes place in Victorian England and centers on a psychologist who returns home only to encounter strange and unsettling events. As he investigates, the line between science and the spiritual world begins to blur. The series blends mystery, grief, and supernatural horror effectively.
22. 'The Luminaries' (2020)
Set during New Zealand’s 1860s gold rush, 'The Luminaries' follows Anna Wetherell, a young woman seeking a new beginning who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and murder. The mystery surrounding a missing fortune connects several characters whose fates appear intertwined. With astrology woven into its structure, the series creates an unusual and atmospheric take on historical drama.
21. 'Vanity Fair' (2018)
This adaptation follows Becky Sharp, an intelligent and ambitious young woman determined to rise through British high society. Using her wit and cunning, she navigates the aristocracy while exposing the hypocrisy and rigid class structures of the era. The series works as both an entertaining drama and a sharp social satire.
20. 'Anzac Girls' (2014)
Inspired by real diaries and journals, 'Anzac Girls' tells the story of Australian and New Zealand nurses serving during World War I. Working in dangerous and exhausting conditions, they care for wounded soldiers while forming deep emotional bonds with one another. The series offers a moving tribute to women whose wartime contributions are often overlooked.
19. 'The English Game' (2020)
Set in the 1870s, 'The English Game' explores the origins of modern football and how the sport helped bridge divisions between social classes. The story follows players from different backgrounds as they challenge the dominance of elite clubs and reshape the future of the game.
18. 'Dickensian' (2015–2016)
'Dickensian' brings together iconic characters from the works of Charles Dickens into one interconnected story set in Victorian London. The series imagines their lives and relationships before the events of the original novels, mixing mystery, drama, and literary homage in an inventive way.
17. 'Mr Selfridge' (2013–2016)
Based on the real-life story of Harry Selfridge, the series chronicles the rise of the famous London department store founder. It shows how Selfridge transformed shopping into entertainment while also capturing the rapid social and cultural changes of the early 20th century.
16. 'Lark Rise to Candleford' (2008–2011)
The story follows Laura Timmins, a young woman who leaves her small village to work in a nearby market town. Through Laura’s experiences, viewers get a vivid look at everyday life in 19th-century England and the contrast between rural traditions and changing social norms. The series carries a warm and comforting tone centered on community, growth, and personal discovery.
15. 'Vienna Blood' (2019– )
Set in early 20th-century Vienna, 'Vienna Blood' follows a young psychoanalyst and a detective investigating unusual murders together. Influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud, the series examines the psychology of both criminals and victims. The richly detailed setting plays a major role, reflecting a city alive with intellectual and cultural change.
14. 'The Village' (2013–2014)
Set across several decades, 'The Village' explores life in a Derbyshire village during periods of major historical change. The story is told through the recollections of a central figure, giving the series a unique perspective on larger national events. It touches on themes of heritage, progress, and shifting social values.
13. 'World on Fire' (2019– )
'World on Fire' portrays World War II through interconnected stories set across multiple countries. Following both soldiers and civilians caught in the conflict, the series presents the war from a broad global perspective. Through emotional and detailed storytelling, it captures the resilience and humanity of people living through unimaginable circumstances.
12. 'Belgravia' (2020)
Beginning on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, 'Belgravia' unfolds into a sprawling drama about class ambition, family secrets, and social status in post-Napoleonic England. The story follows the Trenchard family as they rise into aristocratic society, only to find their newfound position threatened by hidden truths from the past. The series blends elegant period storytelling with scandal and emotional intrigue.
11. 'Cranford' (2007–2009)
Based on the works of Elizabeth Gaskell, 'Cranford' is a gentle yet insightful portrayal of life in a small English town during the 1840s. The series focuses largely on the town’s women as they navigate social expectations, relationships, and gradual societal change. Moments of humor, heartbreak, and warmth blend together as traditional ways of life begin to collide with modern ideas.
10. 'Harlots' (2017–2019)
Set in 18th-century London, 'Harlots' offers an unflinching look at the city’s thriving sex trade. The story centers on brothel owner Margaret Wells as she fights to secure a better future for her daughters while facing fierce competition from a powerful rival. Alongside its drama and conflict, the series explores class, survival, and women’s limited economic choices.
9. 'Parade’s End' (2012)
'Parade’s End' centers on Christopher Tietjens, an honorable English aristocrat struggling to maintain his principles as Europe moves toward World War I. Torn between his troubled marriage to the manipulative Sylvia and his feelings for the idealistic suffragette Valentine Wannop, he finds himself caught between old traditions and a rapidly changing world. The series is both an intimate romantic drama and a portrait of social collapse.
8. 'Alias Grace' (2017)
Inspired by real events, this miniseries follows Grace Marks, an immigrant domestic worker convicted of a double murder in 19th-century Canada. Through conversations with a psychiatrist, Grace gradually recounts her past, leaving lingering uncertainty about her innocence, memory, and mental state. The series blends psychological drama with mystery in a compelling way.
7. 'The Alienist' (2018–2020)
Set in late 19th-century New York City, 'The Alienist' follows a psychologist, a newspaper illustrator, and an ambitious police secretary investigating a series of gruesome murders. Using early criminal psychology and unconventional methods, they challenge traditional detective work. The series mixes suspense with rich period detail while portraying a city undergoing rapid transformation.
6. 'Hell on Wheels' (2011–2016)
Set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, the series follows Cullen Bohannon, a former soldier seeking revenge while working on the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The drama vividly portrays the brutality of the Wild West, filled with corruption, violence, and cultural clashes. It also highlights the diverse people involved in building the railway.
5. 'Taboo' (2017– )
Set in 1814, 'Taboo' follows the mysterious James Delaney as he returns to London to claim the inheritance left behind by his father. Surrounded by enemies and political conspiracies, he struggles to survive in a brutal and corrupt world. The series combines dark atmosphere, revenge, and psychological tension effectively.
4. 'The White Queen' (2013)
Set during the Wars of the Roses, 'The White Queen' focuses on the rivalry between three influential women fighting for power while England is consumed by civil conflict. Inspired by historical events, the story explores politics and ambition through a female perspective. Filled with betrayal, romance, and intrigue, the series brings a turbulent chapter of English history to life.
3. 'Poldark' (2015–2019)
After returning home from the American War of Independence, Ross Poldark discovers that his life has fallen apart. Determined to rebuild his future, he faces personal struggles, complicated relationships, and growing tensions between social classes. Combining romance, politics, and sweeping drama, the series also highlights issues of justice and inequality in 18th-century England.
2. 'Ripper Street' (2012–2016)
Set in the shadow of the Jack the Ripper murders, 'Ripper Street' follows detectives struggling to maintain order in London’s East End. Beyond its gripping crime stories, the series explores issues such as poverty, trauma, and the impact of technological change. It’s a dark and compelling drama driven by layered characters.
1. 'The Knick' (2014–2015)
Set in a New York hospital at the start of the 20th century, 'The Knick' explores a time of rapid medical advancement and experimentation. The story centers on Dr. John Thackery, a brilliant surgeon battling drug addiction while pushing the boundaries of modern medicine. Alongside groundbreaking procedures, the series tackles racism, ethical dilemmas, and institutional corruption.
