Period dramas are a phenomenal form of escapism, and they can harken back to any time period that fans choose. From all the way back to ancient Rome to the days of sweeping gowns and society intrigue, even up to this century, there’s a period drama for everyone.
Mad Men (2007-2015)
Mad Men is an iconic show that revolves around employees at an advertising firm in the 1960s. The series follows a leading figure at the firm, Don Draper (Jon Hamm), several other characters who work with him, and their respective families.
The show doesn’t shy away from the dark historical moments and what was considered socially normal in the 1960s, which makes it difficult to watch at times but a fairly accurate–and brilliantly-acted–period piece series.
A Very English Scandal (2018-2021)
A Very English Scandal takes place in the 1960s and 1970s in England. It is based on the real-life story and scandal of how politician Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) was desperate to keep his affair with Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw) from the public.
Things become more complicated as Thorpe continues to gain political power, and eventually Thorpe and others are put on trial for conspiring to murder Scott to keep him quiet, making for a remarkably thrilling–and ultimately scandalous–piece of television.
The Americans (2013-2018)
The Americans is set in the 1980s during the height of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The series follows two KGB spies, Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth (Keri Russell) Jennings, who are living in the states just after Ronald Reagan has been elected.
The couple struggles to decide whether to side with the Soviets or the Americans and things are further complicated when an FBI agent moves in next door. Overall, the series explores the rising tension between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War, perfectly framing this stage of history for the modern audience.
Poldark (2015-2019)
Set in the late 1700s, Poldark took fans of period drama by storm. This series follows the titular character, back in Cornwall (the coast of England) after his involvement in the American Revolutionary war.
Audiences can expect intrigue, high drama, and of course, romance in this gripping historical piece - all set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, with the kind of sweeping dresses and suits that any period fan will love.
Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Downton Abbey may be one of the most well-known period dramas of the past few decades - and with good reason. Starting in the year 1912, the series follows the fortunes of the Crawley family as they navigate the various social and political movements over the course of the next few decades.
From the need for an heir to the major events of the time, Downton Abbey covers it all with stunning costumes and incredible wit. The series has proven to be incredibly popular over the course of its run, leading to two feature films being released in recent years.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-Present)
For something a little more modern, audiences can take a stroll only a few decades back in time to New York in the 1960s. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is all about the incredible life of the titular character, a Jewish housewife who becomes a stand-up comedian.
Mrs. Maisel is the kind of woman that can only be described as ‘irrepressible’, and paired off with her grumpy manager, this is a show filled with incredible jokes, incredible costumes, and characters that outshine both.
Vikings (2013-2020)
Of course, if cute dresses and sweeping gowns aren’t to a fan’s tastes, they should go further back still, to the time of the Vikings. This hit series is based on the heroic figure of Ragnar Lothbrok, who raided the lands of France and England and became a Viking legend. Though the series sometimes plays things fast and loose with its historical accuracy, it remains one of the most popular series from the History Channel.
Get ready for a much more violent kind of intrigue, with romance balanced by epic battles and violent fight scenes. This is a longer series, though, so a binge-watch is definitely more of a commitment, with six seasons of heart-pounding action and drama.
Brittania (2018-Present)
Brittania is a unique series that will appeal to fans of Rome and Vikings who are looking for something a little more female-focused. Set in AD 43, the series focuses on the conflict between the Celts and the Romans.
Featuring warrior women, Celtic Queens, and magical Druids, this is a series for anyone who wants well-written female leads and a little bit of fantasy along with their battles. The series continues to air new episodes, marking the perfect time for new viewers to jump on board before the next season premieres.
Doctor Thorne (2016)
An adaptation of the novel of the same name, Doctor Thorne comes from the same man behind Downton Abbey, sparking interest from an already-built-in fanbase. The historical drama takes place in the late 1800s, where an English doctor faces pressure from his family regarding his romantic interests.
Doctor Thorne has all the ingredients that fans can expect from a classic period drama - incredible costumes, high society, romance… death, intrigue, and scandal. The series is also very short - making it a perfect binge-watch. And of course, devoted fans can always read the book as well.
The Durrells (2016-2019)
Based on the real-life memoirs of Gerald Durrell, The Durrells, sometimes known as The Durrells in Corfu, is a comedy-drama set in the 1930s. The series follows the titular family as they move to Corfu in an effort to make better lives for themselves after the passing of their patriarch.
With four seasons for fans to enjoy, this light-hearted drama doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it stand out among other period pieces of its kind. The series proved to be popular among both critics and fans, enjoying a celebrated run until it came to an end in 2019.
Grantchester (2014-Present)
Set in 1950s England, Grantchester is a popular detective drama following the exploits of several well-regarded sleuths in their hometown of Grantchester, Cambridgeshire. The series enjoyed several compelling leads during the course of its run, which currently consists of seven seasons, with an eighth on the way.
Grantchester is the perfect crossover for fans of both period dramas and mysteries, as it offers several intriguing capers set in mid-20th century England. With each respective season generally lasting only six episodes, the series is also a relatively easy binge-watch for fans looking to catch up quickly.
Little Women (2017)
In 2017, Louisa May Alcott’s iconic novel Little Women received yet another live-action adaptation in the form of a limited series. The series starred Emily Watson, Maya Hawke, Willa Ford, and Katheryn Newton as the March family, who navigate the intricacies of growing up as women in 19th-century New England.
The Collection (2016)
The Collection runs for a breezy eight episodes, each of which captures the look and feel of a post-World War II Paris. The miniseries is the perfect combination of interests for both lovers of period dramas and for history buffs.
Vanity Fair (2018)
Based on William Makepeace Thackery’s novel, Vanity Fair is a historical drama set in mid-19th century France. Starring House of the Dragon’s Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp, the series follows the Paris social scene in the 1840s as Sharp attempts to boost her social status by making friends in high places.
Cooke delivers one of her finest performances in the role of Becky Sharp, standing on her own among the leagues of other talented actresses to have played the part. Similarly, 2018’s Vanity Fair keeps its wits about it, never losing track of its 21st-century audience amidst its 19th century setting, uniting the two time periods quite nicely throughout its seven episodes.
