Top 10 Romantic Period Drama Series for Bridgerton Fans

Top 10 Romantic Period Drama Series For Bridgerton Fans

Welcome to MsMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the swooniest period shows we think “Bridgerton” fans will love. Some mild spoilers are mentioned.

#10: “Emma” (2009)

Most period drama aficionados will already be familiar with Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy in his wet shirt - but “Pride and Prejudice” isn’t the only Jane Austen mini-series worth watching. 2009’s “Emma” is a real treat for fans of the genre. The costumes are gorgeous, the music is uplifting and the slow-build romance is everything. Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller are perfect as Jane Austen’s ultimate friends-to-lovers couple, arguing, scolding and teasing each other by turns. Settle in for a heart-warming journey with loveable characters, gentle wit and even a hint of mystery.

#9: “Victoria” (2016-19)

We tend to think of Queen Victoria in her later years, grieving and dressed in black. We know how her life ends, but how did her story begin? This lavish historical series tells the tale of a young Victoria, fresh to the throne and ready to fall in love. Jenna Coleman stars as the diminutive monarch, while Tom Hughes plays the German Prince who will ultimately win her heart. Their love story is as romantic as you might expect, but Prince Albert isn’t the only man in Victoria’s life. In series one we also meet the dashing Lord M, Victoria’s first Prime Minister, played to perfection by Rufus Sewell.

#8: “The Empress” (2022-)

Historical dramas often focus on jolly old England, but “The Empress” takes us across the sea to the Austrian royal court. Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, sometimes called Sisi, is a sixteen-year-old Duchess from Bavaria, who accompanies her elder sister to meet with her future fiancé, Franz Joseph of Austria. When the archduke falls for the wrong sibling, however, Sisi is thrown into a world of political intrigue and scheming in-laws. The German language series is based on real events but the love story between the central characters is straight out of a fairytale. With elaborate costuming and stunning real-life locations, it’s hard not to be swept up in this sumptuous coming-of-age romance.

#7: “Belgravia” (2020) & “Belgravia: The Next Chapter” (2024)

If you love “Downton Abbey” as well as “Bridgerton”, then you should definitely check out “Belgravia,” another upstairs/downstairs drama from “Downton” creator Julian Fellowes. We open on the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, and the events of that night bring consequences that echo down the generations. Will the secrets finally come to the surface, and what happens when they do? This self-contained mini-series had a satisfying end but, four years later, it was also followed by a sequel, “The Next Chapter.” Both are a lot of fun and can be watched together or as standalones. The servants aren’t a patch on the “Downton” gang, but there’s enough going on upstairs to keep us entertained.

#6: “Outlander” (2014-)

For fans of passionate romance in a historical setting, “Outlander” is a great place to start. Throw in some time travel, political intrigue and an arranged marriage plot and what more could you want from a love story? Caitríona Balfe stars as Claire, a World War II nurse visiting Scotland on her honeymoon. In a twist of fate, she is transported through time to the era of the Jacobites, and falls into the path of a handsome Clansman named Jamie Fraser. The journey takes them to some dark places but their romance is one for the ages. Why not take a break from the English ballrooms and immerse yourself in the wild Scottish highlands instead?

#5: “Poldark” (2015-19)

Set in Georgian England, on the rugged Cornish coast, “Poldark” is a sweeping saga with a central romance to set your heart racing. The eponymous hero returns from the war in America to discover that his childhood sweetheart has accepted his cousin’s hand in marriage. The story that follows is as dramatic as the scenery, encompassing true love, social justice and family politics. There’s also quite a lot about mining but it’s worth sitting through for the good stuff. Ross and Demelza are an iconic TV pairing but if they don’t float your boat there are plenty of other characters to fall in love with as the series progresses.

#4: “Reign” (2013-17)

If you’re searching for a historically accurate depiction of Mary Queen of Scots, then “Reign” is probably not for you. However, if you’re into pretty dresses, pagan plots, strong female characters and plenty of drama, then look no further. In essence, it’s “Gossip Girl” meets “The Tudors.” The engaging cast of characters spend most of their time scheming in cute outfits, navigating the politics of the French court and falling madly in love. Our favorite is Mary’s wicked mother-in-law, Catherine de Medici, played with relish by “Anne of Green Gables” actress, Megan Follows. Like “Bridgerton” there’s also a modern soundtrack, with familiar songs often played on strings in a ballroom setting.

#3: “Vanity Fair” (2018)

William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic novel is brought bang up-to-date in this adaptation from 2018. Starring Olivia Cooke and “Bridgerton’s” Claudia Jessie, it follows two very different young women making their way in Regency society. Becky Sharp is one of literature’s most intriguing heroines and Cooke really brings her to life. Meanwhile, Tom Bateman, Johnny Flynn and Charlie Rowe play the leading men in our ladies’ lives and they look good doing it. It’s a big book to be squeezed into seven episodes but, despite modern music and a contemporary feel, it’s a mostly faithful retelling. And, really, just a lot of fun.

#2: “Sanditon” (2019-23)

Based on an unfinished novel by Jane Austen, “Sanditon” is definitely one for the “Bridgerton” fans. It follows Charlotte Heywood, a quintessential Austen heroine, who travels to the up-and-coming seaside town of Sanditon. The show also stars a smoldering Theo James, as well as Jane Austen’s first character of color, the heiress Georgiana Lambe. “Sanditon” was canceled after just one series. However, after an outpouring of indignation from the fans, it was picked up by PBS, who brought in a new cast of characters to see Charlotte’s story through to its happy end.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Artful Dodger” (2023-)
A Grown-Up Jack Dawkins Gets a Sweet Romance in This Fun Adventure Series

“Dickinson” (2019-21)
Author Emily Dickinson Is Reimagined as a Modern Teen Breaking Free From the Confines of Society

“War & Peace” (2016)
A Classic Tale, a Cast Packed With Famous Faces & Costumes to Die For

“Downton Abbey” (2010-15)
If You Haven’t Watched This Yet, Where Have You Been?

#1: “The Buccaneers” (2023-)

“The Buccaneers” is set in the glamorous era nicknamed the “Gilded Age” - but don’t confuse it with that Julian Fellowes show. Both series are worth a watch but, while “The Gilded Age” feels like a traditional period drama, “The Buccaneers” has a younger, more contemporary vibe. The costumes are fabulous, though not always period-accurate. The characters and dialogue feel modern and inclusive. And it’s all set to a soundtrack of 2020s bangers. However, the plot has been adapted from an unfinished Edith Wharton novel, so you can also expect all the marriage market drama that makes these kinds of shows so juicy. The big question is, will you be cheering for team Guy, or team Theo?

Which period dramas would you recommend to satisfy our “Bridgerton” craving? Share your favorites in the comments!