16 British period series to binge now that you're done ‘Bridgerton’
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So, you’ve finished the salacious period drama that is Bridgerton, have you? And now you find that your days are suddenly deprived of addictive accents, elaborate costumes, jaw-dropping story twists and lots of pretty people? It’s understandable. Everyone is in your satin shoes as we await word on season two.
Luckily there is a whole world of British period drama out there to explore. From popular titles that you may have seen or thought about getting into, to some hidden gems on a streaming service near you, here are 16 shows that even Lady Whistledown would want you to consider binging next.
The White Queen
In the mood to learn more about the real game of thrones, which took place in the mid-1400s and featured a feud between the House of York and the House of Lancaster? This dramatized fight for the crown (and the country’s true king) is the first of three Philippa Gregory novels to be adapted for the small screen, and it doesn’t disappoint—the miniseries was nominated for an Emmy and a handful of Golden Globes when it first debuted in 2013. Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible) stars as the unmissable Queen Elizabeth, while Jeremy Irons’ son, Max Irons, is impressive in one of his debut roles as King Edward.
The White Princess
In the late 1400s following the War of the Roses, the battle for the throne was still hot and heavy. This miniseries, (based on Philippa Gregory’s novel of the same name), follows three women with competing interests as they use their power to carve out the future of the regency under King Henry VII. The show has everything from high stakes, to political plotting, to romantic trysts, plus Killing Eve fans will surely recognize Emmy winner Jodie Comer in one of her first major roles, Elizabeth of York.
The Spanish Princess
Way before King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn disrupted the royal way of doing things, there was Catherine of Aragon, AKA Henry’s first wife, the Spanish Princess. This two-season series digs into the life of that formidable teen (played by Charlotte Hope), as she deals with heartbreak after twist after turn in 16th century London. The events dramatized here are based on real-world drama that went down, which makes them even more jaw-dropping.
Sanditon
Jane Austen never got to finish her final novel on which this series is based, but after taking a stab at several notable adaptations (Les Misérables, War & Peace, Bridget Jones’s Diary), writer Andrew Davies thought he’d try give it a whirl with this eight-part series. Join Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she moves to a quiet fishing village for a fresh start, only to fall for a charming young man whose ambitions will potentially tear that tranquility apart.
Gentleman Jack
In 1832 West Yorkshire, England, a real-life woman named Anne Lister was preparing for the fight of her life: a battle to save her ancestral home. Enter this miniseries, which is based on Lister’s intimate diaries. The show traces her plan to help her family marry well, charm her way into high society, and protect her would-be wife and their relationship from the rest of the world. The critically acclaimed series is a compelling take on what history was like for the underrepresented, led by series star Suranne Jones. Plus if you love it, you’ll have a second season to look forward to in the near future.
Poldark
Head back to the late 18th century with this drama revolving around one Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner). The five-season series follows Winston Graham’s collection of novels of the same name, and picks up with Poldark’s return home to Cornwall after the American War of Independence. Family drama, romance, and many other telling themes and stories of the period are only the show’s starting point, so be warned this could very well be your next obsession.
The Great
In the mood for a little revisionist history that calls out the inherent sexism and overall ridiculousness of the times? Catch up on this “occasionally true story” of Catherine the Nothing as she becomes Catherine the Great. Sure, the story technically takes place in Russia, after the German-born noblewoman is married off to Emperor Peter III, but this one is such a perfect dessert after indulging in so many other British dramas that we couldn’t help but include it.
Reign
Okay so this is another period drama that technically isn’t British since it takes place in France, but it does follow the story of Mary Queen of Scots so it would be criminal not to include it—Mary was related to Queen Elizabeth I, after all. The Toronto-shot show ran for four seasons and followed Adelaide Kane as the leading lady, and like Bridgerton it used modern music to set a mood. Even more importantly, the first season featured a salacious love triangle, damaged royals, and plenty of sexual intrigue.
Stream all four seasons now on Crave.
Belgravia
If you loved the twists and turns that Bridgerton took, this series (based on the Julian Fellowes novel of the same name) will definitely catch your fancy. It all kicks off on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, when one family accepts an invitation to a ball. Secrets, intrigue, and scandal inevitably follow. Need another reason to tune in? This show hails from the same creative team behind Downton Abbey.
Harlots
Sex, sex, and more sex is on the agenda with this hot and heavy series, which ran for three seasons. The show takes place in 18th century London where a brothel owner (Samantha Morton) and her two daughters find themselves in a ruthless war with a rival madam (Lesley Manville). Who will land on top and who might prove to be a power bottom? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
Victoria
If dramatized romance is your cup of tea, this series spills it all with the love story between one Queen Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and her husband, Prince Albert (Tom Hughes). Of course the pressures of ruling at a young age, politics, and plenty of other themes make their way into the series over its three-season run, so it’s no surprise that fans everywhere are awaiting word on season four.
Howards End
Fans know and love Hayley Atwell from her role as Peggy Carter in the MCU, but she shows a very different side of herself in this period piece. The miniseries (based on E.M. Forster’s classic novel) takes place in early 20th century England, where three families clash over class and social standings. With an evolving landscape, newly formed idealisms, and the status quo being called into question, there’s a whole lot to dig into in just four short episodes.
Patrick Melrose
When the question of developing Edward St Aubyn’s semi-autobiographical Patrick Melrose novels into a miniseries came up, there were few actors that writers could trust with the role more than Benedict Cumberbatch. Here he’s at his best, telling the complex story of a wealthy Englishman over the course of five decades, as he deals with addictions, demons and past traumas in a spellbinding way. It’s no wonder the show was nominated for five Emmy Awards when it debuted in 2018.
The Tudors
There are few historical royals as scandalous as King Henry VIII, who basically figured out how to implement divorce and had several of his six wives beheaded during his reign. Back in 2007, star Jonathan Rhys Meyers and creator Michael Hirst (Vikings) tackled that character to critical acclaim, all while introducing the world to Natalie Dormer (who played Anne Boleyn). Of course there was plenty more to unpack than just that relationship over four seasons, so get ready for a ride.
Downton Abbey
If you’re into British period pieces then it’s a pretty good bet that you’ve already indulged in this upstairs-downstairs tale of the Crawleys and their help. But if you haven’t, get ready to encounter a world where you’ve never been so invested in who potentially stole cutlery or spoke out of turn. Add in the jaw-dropping fashions, heartbreaking twists, and coveted facial expressions by the one and only Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), and there’s a reason everyone was so obsessed when the show debuted in 2011.
The Crown
These days everyone is talking about the additions of Emma Corrin and Gillian Anderson as Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher (respectively) on the fourth season of this Emmy-winning series. But there’s an entire royal history to dig into when you watch the show from the start. You’ll have a hard time not being captivated by Claire Foy’s notable first- and second-season takes as Queen Elizabeth, and while the series isn’t always historically accurate, it does paint a picture of a royal family that has had more than their fair share of drama over the years.
BEFORE YOU GO: 150 year-old sea shanty song is taking over social media
[video_embed id='2120760']BEFORE YOU GO: 150 year-old sea shanty song is taking over social media [/video_embed]
