Regency period drama or Austen-inspired drama is extremely popular. It grabs the attention of the public, and nowadays, TV series that is loosely based on the Regency era are made, and even though they are not accurate but it is loved by people. The main reason that this genre of show centers around romance and love that was too good to be true and people who have read Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, would know that old-fashioned love stories are beautiful and agonizing. People have displayed immense love for Bridgerton and shows like Bridgerton.
So, if you are looking forward to watching more shows like Bridgerton, then you should check out this article that lists the 15 best shows like Bridgerton to watch with your family and friends, or you could binge-watch next.
15. Downton Abbey
- Directed By: Julian Fellowes
- Written By: Julian Fellowes
- Cast: Hugh Bonneville in the role of Robert Crawley; Elizabeth McGovern in the role of Cora Crawley; Michelle Dockery in the role of Lady Mary Crawley.
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Netflix.
Downton Abbey is set in a fictional Yorkshire country estate between 1912 to 1926. It revolves around the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants and the social hierarchy in early 20th-century England.
While Bridgerton is more about the high society of England, Downton Abbey gives equal emphasis on the servants of the family, so the audience would get to see the upper class and the lower class, and the audience can expect more drama in this series. Moreover, Lily James, the lead actress of Downton Abbey, was featured on the cover of Hearst Magazines UK.
This is an exciting drama show which displays an amazing cast. The characters of the show are well-written, and it perfectly displays the British aristocracy. Moreover, the dialogues of this series are sharp and equal emphasis is shown on the servants of the family so that the audience can expect juicy episodes, and each episode will be more entertaining than the previous one. Lastly, this Regency-era drama has fantastic costumes, and even though it is not a real story but the show tries to be as accurate as possible. This show has six seasons.
14. The Crown
- Directed By: Peter Morgan
- Written By: Peter Morgan
- Cast: Claire Foy in the role of Queen Elizabeth II; Matt Smith in the role of Prince Philip; Jeremy Northam in the role of Anthony Eden.
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Netflix.
This series tells its viewers the story of Queen Elizabeth II from her marriage with Prince Philip, settling into the royal family as a wife and a mother, to the present day; in the first season of the show, we would see the events till 1955, where Winston Churchill has resigned as the Prime Minister, and her sister, Princess Margaret deciding not to marry Peter Townsend. In the second season, we will see the Suez Crisis in 1956, Harold Macmillan’s retirement in 1963, the Profumo affair political scandal, and the births of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The third season covers the events between 1964 and 1977, and season four covers the events between 1979 and 1990.
The Crown Netflix is a historical drama, and it is a Netflix Original, so viewers should expect that this show will be worth their time, and this show does not use make-up to show the age gap; they tend to replace their cast for the aging process. The cast did a great job, and as a result, the show won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series twice.
13. Sex Education
- Directed By: Laurie Nunn
- Written By: Laurie Nunn
- Cast: Asa Butterfield in the role of Otis Milburn; Gillian Anderson in the role of Jean Milburn; Ncuti Gatwa in the role of Eric Effiong.
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Netflix.
The series revolves around the life of Otis, a socially awkward teenage boy who is confused about sex in spite of his mother being a sex therapist. When the kids in Otis’ school learn about this, Otis decides to use his mother’s knowledge to improve his status at school, Otis teams up with Maeve, a street-smart girl, and together they set up an underground sex therapy clinic to help the students in his school with their sexual problems.
Sex Education is the best show available on Netflix as it is funny, entertaining, and heartfelt, but it is also mature and true. The show is much more than the title, and if one believes that this show is full of sexy scenes and mature scenes, then they are mistaken. The characters are well developed and written, but the most amazing thing about the characters is that the writers of the show were not afraid to show characters who are flawed, and the main characters are full of depth.
The show features a diverse cast who has stolen the heart of the viewers with their fantastic acting. The theme of the show is good as well, and it perfectly fits with the show.
12. Outlander
- Directed By: Various Directors
- Written By: Ronald D. Moore
- Cast: Caitriona Balfe in the role of Claire Fraser; John Bell in the role of Ian Fraser Murray; Sam Heughan in the role of James Fraser.
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Netflix and Starz.
The show is set around the time period of the Second World War, and it revolves around the World War II nurse Claire Beauchamp, who is mysteriously sent back in time to 1743. There she falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a Highlander. However, her life is under threat because she is not used to her new life in the new unknown world.
The show is extremely different, and even though it is a fictional show, it is well-researched as it accurately shows life in the 1740s. The show displays a lot of sensitive social topics, but they portray it in a sensitive manner. Caitriona Balfe’s performance was fantastic, and I consider her to be the best actress because of her performance in this series.
