The popular Netflix series Bridgerton is back with its fourth season, after almost two years! This season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton and his love story with Sophie, a romance fans have been excited to see. If you can’t get enough Bridgerton – or the wait for the rest of season 4 (releasing February 26th) feels too long – there are lots of other excellent historical dramas and romance shows to enjoy.
Whether you enjoy darkly funny shows inspired by real people, fantastical time-travel adventures, or anything in between, historical television offers fantastic storytelling. If you’re looking for something new after watching Bridgerton, or just want a quality period drama that isn’t a Shondaland romance, here are five shows to check out.
5) Dickinson
Similar to Bridgerton, the series Dickinson doesn’t take historical accuracy too seriously, which makes it a fun and unique watch. Loosely based on the life of poet Emily Dickinson, played by Hailee Steinfeld, the show follows her journey as a young writer challenging the norms of the 1800s, especially when it comes to finding a husband. Dickinson skillfully blends the atmosphere of the mid-19th century with contemporary issues like gender and sexuality.
As a total movie and TV buff, I really enjoyed Dickinson. The acting is superb, but what really grabbed me was how they played with time – dropping in modern music and slang. It gives the show a surprisingly fresh and cool vibe. You can find it streaming on Apple TV+.
4) Poldark
For a more dramatic choice, consider Poldark. This five-season series, adapted from Winston Graham’s novels, follows Ross Poldark, a British Army captain. He returns to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War only to find everything changed: his father has passed away, his family estate is in disrepair and deeply in debt, and the woman he loves is engaged to his cousin. He must then work to rebuild his life from scratch.
Unlike the lighter tone of Bridgerton, Poldark is a dramatic and captivating series filled with twists, turns, and even exciting adventures. It follows Ross as he navigates a difficult life and unexpectedly finds romance. You can currently watch it on Netflix.
3) Outlander
Now’s a great time to start watching Outlander! The final season premieres March 6th on Starz. The show, based on Diana Gabaldon’s books, tells the story of Claire, a nurse who travels from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. There, she meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, beginning an epic romance filled with historical drama and time travel.
Fans love Outlander for its captivating story and passionate romance. The series follows the incredible journey of Claire and Jamie, filled with adventure, obstacles, and a unique time-travel twist. You can watch the first seven seasons on Netflix, and season eight is available on Starz.
2) The Great
Honestly, The Great lives up to its name – and that’s no joke! The show tells the story of a young Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) as she travels to Russia to marry Peter III (Nicholas Hoult). While it doesn’t stick closely to actual history, it’s a really funny and often cynical show. Both Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult give amazing performances, but Hoult often steals the scene.
What makes The Great so good is that it doesn’t try to be historically accurate – it openly calls itself “An Occasionally True Story.” This focus on fun allows the show to be hilarious and visually impressive, with fantastic costumes and sets. The series follows Catherine’s amusing and dramatic plan to overthrow her husband and become the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia. All three seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
1) Harlots
Harlots is a fantastic period drama that deserves more attention. It centers on Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton), who manages a brothel in 1700s London. She’s determined to provide a better life for her daughters and the women she cares for, and she tries to achieve this by moving her brother’s business to a more upscale location on Greek Street in Soho, hoping to attract wealthier clients. This plan, however, creates a fierce rivalry with another brothel owner.
While a little more realistic and raw than Bridgerton, Harlots is just as entertaining. It’s full of juicy drama, romance, and scandal, and the costumes are stunning. You can watch all three seasons now on Hulu.
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2026-02-07 02:13