Who doesn’t love a good olden time, golden age romance? With the rise of shows like Bridgerton, The Crown, and others, audiences are becoming more and more obsessed with the glitz and glamour (as well as the dirty and rotten) ways of the past. Combine that with the common tropes of true love and possible lust, and you've got perfect TV for everyone.
There are many movies that have that perfect combination, but there are few series that aren’t outdated or able to stream available. Since Bridgerton season 2 has come to an end, fans are left to search for more to quench their thirst for more!
Outlander
Outlander is a drama series produced by Starz based on the ongoing novel series by Diane Gabaldon. Outlander follows Clare Randall, a wife, and former World War II army nurse from Scotland who is transported back in time to 1743. She encounters a band of Highlanders who are fleeing from British redcoats and marries Jamie Fraser out of pure necessity. However, as these stories tend to go, she finds herself falling in love with the Highlander.
Without spoilers, fans who are looking for a historically-accurate romance that showcases the colonial era in both Europe and the 13 Colonies are the perfect fit for Outlander. Not to mention the furthering of the storyline as Clare and Jamie travel, escape battles, and even struggle through the American Revolutionary War. Outlander has 5 Seasons, the most recent premiering in 2020. It is available to stream on Netflix (Seasons 1-4) and Starz (all seasons).
Dickinson
AppleTV+’s 3-season phenomenon Dickinson follows the renowned poet Emily Dickinson in this fictionalized rendition of her life story. Hailee Steinfeld plays the titular role as she navigates the social constraints of the 1800s as an aspiring writer. Dickinson is said to have a very coming-of-age feel to it, in addition to the romance among characters, and even features LGBTQ+ representation in the main characters as the show reclaims Emily Dickinson’s status as an LGBTQ+ icon.
This show is perfect for viewers who enjoy a comedic period piece with a very modern edge to the dialogue and many characters. Dickinson has 3 Seasons and is available to stream on AppleTV+.
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is one of the most popular historical drama franchises available to stream, having many seasons and even its own film. In this ITV/PBS show, viewers watch the Crawley family in the Yorkshire estate in Northern England, Downton Abbey. The series follows the aristocratic family and their servants as they navigate the changing world.
Downton Abbey does not shy away from historical accuracy as the show covers the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Spanish Flu, the Irish War of Independence, and many more and their effects on the British Social Hierarchy ever so present in the series. The 6 seasons of Downton Abbey are available to stream on Amazon Prime.
The Great
Hulu's The Great is comedy-drama series about Russia’s famous monarch, Catherine the Great. The series is very loosely based on historical events but is mostly fiction surrounding actual people. The plot follows Catherine the Great from her humble beginnings outside the court to becoming the female ruler of the country. In terms of romance, The Great has an enemies-to-lovers plotline where Catherine attempts to plot her husband’s death in the first season.
This show is perfect for fans of a historical plotline that is more comedic and loose instead of concretely factual. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Hulu.
The Gilded Age
HBO's new historical drama series The Gilded Age follows two families, the Russells and the old-money-wealthy van Rhijn-Brooks, as time progresses and the status quo changes. The series is set in New York in 1882 and follows a multitude of characters from the upper-class, middle-class workers, the elite black community, and even some servant class as well. Featuring many Broadway actors well-known in their community, The Gilded Age quickly became very popular.
This show is perfect for fans looking for a historical romance that follows many character arcs with a unique and revealing HBO flair. The Gilded Age is streaming on HBO and HBOMax.
Reign
Reign is a historical romance series released on The CW that ran from 2013 to 2017. The series follows the French monarch Mary, Queen of Scots, and her rise to power in the French court. Mary must deal with the changing politics, arranged marriages, and the other powerful people that influence her life (including the infamous Catherine de’Medici and Nostradamus). Mary finds love and lust with royal marriages and secret love affairs, and other medieval monarchs make appearances as their ambitions grow stronger.
This series is perfect for those wanting a soapy, historically accurate, and traditional romance show. Reign is now available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
A Place to Call Home
The Australian series A Place to Call Home follows Sarah Adams as she returns home to Australia from Paris to start a new life after World War II (and the presumed death of her husband). Upon arrival, she begins to work for a hospital near the rich Bligh family, and the Matriarch and her tend to fight. When Sarah learns her husband is still alive following the atrocities of World War II, she begins to spiral as more and more is revealed. In terms of romance, the series has many entanglements and complicated (even sometimes secret) relationships and features some LGBTQ+ representation as well.
The series is great for those seeking something new to try. Being set in a more modern era than the other shows listed, A Place to Call Home presents a unique viewpoint and storyline. A Place to Call Home’s 6 seasons are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Bridgerton
Dearest readers, who can forget about the hit Netflix show? Bridgerton is one of Netflix’s most popular shows to date, with steamy and intriguing romance around every corner. Based on the novels by Julia Quinn and created by Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton follows the powerful siblings of the Bridgerton family as they find love during the regency era of England. Bridgerton has a unique aesthetic, including people of all races in this historically-inspired series set with the backdrop of London’s high society. With the release of Season 2, Bridgerton has once again taken over Netflix’s streaming site and the entertainment news buzz.
This show is perfect for those wanting something spicy, sensual, and ridiculously exciting with the elegant flair of the regency era. Bridgerton’s 2 seasons are available to stream on Netflix. Both a spin-off and additional seasons have been announced!