15 Best Shows Like Bridgerton You’ll Obsess Over

Bridgerton is hands down one of my favourite Netflix shows. It’s one of the few series that can entertain me instantly. I love a Regency-era show with romance and yearning, and I’m completely obsessed with the characters.

The Bridgerton family has each sibling take the focus in a different season, which makes the storytelling and character dynamics so great. I also love the scandal and drama of the ton, with Lady Whistledown at the helm. If you love drama and chaos, this show is so good. First airing in 2020, the series is based on the book series of the same name by Julia Quinn.

If you’re just as in love with the Netflix series as I am, here are 15 shows like Bridgerton you should watch next.

Rundown of Bridgerton – What you need to know

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley
• Seasons: 4 (with additional seasons confirmed)
• Episodes: 32
• Runtime: 55–70 minutes per episode
• Creators: Chris Van Dusen
• Release date: 2020
• Where to Watch (UK): Netflix

What is Bridgerton About?

Bridgerton is a popular period drama that aired during lockdown in 2020. This show quickly became a hit due to its romance element and scandal. Lady Whistledown is at the centre of the gossip. Each season sees one Bridgerton family member enter society, fall in love, and get married. It’s a very wholesome show.

Here are shows to watch just like it:

The Gilded Age

• Genre: Period Drama
• Starring: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski
• Seasons: 3 (with another on the way)
• Epsiodes: 25
• Runtime: 80 minutes per episode
• Creator: Julian Fellowes
• Release date: 2022
• Where to Watch (UK): HBO Max / NOW

With only three seasons so far and another on the way, The Gilded Age tops the list as a much-raved-about period drama. It focuses on the lives of high society, but in this instance, it’s not London, but New York in the 1880s. The show follows the Russell family and their lives as they navigate wealth, power, and social status in a rapidly evolving world. It’s a worthwhile series, praised for its stunning costumes and the performances of lead actors Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski.

Downton Abbey

• Genre: Period Drama / Historical Drama
• Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jessica Brown Findlay, Maggie Smith, Joanne Froggatt, Brendan Coyle
• Seasons: 6
• Episodes: 52
• Runtime: 50–65 mins per episode
• Creator: Julian Fellowes
• Release date: 2010
• Where to Watch (UK): ITVX

Downton Abbey is a show that many people are familiar with. This acclaimed British drama series first aired in 2010 and spans six seasons. It chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century, against the backdrop of major historical events and social change. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, and Joanne Froggatt.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: India Amarteifio, Corey Mylchreest, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh
• Seasons: 1 Limited Series
• Episodes: 6
• Runtime: 53–82 mins per episode
• Creator: Shonda Rhimes
• Release date: 2023
• Where to Watch (UK): Netflix

As a lover of the Bridgerton series, this was a must-watch for me. Queen Charlotte focuses on a young Queen before she ascended to the throne and follows her journey as she meets King George.

Sanditon

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Rose Williams, Theo James, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Crystal Clarke
• Seasons: 3
• Episodes: 20
• Runtime: 55–60 mins per episode
• Creator: Andrew Davies
• Release date: 2019
• Where to Watch (UK): ITVX

Sanditon is another charming adaptation inspired by the unfinished work of Jane Austen. The story follows Charlotte Heywood as she leaves her rural home for the bustling seaside resort of Sanditon, where she is introduced to a world of wealth, opportunity, and complex relationships. Starring Theo James, the series first aired in 2019 and concluded in 2023.

Poldark

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Farthing, Luke Norris, Heida Reed
• Seasons: 5
• Episodes: 43
• Runtime: 55–60 mins per episode
• Creator: Developed by Debbie Horsfield (based on the novels by Winston Graham)
• Release date: 2015
• Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer

Ross Poldark is a British Army veteran who travels back home after the American Revolutionary War, only to find his old life completely transformed. His father has died, his estate is in ruins, and the woman he loves is engaged to someone else. Poldark is a five-season historical drama about sacrifice, love, family, and remaining strong through hardships. With romance, period setting, and captivating relationships, the show is definitely worth watching for fans of Bridgerton.

Reign

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Adelaide Kane, Toby Regbo, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs, Caitlin
• Seasons: 4
• Episodes: 78
• Runtime: 42–44 mins per episode
• Creators: Stasey, Anna Popplewell
• Release date: 2013
• Where to Watch (UK): Netflix

Reign is a rare gem among period dramas. Originally airing in 2013, the series follows the life of Mary, Queen of Scots as she navigates power and politics in the French court. It also follows her tumultuous relationship with Francis II of France, alongside the challenges of maintaining friendships and securing her position in her world.

Belgravia

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Tamsin Greig, Harriet Walter, Philip Glenister, Tom Wilkinson, Alice Eve, Richard Goulding
• Seasons: 1 (limited series)
• Episodes: 6
• Runtime: 60 mins per episode
• Creator: Julian Fellowes
• Release date: 2020
• Where to Watch (UK): Amazon Prime

Although Belgravia ran for only one season, it made a lasting impression. The series features a stellar cast, a spectacular storyline, and a captivating tale of romance, ambition, and struggle. Belgravia centers on the Trenchard family and their place within the complicated social hierarchy of 19th-century London. It is based on the novel by Julian Fellowes.

