Period dramas usually bring to mind old-fashioned language, restrictive clothing like corsets hidden under beautiful gowns, and, for fans of shows like Downton Abbey, that iconic line, “Mr. Pamuk!” delivered with a haughty tone. And let’s not forget the sweeping, unforgettable love stories – Bridgerton fans know exactly what we mean.
But there’s so much more to the genre than just romance, drama and high-society affairs.
As a huge fan of period dramas, I’ve been thinking about what really makes one a period drama. We’re talking shows and movies that genuinely transport you to another time, with amazing costumes, sets, and everything feeling authentic to the era. I even looked it up, and according to the Oxford Languages definition, that’s pretty much exactly what it is – a production set in the past that feels like that time!
What to Read Next
You can look forward to plenty of heartwarming love stories, the kind that will melt your heart, alongside some unexpected and thrilling tales full of drama and suspense.
However, we didn’t include shows that lean heavily into fantasy, like Renegade Nell or time travel adventures such as Outlander. And while IT: Welcome to Derry is excellent, it didn’t quite fit our criteria. As Queen Charlotte would say, “Sorrows, sorrows, prayers.”
Instead of fantastical tales, we’re highlighting period dramas based on real life. These shows, now available on all major streaming platforms, are guaranteed to captivate you just as much as the characters are invested in their own stories.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton is a captivating period drama that stands out for its boldness and appeal. It’s notable for openly celebrating female desire, its genuine commitment to racial diversity, and its recent efforts to include LGBTQ+ storylines and characters with disabilities, all of which are positive steps forward.
The newest season of the show introduces some exciting twists. While the growing romance between Sophie (Yerin Ha) and Benedict (Luke Thompson) is a major focus, the Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) is stealing scenes with a passionate new relationship of her own with Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis).
Ultimately, a compelling narrative drives the show, and each season features a fresh romantic connection with uncertain potential.
Bridgeton doesn’t just tick all the boxes, it creates new ones – and we love it.
You can now stream the first part of Bridgerton season 4 on Netflix. All previous seasons – 1, 2, and 3 – are also available.
A Thousand Blows
Beyond the boxing matches, A Thousand Blows captures the energy of 1880s East London. The story follows Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant played by Malachi Kirby, and his friend Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall) as they strive for a better life.
Hezekiah initially hoped to become a lion tamer, but when that didn’t work out, he unexpectedly started boxing. This caused some conflict, especially with Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), a well-respected bare-knuckle fighter who felt threatened by Hezekiah’s arrival and the challenge to his position.
The story features the clever and charismatic Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), who leads an all-female gang called The Forty Elephants. While she takes her responsibilities seriously, her strong ambition and pride lead her into risky situations.
A Thousand Blows creates a compelling and realistic world, filled with memorable characters. However, it’s the story’s emotional core that will truly keep you invested.
A Thousand Blows is available to watch now on Disney+.
Outrageous
Scandals, betrayal and thick with tension, Outrageous is a thrilling watch.
This series, set in the 1930s as Europe moved towards World War II, explores the complicated and often turbulent relationship between the Mitford sisters. Their strong and contrasting political views create a growing divide that ultimately strains their bond.
Bessie Carter shines as Nancy Mitford in Bridgerton, but she’s supported by equally compelling performances from Joanna Vanderham and Shannon Watson, who play Diana and Unity.
Outrageous is available to watch now on U and BBC iPlayer.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Netflix’s series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is full of shocking and scandalous moments. Set in 1940s India, the show centers on a fierce rivalry between Mallikajaan, a powerful courtesan, and her niece, Fareedan. Their conflict drives a story filled with plotting, intense drama, and backstabbing.
While a sweet and genuine love story eases the conflict, the story is always shadowed by India’s struggle for freedom from British rule. Though it’s not a typical tale of fancy balls and gowns, the film features stunning costumes and beautiful dance performances.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is available to watch now on Netflix.
Call the Midwife
You might not expect a show centered around childbirth to be a captivating period drama, but Call the Midwife truly stands out. Many viewers call it a wonderfully heartwarming series they can’t stop watching. The show follows the dedicated nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House as they help deliver babies, season after season. However, it offers far more than just that central storyline.
