Period dramashave a hold on so many of us. We love to be brought into the past and watch what our world looked like – how we would dress, how we would eat, how we would interact, and so on. We have a fascination with what itused to be like. It’s not too surprising that there are so many who still love the works of authors like Jane Austen.The courting, the drama, the friendships – all of these feel extremely relevant despite taking place in a different century.
And now we have shows likeThe Gilded Age,which brings viewers to1880s New York City. We get to watch the fight between new and old money. We get to watch asMrs. Russelltries to force herself into “society.” Featuring incredible actors likeCynthia Nixon,Carrie Coon, andChristine Baranski,The Gilded Ageis filled with moments that make us laugh, cry, and shudder in embarrassment. It’s a great historical drama to watch, and if you enjoyed it, there are many more out there to quench your thirst.
7‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)
If you are enjoying the storyline surrounding the Duke and have a larger interest in enjoying British history,The Crownwould be the perfect watch. Thishistorical dramais one ofNetflix’sfirst period dramas. It chronicles six decades ofQueen Elizabeth II’sreign from the late 1940s to 2005. Since the series spanned so many decades, the cast would also change, with the main cast changing every two seasons.
The first two seasons ofThe CrownhadClaire Foyin the role of Queen,Olivia Colmanin the third and fourth, and lastlyImelda Stauntonin the last two. The series was critically acclaimed, winning 24Emmy Awards. However, the show has been criticized for not always being historically accurate later on inThe Crown’srun.
6‘The Knick’ (2014 – 2015)
WhileThe Gilded Agetakes place in the 1880s, anotherHBOseries,The Knick,takes place in 1900.Both of them take place in New York City during this time period and discuss topics like new technology, racism, and other similar issues. However, beyond that, the series is tonally very different.The Gilded Agehas a much lighter tone to it overall, whileThe Knickspends plenty of time discussing heavy matters. Moreover, it’s about doctors at a New York hospital, and a Black doctor joining their team. As you can imagine, there is plenty of drama surrounding it.
The Knickalso depicts substance abuse and exposes many of the seemingly illogicalmedicalprocedures used in those days, including in the mental health space. However, you also get to see the beginnings of amazingly new methods and instruments, like a blood pump. It’s an interesting watch if you want a better understanding of early 20th-century medicine and New York life.
5‘Bridgerton’ (2020 – Present)
Shonda Rhimeshas had many successful projects, many of which wereABC showslikeGrey’s AnatomyandScandal. However, in a surprise to many, in 2017, Rhimes signed a multi-year development deal with Netflix. Her first project became an international hit –Bridgerton. Based on the book series byJulia Quinn,Bridgertonis an alternative history period drama following the eight children of the Bridgerton family. Each season follows the love story of a different one of the Bridgerton children.
Three seasons have been released, and the fourth season has already been filmed. The series has been so popular that it has already been renewed for the fifth and sixth seasons.UnlikeThe Gilded Age, it probably has an intended younger demographic in mind. In addition to winning many accolades over its three-season run, the series also spawned a spin-off show surrounding the monarch of the world,Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
4‘The Forsyte Saga’ (2002 – 2003)
The Forsyte Sagais based onJohn Galsworthy’sseriesThe Forsyte Saga. Glasworthy won the 1932 Nobel Prize in Literature for this series. The novels were previously adapted into a series in 1967 by theBBC, and had a successful reception.Despite concerns that a new adaptation would be painstakingly compared to the original,ITVdecided to make a reboot.
This period drama only consisted of two seasons and ten episodes, but received glowing reviews from critics. The show starsDamian Lewisbefore he rose to mainstream popularity inHomeland. Since it’s a release, the historical drama has become a classic among fans. Many who watch newperiod piecesfrequently compare them to this series because of its reputation.With such a short runtime, it is an easy and perfect follow-up forThe Gilded Agefans.
3‘Belgravia’ (2020)
Fellowes is the brilliant mind behindThe Gilded Age,but this isn’t his first rodeo. One of his successful projects wasBelgravia, which was actually based on Fellowes’ own book that he released back in 2016.The team behindBelgraviais the same minds that createdDownton Abbey(but more on that later).Belgravia is an affluent neighborhood in London, and the novel and show take place in the mid-19th century.
The series only has one season, consisting of six episodes, but a follow-up was released in 2024 calledBelgravia: The Next Chapter.Fellowes only produced this one, andHelen Edmundsoncreated and wrote it. The originalhistorical dramaran on ITV in the UK and onEpixin the States.Belgraviawas well-received by critics, who encouraged lovers of soap-y drama to watch.
2‘The Buccaneers’ (2023 – Present)
The Buccaneersis anApple TV+series that has several similarities toThe Gilded Age. The series follows five women, daughters of nouveau riche families, who go to London and are met with the much stricterBritish aristocracy. This battle between old and new money is just as present in this series, filled withcultural clashesin the 1870s Gilded Age.
The Buccaneersis based onEdith Wharton’slast and unfinished novel, which was posthumously published. Currently, the period drama has two seasons with eight episodes each. The cast is also impressive, featuringKristine Froseth(The Society),Alisha Boe(13 Reasons Why),Kate Winslet’sdaughter,Mia Threapleton, andChristina Hendricks. Critics have warmly received this period drama, and fans enjoy its shenanigans.
1‘Downton Abbey’ (2010 – 2015)
Without a doubt, Fellowes’s most popular work isDownton Abbey. The ITV andPBSperiod drama launched in 2010 and has established itself in the Hall of Fame of period dramas. The series spawned six seasons, two films, and a third film,Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, slated for release in September 2025. Starting in 1912,Downton Abbeychronicles the changes inBritish aristocracyas they live through the First World War and plenty of scandals.
The cast of this series is immaculate and filled with legends, includingHugh Bonneville,Dame Penelope Wilton,Jim Carter, and the late greatDame Maggie Smith,to name a few. Across its six-season run,Downton Abbeyreceived 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins. From its sprawling set design to its massive ensemble cast, the historical drama beautifully weaved the stories of the upstairs and downstairs cast.
Next:10 Captivating Period Drama Movies To Watch if You Love HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’
