The best shows like Bridgerton

Bridgerton is one of the most popular new period dramas of the last decade, exploding onto Netflix and almost immediately becoming not just a global sensation, but one of the most watched shows of all time for the streaming giant.

Telling an alternative version of history in Regency London the show has been praised by critics and celebrated by fans for its excellent storytelling and its racially diverse depiction of the capital of Britain at that time.

Executive produced by Shonda Rimes, the legendary American producer behind big hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal to name but a few, this is a show that will have you hooked from the very start. The problem is, at some point you are going to run our of episodes to watch… and that’s when you’re going to need to need this very hand list of the best shows like Bridgerton to consult.

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OK, if you are sitting comfortable and you’ve stopped Googling when the next season of Bridgeton is coming to Netflix, we can begin…

Dickinson

Apple TV Plus’s Dickinson is a must-watch for fans of Bridgerton. The show is set in the 1800s and follows the life of Emily Dickinson. Dickinson was a groundbreaking poet who wrote about topics that were considered taboo at the time. The show is visually stunning and features amazing performances by Hailee Steinfeld and Toby Huss. If you’re looking for a period drama with a strong female lead, Dickinson is the show for you.

Stream on Apple TV+ now

The Cook of Castamar

The Cook of Castamar is a show on Netflix that is bound to get fans of shows like Bridgerton hooked. The programme is set in 18th century Spain and follows the story of a widowed nobleman who falls in love with an agoraphobic cook.

The Cook of Castamar is a sultry and steamy show that fans of Bridgerton will love. The period setting and lavish costumes are sure to transport viewers to another world, while the scandalous romance will keep them riveted to the screen.

Scandal

This show may not be a period piece, but it shares DNA with Bridgerton in that it was created by the US super producer Shonda Rhimes. Scandal follows Olivia Pope, a former White House Communications Director who starts her own crisis management firm. Olivia and her team take on all sorts of scandals, from political affairs to murders. The show is full of twists and turns, and you never know what’s going to happen next.

The Pursuit of Love

One show that is similar is The Pursuit of Love starring Lily James. This show is based on the novel by Nancy Mitford and follows the lives of two cousins who are looking for love in early 20th century England. The Pursuit of Love is a charming and funny show that will appeal to fans of Bridgerton.

Sanditon

This British period drama is set in the early 19th century and follows the residents of the fictional titular village as they navigate love, scandal, and intrigue. It is based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel of the same name and adapted for screen by Andrew Davies. Just like Bridgerton, Sanditon is full of stunning costumes, lavish sets, and passionate romance. So if you’re in the mood for more costume drama, be sure to give Sanditon a try.

The Great

The Great stars Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great, the ambitious young empress of Russia. The show is a fictionalised account of her rise to power, and it’s full of drama, intrigue, and plenty of scandalous affairs. This is more of a comedy than Bridgerton, but will certainly appeal to those who like the lighter side of the Netflix series. The Great is available on Hulu.

Outlander

Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall (played by Catriona Balfe), a World War II nurse who is transported back in time to 18th century Scotland. There, she meets Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan), a dashing Highland warrior, and becomes embroiled in the Jacobite rebellion. Like Bridgerton, Outlander is full of stunning scenery, passionate romance, and political intrigue. Plus, the strong female lead makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves empowering women on television.

The Gilded Age

From the pen of Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, this period drama from HBO is set in the affluent town houses of New York City in the late 1800s in America. It is based on themes that will be familiar to Downton fans including changing times and features the exploits of both those living upstairs and downstairs in the great houses of the city. If you love period drama and a spot of intrigue and scandal along the way, this could be just the Bridgerton fix you’re looking for.

Harlots

When it comes to period dramas, Bridgerton is not the only show in town. Hulu’s Harlots offers a very different take on life in Regency England. The series follows the lives of prostitutes working in London’s seedy underbelly.

Harlots is a gritty and often violent show, but it also has its fair share of humour and heart. The characters are richly drawn and the acting is superb. If you’re looking for a period drama with a bit more edge, then Harlots is definitely worth checking out.5

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