This BBC drama tackles complex themes like women’s rights, birth control, LGBTQ+ issues, divorce, and racial conflict. It bravely explores past social issues and demonstrates how surprisingly relevant they still are today.
At its heart, Call the Midwife is a story about love. While it features romantic relationships and the pain that sometimes comes with them, the show truly celebrates the love between families, the strength of community, and a deep compassion for all people.
Okay, so I just finished watching this BBC period drama, and wow. Seriously, it wrecked me emotionally – I was feeling things! But it wasn’t just sadness, you know? It also left me feeling really hopeful and optimistic about the future, which was amazing. Honestly, it’s a total gem, and I highly recommend checking it out.
Call the Midwife seasons 1-15 are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Peaky Blinders
With a new film coming soon, now is the perfect time to dive into Peaky Blinders. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a complete newcomer, you’re in for a fantastic experience.
This show offers six seasons of intense gangster action, with Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby leading you through a dark and complex story.
After returning home to Birmingham following World War I, the Shelby brothers, led by Tommy, begin a dangerous climb to power through criminal activity. The series unfolds with intense drama, violence, and a deep look into what makes people tick.
The acting is superb throughout, with Cillian Murphy delivering a particularly haunting performance as Tommy Shelby. Helen McCrory, as Polly, is also unforgettable, and the strong supporting cast includes familiar faces like Joe Cole from Gangs of London, as well as Sophie Rundle and Natasha O’Keeffe.
Plus the 1920s glamour will have you cashing in your paycheck for a flat cap and tassel dresses.
Peaky Blinders seasons 1-6 are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
For a truly feel-good and touching movie experience, When Life Gives You Tangerines is an excellent choice.
This South Korean series centers on the decades-long, often difficult, love story of Oh Ae-sun and Gwan-sik. Spanning from the 1960s to the 2000s, the series shows how they navigate challenges like poverty, family disapproval, political unrest, and natural disasters, all while trying to make their relationship last.
I’m not going to tell you if things work out for them – wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise! But honestly, prepare to cry. You’ll probably be reaching for the tissues, but trust me, every single tear will be worth it. It’s an emotional ride, but a beautiful one.
When Life Gives You Tangerines is available to watch now on Netflix.
The Confessions of Frannie Langton
The series The Confessions of Frannie Langton centers on a passionate lesbian relationship between Frannie Langton (Karla-Simone Spence) and her boss, Madame Marguerite Benham (Sophie Cookson). We’ve described it as a story deeply rooted in queer love.
Despite a blossoming romance, Frannie is facing a terrible crisis: she’s been accused of murder and is desperately trying to clear her name.
I just finished watching this and wow, it really got to me! It’s set way back in the early 1800s, and it’s both incredibly sweet and painfully real. But honestly, the best part was the romance – the two main characters had such amazing chemistry, it felt totally genuine. Seriously, you absolutely have to see this one.
The Confession of Frannie Langton is available to watch now on ITVX.
Bookish
In 1946 London, antique bookstore owner Gabriel Book (Mark Gatiss) unexpectedly finds himself assisting the police with complex and puzzling murder investigations, turning his life upside down.
His newfound direction in life puts a strain on his seemingly peaceful marriage to his childhood friend, Trottie (Polly Walker). As he uncovers more about the crimes, will it also lead the police to suspect him?
Fans of gentle mysteries will enjoy more than just solving the puzzle in Bookish. The story adds depth by exploring the main character’s hidden sexuality, creating a story that is both emotionally resonant and comforting.
Bookish is available to watch now on NOW.
Downton Abbey
You should definitely watch Downton Abbey for the brilliantly witty remarks of Violet Crawley (played by the late Dame Maggie Smith). Beyond that, the show is full of compelling drama, romance, and heartbreak for everyone – from the family upstairs to the staff downstairs.
Love ignores social boundaries, and proper manners often fall by the wayside as a family struggles to adapt to a rapidly changing world, from 1912 through the vibrant 1920s.
The show fundamentally celebrates the strong bonds of family and maintains a lighthearted, cheerful atmosphere. Though it doesn’t shy away from serious and difficult topics like discrimination, trauma, and loss, it always retains a sense of optimism and joy.
Downton Abbey seasons 1-6 are available to watch now on ITVX.
