Are you missing Downton Abbey like I am? Here’s what you should watch instead – a round up of other great period drama tv series!
Here are all of my favorite historical period dramas that I’ve watched or am currently watching (wow, how have I watched so much tv?). I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise that since I love antiques, that of course love period dramas! These tv shows and mini series are currently on air or have just recently finished their mini series.
Downton Abbey
Summary: If you’re reading this, then you probably already know about Downton Abbey. It follows the lives of the rich Crowley Family and the affairs of their estate as they try to adapt to a changing England! Mystery, drama, romance and wonderful costumes!
Where to Watch: Amazon, PBS
Outlander
Summary: A WW2 nurse time travels back to mid 18th century Scotland and is found by a clan of Highlanders. A steamy romance also filled with drama and action! Based off the book series from Diana Gabaldon.
Where to Watch: Starz
Victoria
Summary: Follows the early life of Queen Victoria when she begins her reign in England – romance, politics, and glorious ostumes!
Where to Watch: PBS, Amazon
The Crown
Summary: Following the life of Queen Elizabeth as she begins her reign. The most expensive show Netflix has created to date – the sets and costumes are amazing! A must see!
Where to Watch: Netflix
Howard’s End
Summary: A drama between the rich Wilcoxes, the compassionate Schlegels and the working class Bast family. I can’t say much else because I have only just started it! The costumes are wonderful and Mrs. Wilcox reminds me of Lady Cora from Downton Abbey. This show just started April 2018!
Where to Watch: Starz
The White Queen
Summary: This mini series is about the feud between the House of York and the House of Lancaster in 1464 in England. Edward IV is crowned king of England, but he follows in love with a Lancaster, Elizabeth Woodville. This is about the struggle and power plays between the courts of England.
Where to Watch: Starz
The White Princess
Summary: A follow up to the White Queen mini series, this is about the War of Roses in England. “Promised in marriage to the newly crowned King Henry VII in hopes that it will unite the Kingdom, Princess Elizabeth (aka Lizzie) instead resents and plots against him. She matches wits and wills with Lady Margaret Beaufort, King Henry VII’s mother, each maneuvering to gain his trust. Meanwhile, Lizzie’s mother, Dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, struggles with rumors that her long-lost son Prince Richard is alive — forcing Elizabeth into choosing between her new Tudor husband and the boy who could be her own blood and the rightful York King.” – from Rotten Tomatoes.
Where to Watch: Starz
Versailles
Summary: A steamy drama that chronicles the life of the Sun King, Louis XIV and his court at Versailles – but this is not a version for children. Costumes are gorgeous!
Where to Watch: Netflix
Mr. Selfridge
Summary: Mr. Selfridge tells the story of American Harry Selfridge, founder of Selfridges & Co. Set in the early 1900s, Mr. Selfridge tries to empower women’s lives by creating a fanstasy store and he is on a mission to create a store that is an entertaining experience!
Where to Watch: Netflix
Poldark
Summary: A captain returns home to England from the Revolutionary War, where he attempts to rebuild his life and faces many changes and an uphill battle to do that!
Where to Watch: Amazon, PBS
Wolf Hall
Summary: This is about the politics and back-stabbing Henry VIII’s court – in addition to his romantic interests- narrated through the eyes Thomas Cromwell.
Where to Watch: Amazon, PBS
War and Peace
Summary: Based off the book from Leo Tolstoy, this mini series follows the lives of three young people against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Napoleon.
Where to Watch: hulu, netflix and amazon
Now, of course there are many more historical tv dramas – such as North and South, the Pride and Prejudice Mini Series with Colin Firth, The Tudors – but those were released some years ago. I still highly recommend them!
I just finished the first season of Poldark. No wonder it has been so popular… is there a more handsome man anywhere? No. No, there is not!
I loved Downtown Abby and was sad to see it end. I’ve also enjoyed watching Outlander and the Crown series. I will have to look at War and peace as i read the novel years ago.
I would also suggest “A Place to Call Home” (Acorn TV-available through Amazon) and “Call the Midwife” (PBS). Although different periods, the characters are memorable and the stories very well written and acted. Acorn TV has many great British, Australian and Canadian shows that are well worth watching. After Downton Abbey, Selfridge and some of the other shows ended, we became big fans of what Acorn had to offer. https://acorn.tv/browse
I haven’t seen White Queen, but I have the others. All great shows!
Author
If you like shows about the Tudor family then you will like it!