Who doesn’t love a good TV show to binge-watch and escape the everyday chaos? You can be cozying up on the couch with some snacks or sneaking in an episode during your lunch break. But, drama TV shows are the perfect way to relax and unwind.
Plus, there’s literally a genre for every mood. Feeling spicy? Reality TV shows like Love Island are ready to go. Feeling nostalgic? You can dive right into shows like The OC. But, if you’re in the mood to be whisked away to another century, girl, period dramas are where it’s at.
There’s just something about dressing up in corsets and costumes, sneaking off for secret rendezvous in the garden under the moonlight when love letters were handwritten (and swoon-worthy), castles were the norm, and every outfit was extra. Sign us up!
If you’re ready to live vicariously through queens, duchesses, and ladies fighting societal norms, sit back, relax, and get ready for a roundup of the best period drama shows you simply MUST add to your watch list.
10 Best Period Drama Shows
Before we dive into our top period drama picks, let’s tell you what you can expect. With period dramas, you can expect to see all the Regency and Victorian eras for the most part. You can expect to see frilly costumes, extravagant balls, elaborate courtship rituals, and grand country estates.
So, without further ado, grab your writing quill and ink because we’re about to spill all the tea on the best period dramas to add to your watch list STAT. Just be warned: once you start one of these, you won’t want to stop!
What Is A Period Drama?
In simple terms, a period drama is a TV show or film that is set in a past historical era, typically several decades or centuries before the present day.
This means everything from the costumes and sets to the social issues will be explored in the cultural context of that time period. Some periods we often see dramatized include the 19th century Regency and Victorian eras, World War I and II, and earlier centuries like the Middle Ages. You can also find dramas with adaptations of plays such as Shakesparean adaptations. Mary Beth goes hard for Shakesparean adaptations in this episode of her podcast, Ride.
Many modern period dramas focus on the everyday lives of average women, men, and families during fascinating historical moments. It’s a chance for us to peek back in time and see how strong female role models fought against the constraints of their society to find fulfillment.
Overall, think of a period drama as a gown you can slip into to escape the present day. Transport yourself to a time when things may have been done a little differently.
10 Best Period Drama TV Shows
Bridgerton
If you haven’t heard of Bridgerton by now, what rock have you been living under? This show is literally EVERYTHING!! From the gowns, the gossip, the scandal, and let’s not forget about those swoon-worthy Dukes. Bridgerton is the perfect blend of historical elegance and modern-day sass, making it one of the best period drama shows out there right now.
Set in the early 19th-century Regency era, this show has all the classic vibes think lavish balls, social climbing, and secret love letters, but with a twist. This show has an unapologetic take on romance and power. The ladies in this series aren’t just there to look pretty in their corsets (although the costumes are to die for). These women are strong, ambitious, and totally defy societal expectations.
And, can we talk about the diversity in this show? Finally, a period drama that gives us some real representation, showing that the world of high society wasn’t just one shade. With stunning performances and a modern soundtrack set to classical music (yes, that’s Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” you hear playing during a ball), Bridgerton blends the past with the present in a way that feels fresh and addictive.
The Crown
One show that deserves a crown (pun totally intended) in this category is The Crown. This show will have you glued to your screen faster than you can say, “God save the Queen.”
Set against the backdrop of 20th-century Britain, this series portrays the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, giving us a front-row seat to all the royal drama we didn’t even know we needed.
From the exquisite costumes and palatial homes to the behind-the-scenes peek at state affairs, it feels like you’ve got a front-row seat at Buckingham Palace. But where The Crown really shines is in its nuanced portrayal of the personal lives underneath the pageantry.
Elizabeth is a total boss, but watching her juggle personal relationships, duty, and public perception is an absolute masterclass in leadership and grace. The Crown isn’t afraid to get real. You’ll see the toll of the public eye on the royal family, and it’ll give you a whole new level of empathy for what it means to live life on display.
Downton Abbey
Whether you’re obsessed with fancy mansions, aristocratic drama or just need a series that lets you escape into a world of corsets, tea, and scandalous whispers, Downton Abbey has it all. It’s set in the post-Edwardian era and takes us through all the ups and downs of the Crawley family and their staff, from the Titanic sinking (yep, it starts off with a bang!) to the World War.
But what kept us, and millions of other fans, begging for more each season was the humanity of the show. Beyond the formal ballroom dancing and dinner parties, Downton Abbey peeled back the curtain on the messy everyday relationships and tensions that existed between classes then and now.
So, if you’re all about family secrets, power dynamics, and navigating the crazy class divides, then say no more; you’ll be glued to this show. The stunning costumes, opulent sets, and sweeping shots of the abbey’s halls will make you feel like you’re really there among the lords and ladies, sipping tea and taking in the fresh air.
Queen Charlotte
Told as a prequel to Bridgerton, this lush series introduces us to a young Charlotte on her journey of self-discovery. After being thrown into an odd arranged marriage to King George III, she muscles her way to becoming the most powerful female ruler of her time and an advocate for social change. The costumes are lush, the drama is delicious, and India Amarteifio’s powerful performance as this strong-willed queen instantly steals your heart.
Between the opulent balls, whispered royal scandals, and Charlotte’s blossoming feminist awakening, each episode is utterly binge-worthy. We love seeing how she slowly transforms from a naive German princess to a savvy political player. And, if you’re a sucker for dramatic, larger-than-life love stories, you’re going to eat up the romance between Charlotte and King George.
