Top 10 Period TV Shows That Redefined the Genre

#10: Our Flag Means Death (2022-23)

Who doesnt love hijinks on the high seas? In its two seasons on HBO, this comedy followed the adventures of the legendary Captain Blackbeard, his crew, and aristocrat Stede Bonnet, who tags along in search of excitement. This consistently funny rom-com was both a sleeper hit and critically acclaimed. It raised the bar for period TV with its LGBTQ+ representation, and in particular the well-written main romance between Blackbeard and Bonnet. Our Flag Means Death resonated with audiences so much that it received multiple arts and entertainment awards for its inclusivity. If youre looking for a cozy, goofy take on swashbucklers, this period piece is worth watching.

#9: Rome (2005-07)

Et tu, Brute, indeed! A lavish and immersive epic, Rome portrays an ancient time period with plenty of era-appropriate violence and sexuality. The show followed the rise and fall of some of historys most storied power players. While depicting the machinations of the upper class, it also showed the gritty everyday lives of the two Roman soldiers drawn into the orbit of Julius Caesar, Octavian, and Marc Antony, as well as the many other historical figures who appeared on screen. Part of Romes impact comes from its early ending. There were five seasons planned, but the same high production values that made it so great were costly and caused its early cancellation. If you havent seen it already, you really should binge this game-changer!

#8: Outlander (2014-)

A mix of historical fiction, time travel, romance, and fantasy make this show a fan-favorite trendsetter. Outlander is based on a novel series about a former World War II military nurse who gets transported to 1743. Stranded in Scotland, she must navigate an older time and vastly different politics and social rules. The drama makes its mark because of the romance that its plot revolves around. Claire and her Highland warrior love interest Jamie electrify the screen, keeping viewers invested in their relationship. Outlander is almost two period dramas in one. By bending its genres together without breaking either, its a compelling watch for anyone who hasnt come across it yet.

#7: Call the Midwife (2012-)

For a period piece that wonderfully depicts people outside of castles or manors, look no further than this PBS gem. Call the Midwife depicts a group of nuns and young midwives providing medical and maternity care to vulnerable women in several periods from the 1950s to the 1970s. The show makes this list because of its empathetic and down to earth way of dealing with difficult traumas such as abortion, substance use disorder, faith, and racial inequality. Call the Midwife also takes plotlines from real medical headlines in the periods covered, including widespread disease outbreaks and health breakthroughs. With a rotating cast and narration by acting great Vanessa Redgrave, this gems heartfelt narratives make a serious impact.

#6: Bridgerton (2020-)

Put on your fanciest suit or gown for this one! Few period dramas have had the same widespread impact as this Regency London romance. Based on a series of novels, Bridgerton has the trendsetting touch of Scandal with showrunner Shonda Rhimes as producer. Its plot follows the matchmaking drama around the eight attractive, wealthy Bridgerton siblings. The show has enough pining, longing glances, and steamy intimate scenes to satisfy almost any romance enthusiast. Bridgerton makes a unique impact through elements like the use of modern music in its background score and its racially diverse cast. On top of all that, the shows comedic and anonymous narrator, Lady Whistledown, is voiced by Julie Andrews!

#5: Downton Abbey (2010-15)

Afternoon tea became a regular appointment for millions of viewers because of this period phenomenon. This most-watched show on PBS and ITV depicted the trials and tribulations of the residents of a fictional estate in Yorkshire, England between 1912 and 1926. Audiences followed complex plotlines about both the aristocratic Crawley family and the lives of their domestic servants. Downton Abbey commits fully to the lavish visual aesthetic of the post-Edwardian era. Its stories cover major real events including World War I, the sinking of the Titanic, and the Spanish flu pandemic. With two films released since the series end and third on the way, Downton Abbey is definitely a household name in the genre.

#4: Mad Men (2007-15)

This AMC juggernaut set a new standard for sixties- to seventies-era period television. Over seven seasons, Mad Men follows the employees of a New York City advertising agency, their messy personal lives, and the shifting culture of the United States. Issues like the birth control pill, racism, homophobia, social mobility, and the prevalence of smoking are portrayed through the characters lives and intertwining journeys. We also see the often-cynical origins of many iconic American brands and ad campaigns. The Swinging Sixties were a time of major upheaval for the home and for the workplace, and Mad Men is a cutting exploration of what those changes actually looked like, especially for women.

#3: Roots (1977)

There is nothing quite like this 1977 epic. Roots is based on a 1976 novel of the same name and follows the story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants, starting with Kunta's abduction from Gambia, Africa in the 1750s to generations later in post-Civil War America. The miniseries was a landmark in inclusivity, historical depictions, and emotional narratives. Approximately 100 million viewers across the United States tuned in to witness the shows finale, and Roots won nine Primetime Emmy Awards with its powerful storytelling. By never shying away from the awful realities of slavery and Americas early years, stories like Roots left an unforgettable mark on period TV.

#2: Band of Brothers (2001)

World War II has been depicted in countless films and TV shows, but this HBO miniseries is truly unforgettable. Over ten episodes, viewers follow members of Easy Company, of the U.S. Armys 101st Airborne Division, from their training in 1942 to the end of the war. The show is based on real accounts from the divisions veterans. Excerpts from their interviews are what open each episode. We see characters endure unimaginable traumas, as well as watch major operations such as D-Day and the liberation of a concentration camp. Some elements were changed to improve the narrative structure. But Band of Brothers makes this list for its depiction of the horrifying effects of war.

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

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Because Its Commitment to the Iconic Source Material Makes It Timeless

Deadwood (2004-06)

Because Its Real-Life Characters & Historical Accuracy Portray a Gritty Wild West

Boardwalk Empire (2010-14)

Because Its Detailed Prohibition-Era Setting Highlights Gangs, Corruption, & Power

The Great (2020-23)

Because Its Humor Adds a Memorable Spin on the Life of Catherine the Great

#1: The Crown (2016-23)

There are many depictions of European monarchs in period television, but this is in a category all its own. The Crown covers the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from her wedding to Prince Philip in the 1940s to the wedding of one of their sons in 2005. Having served for 70 years, the late Queen Elizabeth had the longest reign of any queen regnant in history. And The Crown takes full advantage of this. The main cast changes every two seasons to show the progression of time, and nearly every performance is fantastic. While some dramatic license was taken to improve the storytelling, the show recreates numerous impactful events that many viewers were alive for. The Crown changed the game for period dramas because it might not ever be replicated.

What shows and miniseries do you think made a lasting impact on period television? Share your thoughts in the comments below!