There has always been a sense of comfort and excitement in a good old period drama. I guess it must be the escape from the real world we can get, transporting us to another century full of courting, lavish ball gowns and lust. These shows allow us to to spend hours in another world whenever we want to. To save you the effort of scrolling through Netflix trying to find the perfect show, I’ve written a few of my favourites to get you started:
1. Bridgerton
The brand new popular period drama Bridgerton follows the life of Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of a powerful family as she makes her debut onto London’s marriage market. Set in 1813 the show follows the drama, love and lust of Daphne Bridgerton as she tries to find her way to a happily married life. This production hasn’t just made a tv series it has transported us into another world we simply just don’t want to leave!
2. The Crown
Award winning Netflix show The Crown focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a young newlywed who is faced with difficult challenges throughout her monarchy. The show offers insights to the Royal family we didn’t even know we needed, but now couldn’t live without. Prepare to see behind the locked doors of Westminster and Buckingham Palace as the show unravels the deepest darkest secrets of The Crown.
3. Downton Abbey
The huge success that was Downton Abbey hit our screens in 2010 and followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family. The show was set between 1912 and 1926 and we watched the family go through all the ups and downs as if they were our own. There was romance, drama and death, everything you could ever want in a tv show and to this day, Downton Abbey is the most successful British costume drama and we can all see why!
4. Pride and Prejudice
There have been hundreds of Jane Austen adaptations of her famous book, however none have been as successful or as charming as the 1995 BBC version. Set in the early 19th century, it tells the story of a young woman who is prejudice towards a man who has rather too much pride (hence the name.) In a world where social class either makes or breaks them, see how this man and women navigate secrets, deception and family drama on their journey to finding love.
5. Reign
Reign has the perfect balance between love and friendship, the show follows the life of Mary Queen of Scots as she starts growing up and settling down. With double crossing, secret keeping and lots of affairs it’s a must see for any period drama lover.
6. Poldark
The series centres around the life of Mr Ross Poldark, a lovable bad boy who has returned home from the American War of Independence. His estate is in ruins and even his childish sweetheart is now engaged to his cousin Francis. Set in 18th century Cornwall Poldark follows the life of Ross as he comes to terms with returning from the war and settling back to every day life. Since it emerged on our screens in 2015 it has been named the show that ‘made Sundays sexy again’ and we definitely agree!
7. Merlin
A personal favourite and fantasy must see, this show follows the growth of secret sorcerer Merlin as he tries to fulfil his destiny of saving and protecting Prince Arthur. If you love fantasy, magic, adventure and dragons this is perfect for you. With gorgeous sets and costumes this BBC show simply has no flaws.