Outlander
Hold onto your kilts, ladies, because Outlander is about to whisk you away on a time-traveling journey filled with romance, adventure, and just the right amount of Scottish flair! Based on the best-selling novels by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander follows the incredible journey of Claire Randall, a World War II combat nurse who finds herself mysteriously transported back to 18th-century Scotland.
Can you even imagine? One minute, she’s tending to wounded soldiers; the next, she’s navigating the rugged highlands, dodging British soldiers, and trying not to get swept off her feet by the dashing Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser. Let’s just say this isn’t your ordinary love story. It’s a whirlwind romance that spans centuries!
The chemistry between Claire and Jamie is off the charts! Their love is passionate, raw, and beautifully portrayed. You’ll be rooting for them at every turn.
The Empress
The Empress is centered on the real-life Elisabeth of Bavaria, or “Sissi,” as she was known to her admirers. The sumptuous series follows the Bavarian princess turned Austrian Empress in all her nineteenth-century splendor. From lavish balls and glittering tiaras to fraught political alliances and family betrayals galore, this historical soap dishes out all the drama fit for royalty.
One of the best things about The Empress is how it gives us a peek behind the royal curtain. We’re talking court intrigue, backstabbing nobles, and power moves. The court is a battlefield, and Sisi quickly learns that she must play the game to survive and win.
Sisi’s relationship with Emperor Franz Joseph will also captivate you in this show. It’s the perfect balance of romance and power struggle. It’s not your typical fairy tale. These two have serious chemistry but also face some serious challenges, which makes their relationship all the more compelling.
The Spanish Princess
The Spanish Princess is exactly what your watch list needs. It’s a historical drama with a capital D, focusing on none other than Catherine of Aragon, a woman who came, saw, and absolutely slayed her way through English court politics.
This exquisitely filmed Starz series follows the brave and resilient Catherine through her high-stakes journey across Europe, from her early days as a naïve bride eager to secure an alliance to her ascent as Queen of England and matriarch struggling to produce a male heir.
However, let’s not forget the show’s aesthetic. The costumes, the castles, the coronations The Spanish Princess does not hold back when it comes to historical accuracy. The show transports you right back to the 16th century with all the drama and luxury you’d expect from a royal court.
Peaky Blinders
If you haven’t binged this one yet, stop everything and make it your new obsession! While most period dramas focus on ballrooms and pretty dresses, Peaky Blinders dives into gritty streets, power plays, and the kind of bad-boy energy you can’t help but love. It’s dark, stylish, and oozes with that rebellious spirit that’ll have you glued to your screen.
Set in 1919 in Birmingham, England, just after WWI, this show is about the Shelby family, who run a cutthroat gang in Birmingham. The Shelbys are building an empire, and their boss, Tommy Shelby, played by the ridiculously handsome Cillian Murphy, is equal parts ruthless mastermind and brooding antihero.
Beyond the fast cars and sharply tailored suits, Peaky Blinders also offers an unflinching (yet gorgeously filmed) look at the class warfare and social upheavals of the time through the underground world of criminal organizations.
Reign
Time to slip into something a little silkier and more scandalous. We’re talking about the sexy CW series Reign. This show is all about Mary, Queen of Scots, the real-life queen who ruled like a boss even while dealing with political backstabbing and a love triangle that could make any modern-day dating drama look small.
This captivating show follows young Mary Queen of Scots as she arrives in France in 1557 to marry Prince Francis. But holy matrimony is hardly the only drama unfolding behind the palace walls. Between steamy love triangles, dark family secrets, and political intrigue, there was always something juicy unfolding at the French court each week.
We love how the show is not afraid to get a little wild with the plot twists, and the characters feel relatable despite the fancy titles and historical setting. The soundtrack is another modern touch that adds to the show’s appeal, featuring contemporary music that keeps things fresh and fun.
Pride and Prejudice
So, there’s a lot of debate about whether the 1995 Pride and Prejudice BBC miniseries or the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie are better. (Newsflash, they’re both perfection.) You can totally make that call yourself on which is your fave, but since we’re talking TV shows in this post, we’re going to give you the rundown on the INCREDIBLE miniseries!
Starring the ever-so-charming Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and the swoon-worthy Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, it captures all the romance and drama of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Set in the picturesque English countryside of the early 19th century, the series follows the witty and headstrong Elizabeth as she navigates her way through love, social expectations, and family dynamics, all while her chemistry with Mr. Darcy keeps us on the edge of our seats.
What makes this adaptation so incredibly appealing is how it stays true to Austen’s original work, preserving all the clever dialogue and intricate character development that fans adore. The costumes and settings are simply to die for, giving the entire series a magical, nostalgic vibe. And let’s not forget the unforgettable lake scene with Mr. Darcy totally iconic! The sparkling wit, the deliciously tense interactions, and the eventual blossoming romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy make this series an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves a good period drama.
Time to escape the present and binge the past!
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from these shows, it’s that period pieces will always have a place in entertainment. Each show transports you into worlds where corsets, castles, and jaw-dropping drama reign supreme.
Whether it’s cheering on anti-heroine badasses, swooning over dreamy leading men, or ooh-ing over extravagant costumes, we can all agree these series help satisfy our cravings for escapism, drama, and important perspectives. So, until production kicks off on the next season of your fave historical obsession, check out Dear Media for all the latest empowering podcasts and blogs.