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.
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.
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
Any Austen fanatic will quickly attest that Pride & Prejudice was her one of the author’s best works. So when the BBC decided to reimagine the classic novel in series form it was a match made in British culture heaven. While the acting is undeniably first class, one of the major highlights is definitely the sensual scene when Mr Darcy (played by Colin Firth) emerges from a pond, entirely soaked in water.
Watch it on Netflix.
The Gilded Age
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.
The Crown
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
The story of King Henry III and his many wives is notorious, but this impeccably produced series gives history buffs and period drama fanatics alike a more personal insight into the Tudor reign. Filled with sex, scandal and a cutthroat attitude, this portrayal of the famous royal’s private life is enthralling from start to finish.
Watch it on Stan.
Poldark
If you’re a moodier romantic, Poldark is just for you. Ross Poldark returns from war, presumed a dead man, to find his lover engaged to his cousin. What follows is a passionate and utterly forbidden relationship between a downtrodden hero and his unconventional wife, who are often frustrated and at odds with their antiquated society.
Watch it on ABC iview.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
If the 1920s are more your era of choice and you can’t go past a classic ‘whodunnit’, look no further than Miss Fisher’s Myrder Mysteries. Recently returned from Europe, our lady sleuth Phrysne Fisher sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920s Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit. Leaving a trail of admirers in her wake, our thoroughly modern heroine makes sure she enjoys every moment of her lucky life.
Watch it on Netflix.
Wolf Hall
Before Claire Foy took on the role of Queen Elizabeth II, she played a queen in another hit show: Wolf Hall. This series reimagines the life of Anne Boleyn on screen, including her tumultuous marriage to King Henry VIII and the events which led to her execution. Her co-star? Damian Lewis who, like Foy, makes it into this list twice.
Watch it on Stan.
Call The Midwife
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
If you like Downton Abbey, you’re going to love The Forsyte Saga. Based off John Galsworthy’s novel by the same name, the onscreen adaptation explores sexual tension, desire, lust and divorce in the early 20th century, all working the framework of English society’s strict sensibilities. The main protagonist, Soames (played by Damian Lewis), navigates the world of ‘new money’, desperately trying to find love and a wife, pushing him to unthinkable measures.
The Paradise
If you adore the costumes on The Crown, this is for you. Set in and around England’s first ever department store called The Paradise (think: retro-Harrods level of luxury), the series follows the life of a young Scottish shopgirl called Denise, who quickly rises through the ranks of ladies fashion. But her relationship with the Paradise’s owner, Moray, lands her in some hot water.
Find it on iTunes or Google Play.
The Borgias
The Borgias is by far the most raunchy to make the cut but there’s no denying it’s addictive quality. Set in Catholic Rome, the series follows the original mafia family, who commit a plethora of deadly sins, all in the name of power.
Watch it on Stan.
Vikings
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
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
The medieval drama, The Last Kingdom is a British historical television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories novels. If you appreciate authentic costumes, political drama and epic battle scenes, then this is a show to add to your next binge list! Set around 800-900 A.D. the conflict fuelled series begins with the son of a Saxon nobleman who is captured by the Danes and raise as one of the own. Forced to choose between the country of his birth and the people who raised him, his loyalties are put to the ultimate test.
Watch it on Netflix.
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