Top 6 Period Dramas To Cure Bridgerton Withdrawal
The Bridgerton drought is upon us.
Shondaland and Netflix sure know how to create a buzz around their shows. Right now, thousands of Bridgerton fans are using various social media platforms to discuss everything about the love story of Colin and Penelope Bridgerton as well as the future of the bodice-ripping show.
However, practice shows that this blissful activity will not last for long. Pretty soon, the discussions will thin out and fans will have to deal with a new long Bridgerton-less drought coupled with a severe withdrawal. Sadly, showrunner Jess Brownell shared in her chat with THR that Season 4 is unlikely to hit Netflix before 2026.
If you've already read all of Julia Quinn's original Bridgerton novels, there's only one way to pass that long time - watch similar shows. Here is the ultimate list of fan-favorite period dramas that are sure to scratch your Bridgerton itch.
Sanditon (2019-2023)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Disney+, Fandango at Home, ITVX, PBS
If you want to explore Regency England beyond the London featured in Bridgerton, the story of Charlotte Heywood, a young independent woman who accidentally moves to a seaside village, is perfect for you. Charlotte not only discovers love and friendship in this new place, but also uncovers some intriguing secrets kept by its inhabitants. The series is inspired by Jane Austen's unfinished novel.
Dickinson (2019-2021)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Apple TV+
If it's the modern style mixed with a period piece that appeals to you in Bridgerton, check out the three-season dramedy about a rebellious young Victorian-era poet, Emily Dickinson. The show is not historically accurate at all, but that's intentional and allows the creators to sneak in many themes that resonate with us today. As a bonus, other historically significant people make cameos from time to time.
The Great (2020-2023)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Hulu, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Channel 4
Another alternate history drama (often described as satirical and anti-historical) is loosely based on Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning female ruler of Russia. It depicts Catherine's rise to power and her plot to kill her depraved and dangerous husband, Tsar Peter III. Sadly, the show was unexpectedly canceled and doesn't provide a sense of closure in the finale.
Poldark (2015-2019)
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, BBC iPlayer
Based on a popular book series, this drama is set in the late 18th century and tells the story of an army veteran who returns home to Cornwall after the war to find his life in ruins. It has a more serious tone than Bridgerton, but is sure to provide you with an emotional rollercoaster of a romance and a gorgeous, haunting soundtrack.
Outlander (2014-present)
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: STARZ, Netflix, Prime Video, Fandango at Home
The fandom for this series, based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, is just as passionate as Bridgerton's. Plus, the final eighth season is still in production, so you have a chance to join the heated discussions when it comes out next year. The story of the World War II nurse who is transported to 18th century Scotland and finds the love of her life there is much more violent than Bridgerton. But it leaves no viewer indifferent.
Pride and Prejudice (1995 & 2005)
IMDb rating: 8.8/10 & 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Fandango at Home, BBC iPlayer
Of course, we couldn't leave out the quintessential Regency romance from this list. The ultimate enemies-to-lovers story by the one and only Jane Austen has had many adaptations, two of which are considered classics.
The 1995 version is a six-episode miniseries featuring the iconic Colin Firth wet-shirt scene. And the 2005 version is a film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. To this day, romance fans can't agree on which is the best, so please watch both and decide for yourself.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.