While Bridgerton has become incredibly popular as a historical romance, several other shows offer even more compelling stories. Over its four seasons, Bridgerton has provided an enjoyable, though not entirely accurate, look at Regency Era England, with a focus on the prominent Bridgerton family and the powerful Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).
Although Netflix’s Bridgerton deserves praise for its diverse cast and fantastic music, it’s not without flaws. The show features a large number of characters and storylines, which can sometimes feel like too much. Also, not all of the romantic pairings have strong chemistry, something that’s usually a key strength in romance shows.
Reign
2013-2017
As a total historical drama fan, I’ve noticed a trend – shows like Bridgerton play fast and loose with the facts, and Reign does the same with Mary, Queen of Scots. The show takes her story and really amps up the drama. Instead of a straightforward historical account, Reign throws Mary Stuart, played by Adelaide Kane, into a seriously steamy love triangle with King Francis II (Toby Regbo) and his half-brother, Bash (Torrance Coombs). It’s definitely more about the romance and intrigue than strict historical accuracy!
The show Reign features interesting takes on real historical figures alongside well-developed original characters, but it’s the show’s ability to build suspense that truly sets it apart. Over its four seasons, Reign manages to be as alluring as Bridgerton, even without relying on explicit scenes.
Pride and Prejudice
1995
Jane Austen is the queen of Regency romance, and her most famous work is undoubtedly Pride and Prejudice. This beloved novel has been retold many times, from the Bollywood film Bride and Prejudice to the fun, action-packed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, bringing the story to new generations.
The 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice isn’t just considered the best adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel – many believe it’s one of the greatest book-to-TV adaptations of all time. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) and Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) feels classic and enduring, and it paved the way for popular shows like Bridgerton.
Our Flag Means Death
2022-2023
Surprisingly, some of the most beloved love stories emerge from unlikely settings. Take Our Flag Means Death, for example. It began as a funny historical show about pirates, but the connection between Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) quickly became a classic enemies-to-lovers romance. It’s ironic that their sweet relationship developed within such a wild and adventurous world of pirates, sword fights, and being stranded on deserted islands.
Seeing older LGBTQ+ couples represented positively is unusual, particularly on mainstream television, making Our Flag Means Death stand out. The show’s heartwarming depiction of a close-knit pirate crew added to its cheerful atmosphere. Unfortunately, the cancellation of Our Flag Means Death remains a disappointment for fans, even after almost three years.
The Buccaneers
2023-Present
The core of The Buccaneers is a story about strong, non-romantic friendships. The title refers to a group of five close-knit young American women as they enter London high society for the first time. While adjusting to the differences between American and British culture during the Gilded Age, their most meaningful connections remain the bonds they share with each other.
Romance remains a key part of the Apple TV historical drama, offering plenty for viewers who enjoy love stories. Unlike Bridgerton, which introduces a lot of side characters, The Buccaneers focuses on its core group of friends, giving all the different love stories a fair amount of attention.
Harlots
2017-2019
While Bridgerton briefly touched on the limited opportunities for working-class women, Harlots dives deep into their world, focusing on the lives of women working in two rival brothels. Beyond the fierce competition between brothel owners Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), the women in both establishments faced judgment and hardship from society.
While Harlots isn’t primarily a romance, it features surprisingly sweet love stories within its larger plot. However, the show aimed to be more than just a romantic escape; its insightful look at society actually deepened the impact of its complicated relationships, making them even more interesting to consider.
Young Royals
2021-2024
Netflix’s Young Royals is a standout teen drama of recent years, especially considering it originally aired in Swedish. But some stories go beyond language barriers, like the compelling and forbidden love story between Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) and his classmate, Simon (Omar Rudberg).
The story of star-crossed lovers is a classic, but the Netflix series Young Royals is just as emotionally powerful and heartbreaking as the original Romeo and Juliet. Fortunately for those involved—both on screen and watching at home—this popular show offers a more hopeful conclusion.
Sanditon
2019-2023
Unlike the beloved Pride and Prejudice, Sanditon is Jane Austen’s least-known novel, largely because she didn’t finish writing it before her death in 1817. Despite being incomplete, talented screenwriter Andrew Davies transformed the fragments into a wonderful romantic story in the style of Austen.
The charming period drama Sanditon centers around Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) and her adventures in the beautiful seaside town of the same name. Before Jonathan Bailey and Luke Thompson gained popularity in Bridgerton, it was Theo James as Sidney Parker who captured the hearts of viewers in Sanditon.
The Great
2020-2023
MovieStillsDB
Most people consider The Great a brilliant historical drama, and the intense, complicated relationship between its main characters fueled some of the most captivating romantic moments ever seen on television. Elle Fanning plays a reimagined Catherine the Great who initially plans to kill her husband, Peter III (Nicholas Hoult), but their undeniable connection quickly complicates things.
The relationship between Catherine and Peter perfectly illustrates how easily love can turn to hate. With its clever writing, political scheming, and stunning costumes, The Great stands out as the best historical drama of the 2020s so far.
Like Water for Chocolate
2024-2026
Inspired by Laura Esquivel’s acclaimed 1989 novel, Like Water for Chocolate is a heartbreaking story of love between Tita, played by Azul Guaita, and Pedro, played by Andres Baida. The story unfolds during the Mexican Revolution, but their romance is complicated by a family tradition that prevents the youngest daughter from marrying, keeping Tita and Pedro apart.
Tita expresses her hidden emotions through her cooking, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. The second season of Like Water for Chocolate intensified the struggles of the central couple as they fought to maintain their connection, constantly drawn to each other but unable to fully be together.
Outlander
2014-2026
While both shows are based on books, Outlander is often seen as the original that paved the way for hits like Bridgerton. Before period dramas with romantic storylines became popular, Outlander debuted in 2014, adapted from the novels by Diana Gabaldon. The story centers on Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a nurse from the 1940s who unexpectedly travels back in time to 1743.
I’m a huge fan of Outlander, and I was completely swept away by the story of Claire and Jamie Fraser – Sam Heughan is fantastic as the brave Scottish Highlander she falls for. For over ten years, the show has been amazing, not just for the passionate romance and steamy scenes, but for how completely it built this incredible world. So, hearing that the final season is coming feels like the end of an era. While I enjoy Bridgerton, nothing will ever quite fill the void Outlander will leave behind.
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Every Targaryen Death in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon & AKOTSK, Ranked
- The Best Members of the Flash Family
- The Pitt Season 2, Episode 7 Recap: Abbot’s Return To PTMC Shakes Things Up
- Battlefield 6 Season 2 Update Is Live, Here Are the Full Patch Notes
- Ashes of Creation Mage Guide for Beginners
- Dan Da Dan Chapter 226 Release Date & Where to Read
- Duffer Brothers Discuss ‘Stranger Things’ Season 1 Vecna Theory
- ‘Crime 101’ Ending, Explained
- 10 Best Superhero Movie Sequels Ranked
2026-02-22 18:41