The Buccaneers

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag, Imogen Waterhouse, Matthew Broome
• Seasons: 2 (as of 2026)
• Episodes: 16
• Runtime: 50–59 mins per episode
• Creator: Katherine Jakeways
• Release date: 2023
• Where to Watch (UK): Apple TV+

This is a great historical drama starring Kristine Froseth and Matthew Broome. The Buccaneers is set in the 1870s during the Gilded Age and follows a group of wealthy young American women who travel to London in search of love, status, and adventure.. The series explores the clash between American independence and traditional British aristocratic society. It’s a must-watch for fans of historical romance.

Victoria

• Genre: Historical Drama / Romance
• Stars: Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Rufus Sewell, Daniela Holtz, Nell Hudson, Catherine Flemming
• Seasons: 3
• Episodes: 25
• Runtime: 45–60 mins per episode
• Creator: Daisy Goodwin
• Release date: 2016
• Where to Watch (UK) : ITVX

Jenna Coleman helms Victoria. Gosh, this series is so addictive as we follow Victoria’s life after she ascends to the British throne at just 18 years old. These includes her intense friendship and infatuation with her favourite advisor Lord Melbourne (Rufus Sewell), to her courtship and early marriage to Prince Albert (Tom Hughes) of Germany and the birth of their first child, Victoria, Princess Royal.

The Empress

• Genre: Historical Drama / Romance
• Stars: Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Jördis Triebel, Almila Bagriacik
• Seasons: 3 (the third and final season has been announced)
• Episodes: 12
• Runtime: 49–62 mins per episode
• Creator: Katharina Eyssen
• Release date: 2022
• Where to Watch: Netflix

The Empress is a drama series that chronicles the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It tells the story of a whirlwind romance between two young people as it follows Elisabeth’s life after she falls in love with and marries Emperor Franz Joseph. It is set in the Austrian court, where viewers are given a glimpse into the challenges of royal life.

Outlander

• Genre: Historical Drama / Romance / Fantasy
• Stars: Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin
• Seasons: 8
• Episodes: 101
• Runtime: 50–90 mins per episode
• Creator: Ronald D. Moore
• Release date: 2014
• Where to Watch (UK): Netflix

A beloved drama, Outlander, is adapted into a TV series following the popularity of the books by Diana Gabaldon. Set in Scotland, it follows the love story between the handsome Jamie Fraser and the beautiful Claire Randall Fraser, after Claire is mysteriously transported from 1945 back to the rugged and dangerous Scottish Highlands of 1743. It’s a really good series with romance, adventure, and fantasy.

Dickinson

• Genre: Historical Comedy-Drama / Romance
• Stars: Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Jane Krakowski, Ella Hunt, Adrian Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov
• Seasons: 3
• Episodes: 30
• Runtime: 27–35 mins per episode
• Creator: Alena Smith
• Release date: 2019
• Where to Watch (UK): Apple TV+

Dickinson is about a woman named Emily Dickinson. In this funny and, modern coming-of-age story, we follow her as she pursues her passion for poetry. But Emily also challenges societal expectations, navigates love and family conflicts. It stars Hailee Steinfeld in the main role.

North & South

• Genre: Period Drama / Romance
• Stars: Daniela Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage, Sinéad Cusack, Tim Pigott-Smith
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 4
• Runtime: 60 mins per episode
• Creator: Brian Percival
• Release date: 2004
• Where to Watch (UK): BBC iPlayer

Airing in 2004, this underrated British period drama is a must-watch for fans of Bridgerton. Set during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England, the series explores social classes, wealth and power. The series has a slow-burn romance between Margaret Hale, who hails from rom the South, and John Thornton, a mill owner from the North.

Harlots

• Genre: Period Drama / Drama
• Stars: Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Eloise Smyth
• Seasons: 3
• Episodes: 24
• Runtime: 45–55 mins per episode
• Creators: Moira Buffini and Alison Newman
• Release date: 2017
• Where to Watch (UK): ITVX

Harlots is set in 18th-century London and follows the lives of women working in the city’s thriving sex trade. The series centers on Margaret Wells, a brothel owner determined to secure a better future for her daughters while competing with a powerful rival madam in a world shaped by wealth, status, and survival. Harlots is a gripping drama with strong romance element.

Versailles

• Genre: Historical Drama / Political Drama
• Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan, Stuart Bowman
• Seasons: 3
• Episodes: 30
• Runtime: 52–58 mins per episode
• Creators: Simon Mirren and David Wolstencroft
• Release date: 2015
• Where to Watch (UK): BBC

This fan-favourite historical drama stars the likes of Alexander Vlahos and George Blagden. Set in 1667, the series follows the reign of Louis XIV as he embarks on the ambitious construction of the magnificent Palace of Versailles.