11. Victoria
- Directed By: Daisy Goodwin
- Written By: Daisy Goodwin, Guy Andrews, and Ottilie Wilford
- Cast: Jenna Coleman in the role of Queen Victoria; Tom Hughes in the role of Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert; Peter Bowles in the role of The Duke of Wellington.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
This series revolves around Queen Victoria’s life, that is, from her accession to the English throne at the mere age of 18 to her friendship with Lord Melbourne, her marriage to Prince Albert of Germany, and the birth of her child.
The show is a visual masterpiece, and the cast of the show has made this show more dramatic. Their acting made it feel as if they were living their roles. Moreover, each character in the show was shown equal attention, and as the series progressed, it could be seen by the viewer. Also, the theme of this series is amazing, and it perfectly goes along with the show. The show has only three seasons and a total of 25 episodes.
10. The Great
- Directed By: Various Directors
- Written By: Tom McNamara
- Cast: Elle Fanning in the role of Catherine the Great; Nicholas Hoult in the role of Peter III; Phoebe Fox in the role of Marial.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Hulu.
The Great is a satirical comedy-drama that tells its audience about the longest female ruler of Russia, Catherine The Great. The fictional series narrates the life of Catherine when she was a young woman and an outsider, her marriage with Emperor Peter III of Russia, and eventually killing her depraved and dangerous husband.
The show will make you its fan from the opening moments of the show, as it is full of satire, and Elle Fanning would come makes the show outstanding with her amazing and serious drama. The show is worth watching and will give you a very ‘Game of Thrones’ vibe.
9. Gentleman Jack
- Directed By: Sally Wainwright
- Written By: Sally Wainwright
- Cast: Suranne Jones in the role of Anne Lister; Sophie Rundle in the role of Ann Walker; Joe Armstrong in the role of Samuel Washington.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Hulu.
The show is set in 1832, and it narrates the story of Miss Anne Lister, who moves to West Yorkshire to restore her Uncle’s estate that she inherited. While restoring the estate, she falls in love with another woman and records her daily encounter with her in her diary that she has encoded.
This is an incredible show that the audience will binge-watch, and personally, this is my favorite show on this list. The show will make you laugh and cry throughout the series, and you will love the characters. Also, the dialogues of this show are amazing, and the plot development of the show is perfect as well. Even though this period piece is not like other period pieces but it will be a great show to watch something different.
8. Grey’s Anatomy
- Directed By: Kevin McKidd
- Written By: Shonda Rhimes
- Cast: Ellen Pompeo in the role of Meredith Grey; Sandra Oh in the role of Cristina Yang; Chandra Wilson in the role of Miranda Bailey.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/ 10
- Available On: It can be watched on the website of ABC, or it can be rented on Amazon Instant Video.
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama that revolves around the life of Meredith Grey. She is an aspiring surgeon and the daughter of renowned Ellis Grey. The series will showcase the different personal and professional problems of Meredith Grey and how she overcomes them.
Grey’s Anatomy is a fantastic show that will make you a fan of the show from the very first episode itself. The characters of the show are interesting, and equal thought and importance are shown to all the characters, and over the course of seasons, the audience can observe their character development. Moreover, the show is currently on its 18th season, and it has a total of 396 episodes and counting. The new episodes of this show are released on a weekly basis.
7. Cable Girls
- Directed By: Various Directors
- Written By: Ramon Campos, and Gema R. Neira
- Cast: Lidla Aguilar Davilla in the role of Blanca Suarez; Carlota Rodríguez de Senillosa in the role of Ana Fernandez; Angeles Vidal in the role of Maggie Civantos.
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Netflix.
Cable Girls or Las Chicas Del Cable is a Spanish series set back in the 1920s when a modern telecommunications company began operating in Madrid. The series focuses on the lives of four women who join the because of different needs. The show reveals hardships and the difficulties the women used to face back in 1920s Spain, where the male population dominated the society.
This is an amazing show, and even though this show is fictional but the historical accuracy of the show is pin-point. The acting of the cast was great, and all of them did a great job playing their roles. Moreover, the viewers can relate to the various situations of the characters. It is a great show, and viewers will enjoy watching it.
6. Reign
- Directed By: Brad Silberling, Laurie McCarthy, and Stephanie Sengupta
- Written By: Laurie McCarthy, and Stephanie Sengupta
- Cast: Adelaide Kane in the role of Mary; Megan Follows in the role of Catherine de’ Medici; Torrance Coombs in the role of Sebastian de Poitiers.
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Netflix.
The series takes place during the early life and rule of Mary Queen of Scots when she arrived in France when she was only 15 years old, betrothed Prince Francis, and with her four best friends. The show displays the secret of the history of survival at the French court between enemies, dark forces, and sexual remarks to a woman in the workplace.
The show has only four seasons, but the show is written beautifully, and there are no plot holes. It fantastically shows the story of Mary Queen and her struggle as a woman. The characters of the show had great development, and it was visible over the course of the show. Also, the acting of the cast was magnificent, and it kept the viewers on the edge of their seats. However, viewers should be advised that it has steamy sex scenes, so it can’t be watched with your family.
