Period Dramas You Need to Watch!

Updated Published

Sara Garcia Student Contributor, The University of Kansas

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Woman in White Bed Holding Remote Control While Eating Popcorn — Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels

Looking for an escape from reality? Or even this period in time? Period Dramas are the perfect genre of shows to start to watch. There is a large range of period dramas you can pick from, either based on historical figures or set in different eras in time. It can range from medieval times to the Regency era or Victorian times. Many are adapted from books, such as Jane Austen’s; for example Pride & Prejudice. Many are based on real-life accounts of historical figures, such as The Crown, which was based on Queen Elizabeth II.

1. Bridgerton

A classic, based on the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn, based in the Regency Era, follows the Bridgerton family as they navigate society and finding their true love. Bridgerton currently has four seasons, with another one coming next year. With well- crafted costumes, amazing storylines and, adding a modern twist into the show, with music from this time, Bridgerton should be on your next watch.

Bridgerton cast posing for Netflix poster — Netflix

2. The Buccaneers

Set in the Gilded Age, it follows five American women who navigate London High society to find husbands as well as titles. There are currently two seasons on Apple TV.

3. Reign

Based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, it follows her younger self and the lives of her ladies-in-waiting in France, where she had to marry the heir to the French kingdom, Prince Francis, as part of an alliance.

4. Victoria

On Netflix, Victoria is based on the early life and reign of Queen Victoria of England. The start of her reign at 18, her marriage and family life with Prince Albert, and the challenges that arose from politics and being Queen in that era.

5. The Great

Loosely based on Empress Catherine the Great of Russia with a comedic twist, it shows the rise of young Catherine, married to Emperor Peter III, to the longest-reigning female monarch of Russia.

6. The Tudors

The Tudors focuses on King Henry VIII and his six wives during his reign over England. This series doesn’t just show the life of Henry the 8th but also focuses on each of his wives, such as Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.

If you need a new show to start during these next few breaks, I recommend picking a period drama to watch! There are many to pick from on every streaming service. Theres is a period drama for everyone, if you’re into slow-burn romance, historical events, or just looking for a new show to watch!