Are you a fan of period drama shows? If so, and if you are completely bored while waiting for the next season of ‘Bridgerton,’ and want to glimpse the past glories, politics, royalty, and romance of our world, there are plenty of shows that offer a glamorous dive into history.
So, escape your reality and travel to a different era with these period dramas, just like the hit Netflix show ‘Bridgerton.’
15. Medici
One of the most influential families of Renaissance Italy, the Medicis, deserved a series of their own. Frank Spotnitz and Nicholas Meyer brought ‘Medici’ to life, based on the House of Medici, bankers of the Pope. Each season deals with the family’s encounters and adventures while navigating the artistic and political landscape of the Renaissance period.
Related: Top 10 Romantic Series On Netflix
14. Call The Midwife
With more than a dozen seasons, this British period drama will keep you busy for quite a while. Set in the late 1950s and 1960s Britain, the series is based on a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London. The story follows newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee, who gets into the medical profession. Filled with heartwarming moments of female friendships, ‘Call the Midwife’ is both informative and entertaining.
13. Sanditon
This one is for Jane Austen lovers. The show is based on the prolific author’s unfinished novel and follows Charlotte Heywood as she goes on a transformational journey. Mired by her life, Charlotte decides to carve her own path, leaving behind her tranquil English countryside home for the hustle and bustle of Sanditon town. Gear up for a mesmerising romance, emotional depth, and self-discovery.
12. The Law According To Lidia Poët
Based on the true story of Lidia Poët, the first female lawyer in Italy, this period drama is a must-watch. Just like Penelope Featherington tries to stand out as an anonymous writer in the patriarchal society of ‘Bridgerton’, Lidia seems to walk the same path. As a woman, she is barred from practicing law. But armed with her intellect, she challenges the legal system. She finds ways to overturn the court’s ruling as well as solve cases for her wrongly accused clients.
11. The Buccaneers
‘The Buccaneers’ breathes life into Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel. It’s the 1870s, and nouveau riche women from America try to navigate their way into London’s elite society. How? Secure a match during the debutante season. But the mission is easier said than done. With complicated love triangles and culture shock at every corner, the show is a great escapist drama.
Related: Top 10 TV Shows Based On Books
10. Cable Girls
Set in the 1920s, ‘Cable Girls’ is a Spanish series that revolves around four girls who get a job at Spain’s first telecommunications company. Lidia Aguilar, Ángeles Vidal, Carlota Senillosa, and Marga Suarez have different reasons to join the company, but all of them want to become empowered and chase independence. As they grow close and form unbreakable friendships, the women defy all societal norms to rise up and demand what is rightfully theirs. It is safe to say that Eloise Bridgerton would have been proud of these girls.
9. Versailles
French history is as rich and entertaining as it is opulent. Today, what has become the biggest tourist attraction in the country has a complex tale surrounding its construction. And, ‘Versailles’ taps right into it. The series takes us back to 1667 France when Young King Louis XIV decided to build the luxurious Palace of Versailles as his new court. However, the renovation of the new home made the displaced royals unhappy, posing a big risk to the king’s reign.
8. The Empress
This German historical drama series is all about a steamy romance between a noblewoman and her new husband. The story is based on the real-life 19th-century Bavarian princess turned Austrian empress Elisabeth ‘Sisi’. As a forbidden love story flares up, Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph marry each other. However, Sisi must navigate the treacherous maze of court politics and her new scheming family to support her heart’s desire as well as find a place in court.
7. Belgravia
This TV adaptation of Julian Fellowes’ book follows the story of the Trenchard family. They are trying to find their footing in the upper-class society of London as a fairly recent wealthy family. But beneath the shiny facades, the elaborate costumes, and delectable food lie secrets. All that comes to a head at a ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo.
In case you missed it: Why Is ‘Pride and Prejudice’ The Ultimate Comfort Classic For Women?
6. Outlander
‘Outlander’ is based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon and quite literally transports us back in time through Claire Randall, a World War II nurse. When Claire comes across a set of mythical stones, she is transported back to 1740s Scotland. Here she meets Highlander Jamie Fraser and is taken in by Clan MacKenzie. Thus unfolds a steamy romance full of love, passion, and dedication. However, Claire also finds herself in the midst of the Jacobite rising.
5. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
The list would not have been complete without mentioning the spinoff, ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.’ The rise of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz to prominence and power in the late 18th century is at the heart of this series. However, what stole our hearts was the brilliant love story of the young queen and King George III. Absolutely breathtaking!
4. The Great
If you miss the witty humour of ‘Bridgerton,’ this period drama doesn’t offer it in bursts; in fact, every moment is replete with quirks. ‘The Great’ puts an interesting spin on Catherine the Great’s story. She is shipped to Russia as a young girl to be the wife of Peter III, but her fantasies soon shatter. This is no royal fairytale. So, Catherine ends up taking Peter’s throne and ruling the kingdom. The hidden gem series will surely make you laugh.
3. The Gilded Age
‘The Gilded Age’ is a window into 1880s New York City when dynasties were formed and destroyed. This was the time of old-money aristocrats trying to thwart new-money millionaires from forming dominion over high society. There were quiet and loud revolutions among all classes, and this show’s addictive narrative and captivating characters make every episode epic.
Related: Top 25 Shows Based On True Stories
2. The Crown
One of the most critically acclaimed series, ‘The Crown’ gives us the story of Britain’s royal family. Starting from Queen Elizabeth to Prince William and Kate Middleton, the show spans over six seasons. We also get an intimate look at the making and breaking of Princess Diana. Although not entirely filled with every historical detail, ‘The Crown’ triumphs at giving us a more realistic look into British politics and how modern life has affected the royals.
1. Downton Abbey
While ‘Bridgerton’ is based on Regency-era Britain, ‘Downton Abbey’ takes us to 20th-century Britain. Set across the fictional estate of Downton, the series deals with the Crawley family. Replete with several big events and scandals of that time, the story shows us how the changing times affected the British aristocrats. Filled with love, loss, and laughter, ‘Downton Abbey‘ is definitely a classic.