Related: Reign on Netflix: Why you should Watch it before it leaves Netflix?
5. Belgravia
- Directed By: John Alexander
- Written By: Julian Fellowes
- Cast: Philip Glenister in the role of James Trenchard; Tamsin Greig in the role of Anne Trenchard; Richard Goulding in the role of Oliver Trenchard.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Epix.
The plot of this miniseries revolves around the Trenchard family, an upper-class family in London. The series begins at the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball two days before the Battle of Waterloo. However, at the ball, the beauty of Sophia, the daughter of the Trenchard family, caught the attention of Edmund Bellasis, the son of one of the richest families in England. The story progresses 26 years later when the two families are settled, but the events of the ball and its secrets return.
This miniseries is based on the novel of the same name by Julian Fellowes, and this series is also written by Julian Fellowes as well. This is a great show and the perfect show to watch after one has completed watching shows like Bridgerton. This show will not disappoint its viewers. Moreover, if you are a fan of watching Regency period drama, then you are in for a treat.
4. Gossip Girl
- Directed By: Various Directors
- Written By: John Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage
- Cast: Blake Lively in the role of Serena Van Der Woodsen; Leighton Meester in the role of Blair Waldorf; Penn Badgley in the role of Dan Humphrey.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/ 10
- Available On: The 2007 version can be watched on Amazon Prime Video.
The show is about a mysterious girl who blogs about the secrets of teenagers in the Upper East Side of New York. And it is a rollercoaster of a show as it is full of romance and secrets, developing into a great drama show.
There are two Gossip Girl TV series. The first one is the original Gossip Girl, which was released in 2007. And there is another Gossip Girl series that was released in 2021 on HBO Max. This is a good watch and portrayal of the Upper East Side New Yorkers. However, since the portrayal was so accurate, it also created a backlash from the Elites. The theme is good and goes well with the show.
3. Vanity Fair
- Directed By: James Strong
- Written By: Gwyneth Hughes
- Cast: Olivia Cooke in the role of Becky Sharp; Claudia Jessie in the role of Amelia Sedley; Tom Bateman in the role of Rawdon Crawley.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/ 10
- Available On: It can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu Plus.
This show tells the story of Becky Sharp, a broke young woman who is iron-willed, and her friend, Amelia ‘Emily’ Sedley, a good-natured wealthy woman; the series shows the misadventures of the two girls in love, relationship, and family. The show has Napoleonic wars as its backdrop, similar to Bridgerton, which had the revolutionary war as its backdrop.
Regency period drama was not only influenced by Jane Austen but also by William Makepeace Thackeray. Although the series is only seven episodes long, it is a great watch. And since the show is based on a novel of the same name, viewers should expect that this series will be a good watch. The acting was splendid, the plot was perfect, and lastly, the show had gorgeous costumes. Hence, making it the perfect show to watch next.
2. The Spanish Princess
- Directed By: Birgitte Staermose
- Written By: Philippa Gregory, Emma Frost, and Matthew Graham
- Cast: Sai Bennett in the role of Princess Mary; Alicia Borrachero in the role of Queen Isabella; Andrew Buchan in the role of Thomas More.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/ 10
- Available On: You can stream it on Hulu and Starz.
The Spanish Princess is a historical romance drama where Catherine of Aragon goes to Wales, England, to marry Prince Harry, who is known as Henry VII of England.
The show is based on The Constant Princess and The King’s Curse by Philippa Gregory. The show is based on a true story. However, people should learn beforehand that the show is not historically accurate. And everything that is being displayed on the screen is not accurate, but this show shows a larger picture.
This is an amazing show, and the actors have nailed it. The show is amazing since it tells us about Catherine of Aragon. She was known to be one of the most interesting Queens to have ever lived. Moreover, Charlotte Hope brought her back to life with her amazing acting.
1. Queen Charlotte
- Directed By: Tom Verica and Betsy Beers.
- Written By: Shonda Rhimes
- Cast: India Amarteifio in the role of young Queen Charlotte; Arsema Thomas in the role of young Lady Danbury; Corey Mylchreest in the role of young King George.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Available On: You can stream it on Netflix.
This is a classic tale of Queen Charlotte and her rise to prominence and power. The Regency period drama will display how Queen Charlotte married King George III and their marriage. She has led to a love story and a societal shift.
This is a spin-off series of the Bridgerton universe. And this is a good show that will distract its viewers from Bridgerton season three. Moreover, this Regency period drama is based on the novel by Julia Quinn. However, the character of Queen Charlotte is based on the real-life royal figure. The show is historically accurate because of the portrayal of the fierce look of the reel as well as the real-life Queen Charlotte. This show has only two seasons.
