10 Shows Like Downtown Abbey: From High Society to Heartfelt Drama

At Dear Media, we’re no strangers to a good binge-watching sesh whether it’s shows like “Shameless” or “shows like Gilmore Girls,” we’ve seen it all. But, if you’re anything like us, you’ve got a special place in your heart for one of the best period dramas ever made” Downtown Abbey”. From high society love stories to intense family feuds, this series had us HOOKED. 

Beyond the storyline, the creators of “Downtown Abbey” nailed the lavish historical drama and period-accurate details. Oh, and we can’t forget the sumptuous costumes don’t they make you wanna go out and buy one yourself???

If you’ve been looking for a new class-divided, tea-spilling series to fill the void the Crawley family left behind, you’re in luck. Today, we’re sharing a list of shows like “Downtown Abbey” that capture that same dramatic, aristocratic vibe. Let’s dive in! 

10 Shows Like Downtown Abbey: From High Society to Heartfelt Drama

Whether you’ve binge-watched “Downtown Abbey” too many times to count or you’re just jumping into the decadent world of period dramas, we have to revisit what this series is all about so you can get into that posh, upper-class mindset. This will help you better understand how similar these recommendations are so you can find your new favorite series. 

What Is Downtown Abbey About?

Set in the early 20th century, “Downtown Abbey” is a British period drama that follows the lives of the distinguished Crawley family and their servants. It’s not one of those slow-starting series, though. It starts with a bang as the heir to the Crawley estate, Patrick, suddenly dies on the Titanic. This leaves the family scrambling to figure out who’s next in line to take responsibility, BUT there’s a plot twist. A distant cousin shows up to claim his prize the entire “Downtown Abbey” estate. 

As the series unfolds, it’s clear that there’s far more at stake than family drama and inheritance issues there’s a shift in class structure and unexpected societal changes to flip the Crawley’s world upside down. From the beginning of World War I to the outbreak of Spanish influenza and a crumbling class system, the family and their staff have to navigate a world that’s brand new to them.

“Downtown Abbey,” though set in an older time period, doesn’t just focus on historically accurate events. It’s packed with love stories, betrayals, and the kind of juicy drama that keeps you hooked after each episode. If you’re craving more, we’ve got you covered. Let’s look at a handful of shows with that same “Downtown Abbey” vibe! 

What Shows Are Like Downtown Abbey?

The Crown

Where to watch: Netflix

Set in 20th-century Britain, “The Crown” follows Queen Elizabeth II as she unexpectedly inherits the throne at just 25 years old following her father’s death. We watch Queen Elizabeth II explore her personal life outside of her title, her relationships with world leaders, and the challenges she faces as a monarch of England. 

It’s like you’re stepping into Buckingham Palace without leaving the comfort of your own bed. Like “Downtown Abbey,” there’s a heavy focus on class, status, and family dynamics. After watching this, you’ll have a totally newfound respect for Queen Elizabeth II. And, if the Queen listens to podcasts, we have no doubt this episode of Let’s Try This Again is in her recents.

Victoria

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Focusing on Queen Elizabeth II’s great-great-grandmother, “Victoria” is another British historical drama that gives us the inside scoop on a young Queen Victoria’s life. This series explores her ascent to the throne at 18, her marriage to Prince Albert, and her challenges as a new, young monarch.

It’s not just about watching Victoria figure out the footing of ruling an empire. She has to learn how to navigate being a queen, wife, mother, and her own person. And, it’s HARD to navigate it all she could’ve definitely benefitted from this episode of Raising Good Humans. Like “Downtown Abbey,” this Victorian-era show dives deep into historical events, royalty, and some romantic tension ooh la la!

White Queen

Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Okay, “White Queen” only has 1 season (we know, bummer), but it’s a total banger you need to check out. During the Wars of Roses, 15th-century England was in risky territory as both men and women fought to secure the throne. More specifically, three women compete against each other for all the control. 

Elizabeth Woodville (a commoner) marries King Edward IV and gives us all the love, rivalry, and betrayal we ever wanted in a historical drama. If you’re missing out on that high-stakes tension from “Downtown Abbey,” get excited to fully immerse yourself into “White Queen.” 