Three Little Birds
It’s really disappointing that Sir Lenny Henry’s drama, Three Little Birds, won’t be back for another season. The show, which focused on the Windrush generation, was genuinely moving and unique.
Three Little Birds follows three young Jamaican women as they navigate life in England during a period of significant racial prejudice. While the story tackles difficult subjects, it’s also filled with moments of happiness and hope.
The clothing, makeup, and hair styles effectively establish the historical setting and reveal each character’s unique personality. Henry skillfully uses visual techniques to capture the emotional range of the story – from moments of happiness to times of sadness – while always emphasizing the underlying sense of joy.
Three Little Birds is available to watch now on ITVX.
Pachinko
Soo Hugh masterfully tells this moving story of resilience and family with the same elegance as the Baek family itself. Based on Min Jin Lee’s novel, Pachinko spans four generations, beginning with Sunja’s youth and continuing through her grandchildren, highlighting the difficulties they faced due to the Japanese occupation and the prejudice that followed.
This sweeping family story powerfully portrays the burdens of expectation, duty, and guilt faced by Korean immigrants in Japan. The emotional weight of Pachinko will stay with you long after you finish watching.
Pachinko is available to watch now on ITVX.
Queen Charlotte
The popular character Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton is so beloved that she’s getting her own series. Queen Charlotte explores her life story, showing how she transformed into the powerful ruler we know from the original show.
The new series shows the painful experiences Charlotte (played by India Amarteifio in Queen Charlotte) went through to become the strong and composed figure viewers recognize from Bridgerton. It explores the challenges she faced as a woman with limited control over her life, including heartbreak, fear, and loneliness.
Despite everything else, the heart of the story is the sweet and touching romance between young Charlotte and King George (Corey Mylchreest). Their relationship beautifully explains how Charlotte grows into the woman she is.
Queen Charlotte is available to watch now on Netflix.
Fellow Travelers
Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, takes center stage in this heartwarming and moving historical drama that features queer representation.
The series follows the decade-long love story of Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) and Timothy Laughlin (Bailey), letting their connection develop naturally. While it features intimate scenes, the show also explores important events in LGBTQ+ history, offering a deeper look beyond just the romance.
Fellow Travelers is available to watch now on Paramount+.
A League of Their Own
The TV series A League of Their Own builds on the beloved film, adding a compelling emotional intensity. The connection between Carson Shaw (Abbie Jacobson) and Greta Gill (D’Arcy Carden) grows from initial attraction to a passionate and complex relationship, fueled by their shared love of the game.
The show is fun to watch, especially seeing these very different women team up to pursue their dreams of playing professional baseball. But what really makes it special is how it thoughtfully examines themes of queerness, Black identity, and what it means to be yourself in the 1940s.
It’s a shame it only lasted one season, but it’s definitely still worth watching!
A League of Their Own is available to stream now on Prime Video.
The Gilded Age
Carrie Coon delivers a standout performance in Julian Fellowes’ new period drama. While The Gilded Age shares a creator with Downton Abbey, it’s noticeably more flamboyant, glamorous, and over-the-top.
The story unfolds in 1882 New York, where Bertha Coon takes the lead in helping the newly wealthy Russell family gain acceptance into the established upper class. However, money alone isn’t enough, and the Russells must navigate the complex social rules to truly be welcomed by those with generations of wealth and status.
The show features clever and deceptive tactics, but it also delves into important issues like racial discrimination, particularly through the character of Peggy Carter, whose experiences and opportunities grow throughout the season.
The Gilded Age seasons 1-3 are available to stream now on Sky and NOW.
Rivals
Okay, so I’m super excited about this show – it’s got David Tennant in it, which is awesome! Plus, it’s based on a really popular book by Jilly Cooper, and it’s already won some big awards like Emmys and BAFTAs. Definitely gonna check it out.
I’m so excited for more! The show really dives into all the drama and competition behind the scenes of British TV in the 80s, and good news – it’s been renewed for a second season! We’ve even gotten a sneak peek already, and it looks amazing.
Rivals is available to watch now on Disney+.
Enjoying historical dramas? Here are a few more shows you might like:
Top shows created by Shonda Rhimes to watch after Bridgerton
The 25 best UK TV dramas of the last 25 years
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2026-02-04 17:45