The beautiful costumes, the beautiful actors, the voyeuristic storylines, the onscreen romances… Can any other TV show really compare to a period drama? Here’s five options if you want to give it a damn good go.
The Crown (2016 ~ )
When the first season of ‘The Crown’ came out five years ago the world was shook by Claire Foy’s brilliant acting as Queen Elizabeth II. The Netflix show depicts England’s history starting from Lizzie’s reign and it involves all the dramz. Season four even includes Emma Corrin as Princess Di! You’ll want to watch this show *just* to see how perfectly The People’s Princess’ wedding dress is replicated.
Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015)
Another great British period drama has to be ‘Downton Abbey’ – and no it’s not just the accents we’re obsessed with. This series is about the aristocrat Crawley family, and is set in the early 20th century. You’ll watch the Crawley’s and their servants adjust to how times are a changin’, and there isn’t a minute that goes by where drama isn’t involved. Fans were so in love with the series that they even released a movie in 2019. Our personal fave character has to be Mr. Carson – ifykyk.
Reign (2013 – 2017)
Adelaide Kane. That is all. ‘Reign’ is a veteran series amongst all the best period dramas (and is underrated if we may add.) The show surrounds Mary Queen of Scots’ time in the French court. Queen Mary, played by Adelaide, marries Francis II of France who was only on the throne for a year. FYI Toby Regbo as Francis is our #ManCrushEveryday, and his on-screen romance with Mary/Adelaide gets us in our feels. To add, the costumes are insanely impressive.
Outlander (2014 ~ )
A period drama with an intense twist. The plot may get confusing because it includes time-travel, fantasy, and history – but it’s too good not to watch. Before Outlander hit our screens, it was a novel (that we deffo recommend reading) written by genius author Diana Gabaldon. The story follows an English combat nurse from 1945 who’s swept back into time to 1743 (and that’s where Jamie Fraser comes into play.) Couple. Goals. That’s all we have to say.
Versailles (2015 – 2018)
Set in 1667, ‘Versailles’ presents the 28 y/o all-powerful king of France, Louis XIV, who decides to build the greatest palace in the world. AKA, what we now know (and marvel) as, Versailles. But budget problems, saucy affairs and politics puts things into play for the French court. (https://manhwatop.com/)