The Gilded Age

Where to watch: Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

We aren’t only obsessed with “The Gilded Age” because of its ICONIC cast (though that’s def part of it); we love that old money versus new money type of vibe. Set in 1880s New York City, Marion Brook moves in with her wealthy aunts after her father dies. But with her aunts basking in old family money and their neighbors stepping into “new money” as working-class railroad tycoons, there’s a liiittllee bit of a rivalry going on. 

If you’re looking for drama-filled conflict, historical context, and luxurious, up-scale settings, “The Gilded Age” needs to be on your watch list. 

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries 

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Set in the 1920s, “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” follows the sharp-witted Phryne Fisher, a private detective in Melbourne, Australia. Not only is she a total boss at solving complex and dangerous cases, but she does so all while navigating the rigid social norms of the time. If you wanna step into your “Phryne Fisher” era, listen to this episode of Transform it’s allll about building strength and confidence. 

Similarly to “Downtown Abbey,” this series captures the same lavish and elegant lifestyle while exploring class divisions and tension between the elite. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a period drama without the stunning costumes and detailed settings, right?

Upstairs Downstairs

Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video

Another series set in the early-to-mid 20th century, “Upstairs Downstairs” shows the lives of the aristocratic family, the Bellamys (upstairs), and the lives of their servants (downstairs) as they share a grand London townhouse. 

As you can imagine, the lives of those upstairs and those downstairs are drastically different. While one group is focused on the decline of the aristocracy of London, the other group is more worried about their duties, loyalty, and desires for change. It’s binge-worthy, for sure. 

Call the Midwife

Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

If you’re a fan of super long-running period dramas, get ready for all 15 seasons of “Call the Midwife” to keep you hooked. This series is set in the 1950s and focuses on a group of midwives, particularly Nurse Jenny Lee, working in poor, working-class London. 

Fun fact: this series is actually based on memoirs of the real-life Jennifer Worth kinda makes you want to watch it even more! It dives into societal shifts, poverty, and women’s empowerment. So, not totally like the posh environment of “Downtown Abbey,” but it shows what life is like for those on the other end of the spectrum. 

Mr. Selfridge

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Based on the real life story of Mr. Harry Gordon Selfridge, the show follows him as he arrives in Britain from Chicago with one goal in mind: to open Selfridges & Co. department stores across London and transform the retail world. While he did succeed, there’s much more to running an empire than Selfridge thought. 

“Mr. Selfridge” gives us an inside look into the business world, social dynamics, and various class struggles of the time period. Similar to “Downtown Abbey,” World War I and the cultural shifts had a massive impact on society. Want to know what happens? Watch to find out!

North and South

Where to watch: Peacock. Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Set in the Victorian era, “North and South” follows Margaret Hale as she moves from southern England to the more industrial northern town of Milton. While there, she meets mill owner John Thorton and has to navigate the tension between the wealthy and working class. But the real question is, do opposites attract? Guess ya gotta see for yourself!

This show does cover a handful of pretty serious topics, but what period drama doesn’t? If you’re looking for class conflict, social change, and a ton of tension-filled romance, “North and South” won’t leave you disappointed. 

The Tudors

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, Apple TV

If you have a soft spot for the Tudor era, what better show to immerse yourself in than “The Tudors”? This series follows King Henry VIII, his six marriages (hey, we don’t judge!), and all the problematic issues during his reign. Like, hello, the break-up with the Catholic Church? Not the kind of break-up drama we’re used to, but just as juicy. 

With scandalous drama and a deep dive into the world of monarchy, it revisits all those same topics that “Downtown Abbey” introduced us to. 

You’ve got SO many period dramas like “Downtown Abbey” to choose from. Which one are you watching first? 

We all have that one comfort show that we can’t help but rewatch for the billionth time, and for many of us, it’s “Downtown Abbey.” But why not throw a new series into your lineup? All of these recommendations feature that same opulent, luxurious, “risk-it-or-win-it-all” type of vibe. Do yourself a favor and put these on your watch list ASAP. 

Check out the Dear Media blog for more series recommendations, as well as advice on anything from health and wellness to relationships. And, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for tons of must-have products! Nothing sounds cozier than bundling up in your “In the Clouds” PJ Set or “Valley Girl Bath Robe” and starting on one of these new shows. You deserve it!