These Are The Most Bingeable Period Dramas
There are few genres quite as bingeable as the period drama. So if you’re ready to sink your teeth into another one now, this is for you. We’ve put our investigative journalist hat on and sourced the series that are worth the viewing time. (If you’re trying to fill in the Bridgerton gap in your life, these are the ones to watch). From the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice to HULU’s series, The Great, these are the best period dramas of all time:
The Great
Causing quite the stir when it came out in 2020, The Great, starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, is sure to whet your appetite for a raunchy series to binge. Every bit as wild – and slightly more dirty – as Bridgerton, this Hulu series follows Russia’s longest-reigning female monarch, Catherine the Great and her unexpected rise to the throne. A very modern tale of the historic past, expect raucous scenes, ruthless plotting and a lot of creative licence to keep the story as exciting as possible.
Stream it on channel 4
The Gilded Age
This historical drama comes directly from Julian Fellowes, the creator of the adored Downton Abbey franchise. The series followed the American Gilded Age, a period of great change which saw mammoth economic growth, conflict between the old ways and new systems, and great fortunes made and, ultimately, lost. The Gilded Age follows Marian Brook, a young woman, as she transitions from rural Pennsylvania to New York City in 1882 following the death of her father. She moves away to live with her two aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, both of whom come from great, old money. The series follows Marian and her blossoming friendship with Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start. Marian becomes caught up in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her ridiculously rich neighbours, George and Bertha Russell.
Stream it via NOW TV
Anne With An E
Another Netflix favourite, Anne With An E stars Amybeth McNulty as a young 13-year-old orphan, following her bildungsroman journey into adolescence. Based on the novel series Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the three-season series charts Anne as she finds solace and home with a spinster and her bachelor brother.
Stream it via Netflix
The Cook Of Castamar
Based on the popular tome by Fernando J. Múñez, the Spanish series is set in 18th-century Madrid and follows the forbidden love story of a widowed duke and a young cook. While the love affair provides thrills, the consequences they could ultimately face are far worse than the pair could imagine. Perfect for lovers of Bridgerton, this is a must-watch for a cosy weekend.
Stream it via Netflix
Gentleman Jack
Written and created by Sally Wainwright, Gentleman Jack stars Suranne Jones as Anne Lister, an aristocratic landowner who’s trying to reinstate the wealth and success of her home. In doing so, she understands she must marry but she isn’t sticking to societal expectations when it comes to that and quickly meets and sparks up a romantic relationship with Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle). Based on the real diary of Anne Lister, the series delves into the most intimate snippets of her life through wit and humour.
Stream it via BBCiplayer
Sanditon
Based on the unfinished novel by Jane Austen, Sanditon follows young Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she moves to the small fishing village. Upon arrival, she meets Sidney Parker (Theo James), a chap who’s trying to turn Sanditon into a popular seaside resort to flock to.
Austen only managed to write just under twelve chapters of the novel, so it has left a lot of freedom and creativity for the creators of the series to play with. Sanditon also includes Austen’s first-ever Black character, Miss Georgiana Lambe, who is played by Crystal Clarke.
Stream it via ITV Hub
Pride and Prejudice
If you’re a period drama fan – the clue in the title of this article, really – then you’re probably already well acquainted with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and the numerous adaptations made since its publication. However, we want to steer your attention to the 1995 British series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. Available to purchase via Apple TV, the six-part series follows the unlikely relationship between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Purchase it via Apple TV
Bridgerton
Well of course, we had to Bridgerton on this list. The series sweeps you into the world of the aristocratic Bridgerton family, where romance, intrigue, and social climbing are the order of the day. With its stunning costumes, diverse cast, and a soundtrack that cheekily reimagines pop hits as classical tunes, Bridgerton offers a fresh, inclusive take on high society, making it the ultimate guilty pleasure that’s anything but guilty. We absolutely can’t wait for Bridgerton season four with the most eligible Bridgerton brother, Benedict, played by Luke Thompson, taking the lead role.
Stream it on Netflix
Harlots
Hulu’s Harlots is an 18th-century set series that follows brothel owner, Margaret Well (Samantha Morton) and her struggles to try and raise her daughters’ authority and stature in the hope of giving them a wealthier future. The three-season series sees all hell break loose when Margaret’s popular business is disrupted by a rival madam who’s after her target audience. It received huge success from fans, critics and everyone in between so it’s well worth streaming to feed your period drama obsession.
Stream it via STARZPLAY on Amazon Prime Video
Dickinson
Starring Hailee Steinfeld at Emily Dickinson, Apple TV’s popular series is the coming-of-age comedy you need on your radar. Now with three seasons available to devour, the series follows the life, party and perspective of the young rebellious poet. Set in the 19th century, the show pens the constraints of society, gender and family through comedy and humour.
Stream it via Apple TV
The Pursuit of Love
Based on Nancy Mitford’s novel of the same name, the BBC’s miniseries starring Lily James is as easily digestible as it is scandalous. We follow Linda, a young woman striving to find love but not having much luck, and her best friend Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) ,who’s there for moral support. Adapted and directed by Emily Mortimer, follow along as the pair navigate young adulthood and search for their potential suitors.
Stream it via BBC player
My Lady Jane
My Lady Jane is a bold, irreverent reimagining of England’s history, turning the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey into a thrilling, feminist adventure. In this fantastical retelling, Jane, played by Emily Bader, is no helpless pawn but a sharp-witted heroine dodging political conspiracies, arranged marriages, and even magical shapeshifters. Supported by Edward Bluemel as her charming, secret-laden husband, Guildford Dudley and Jordan Peters as King Edward, the series blends sharp humour, romance, and rebellion. With a strong ensemble cast including Dominic Cooper, Anna Chancellor, and Rob Brydon, My Lady Jane throws historical accuracy out the window in favour of entertainment and fantasy, offering a fresh, fun twist on one of history’s most overlooked figures.
