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15 Of The Best Period Dramas To Binge Post-Bridgerton

If you love 'Downton Abbey', this list is for you

The last decade has seen an enthusiastic rediscovery of period drama television shows with series like The Crown and more recently, Bridgerton converting the masses to the genre.

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But with the former having aired its series finale and the latter currently between seasons, you’re likely craving another well-made period series to watch.

From modern, post-war dramas to expert on-screen translations of classic novels and royal scandals, these series are so gloriously made, you’ll quickly find yourself binging them all weekend.

Scroll on for marie claire Australia’s edit of the best period dramas of all time.

Period Dramas
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Downton Abbey is the most-watched period drama in television history for a reason. Set in the mid 20th century, the show follows the lives of Mary Crawley (played by Michelle Dockery) and her esteemed family as they navigate through love, war and outrageous scandal.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

Pride & Prejudice

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The Gilded Age is a runaway hit from Paramount+. Starring legendary actresses like Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon, this drama set in the ‘gilded age’ of New York society is rife with comedy, drama and, of course, romance.

Watch it on Paramount Plus.

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The Crown

Period Dramas

The Crown explores the private life of the reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and the antics that go on behind the scenes. Claire Foy’s performance won her a Golden Globe, just one of many awards the critically acclaimed series has to its name. In fact the show is so well done that members of the royal family, including the Queen herself, are rumoured to be dedicated fans.

Watch it on Netflix.

The Tudors

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Wolf Hall

Period Dramas
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Set in East London in the late 1950s/early 1960s, Call The Midwife is different to the other period dramas so far as it’s based off the real life account of Jennifer Worth, an East London nurse from back in the day. Also one of the main characters, called Trixie, is known for her impeccable style, so there’s that too.

Watch it on ABC iview.

Forsyte Saga

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Period Dramas
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Period Dramas

If you’re after a historical drama that doesn’t hold back on violence, sex and family tension, then this is the show for you. Vikings sets itself apart from the other action fuelled TV series because its storyline is based on actual history. According to the show’s creator Michael Hirst, he takes inspiration from a historical event and applies them to a character in the show. In fact, the main protagonist and notorious hero, Viking Ragnar Lothbork (played by Travis Fimmel) was a historically dubious and legendary king of Denmark and Sweden during the 9th century.

Watch it on SBS On Demand.

Reign

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Dubbed as a ‘girlier Game of Thrones‘, Reign tells the tale of teenage Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane) who is arranged to marry Princes Francis (Toby Regbo). This historical drama proves that no matter what era you’re from or who you are (even if you’re Queen of Scotland in the 16th century) love, friendship and family feuds are always the subject of complication. This series is an addictive and feel-good watch where the women in the show, despite the historical setbacks, can nevertheless find ways to survive during an era of turmoil.

The Last Kingdom

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