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16 Shows & Movies Like Bridgerton If You’re Craving More Scandals & Period Costumes
Because Season 2 can’t come fast enough.
Shondaland’s Bridgerton hit Netflix on Dec. 25, 2020, but if you’re as obsessed as the rest of the internet, you probably whipped through its tight eight-episode first season within a week. Luckily there are many other TV shows and films like Bridgerton to dive into afterward.
Based on Julia Quinn's book series, the Regency-era romance drama focuses on Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of the wealthy titular family, as she begins her search for a husband. To make herself appear more desirable, she enters a fake relationship with Duke Simon Baset, who’s vowed never to marry but wants to repel the many mothers incessantly trying to set him up with their daughters. However, as the pseudo-romance continues, the two begin to legitimately fall for each other — because, of course.
Per Variety, Bridgerton became Netflix’s highest-viewed series of all time after a whopping 82 million households viewed it in January 2021 alone, so it's no surprise the platform already announced Bridgerton Season 2 is on the way. Whether it was the gorgeous settings, intricate costumes, classically twisted modern soundtrack, steamy sex scenes, or the diverse (and wildly attractive) cast that drew you to Bridgerton, here are 16 similar series and films you should check out in the meantime:
1
The Great
Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great, Hulu's hit period series puts a zany, hysterical spin on the story of Russia's longest-running woman in charge. Released in May 2020, it's a wild, dramatic, and not-quite-factually-accurate take on 18th-century Russia filled with stunning costumes, murderous plots, and an exquisite script perfectly suited for your next marathon watch. And thanks to critical acclaim and several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, Hulu has already renewed it for Season 2.
2
Outlander
Starz's hit drama series Outlander follows a former World War II nurse who's transported back to the 1700s, where she encounters violent battles and intense romance. With five seasons already released, the TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's book series starring Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan is bound to have you hooked in no time. Lucky for those who have already watched all five seasons of the series, Starz has announced that the Emmy-nominated series will return for Season 6 in 2022.
3
Emma.
You can tell Emma. is a period piece by the apt punctuation at the end of its title. At least, that's how director Autumn de Wilde explained the choice. Such tongue-in-cheek humor is prevalent throughout the comedy-drama based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name. Netflix fans may also recognize The Queen's Gambit actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who stars as Emma Woodhouse, a young woman with a knack for meddling in the romantic lives of those around her, in the 2020 film.
4
The Favourite
Featuring Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and an Oscar-winning performance from Olivia Colman, this 2018 period black comedy is a heightened exploration of the relationship between Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough (Weisz) and Abigail Masham (Stone) as they compete for the coveted role of Queen Anne's (Colman) Court favourite. Set in 18th-century England, The Favourite packs laughs, extreme drama, and a queer love affair that will have you gasping at every turn.
5
Dickinson
This comedic, feminist, and over-the-top retool of Emily Dickinson's life is perfect if you're looking for a series that's a bit more ridiculous than Bridgerton. In Dickinson, which premiered in 2019, Hailee Steinfeld portrays a party-loving, opium-smoking, and much more outgoing version of the poet. To make the Peabody Award-winning Apple TV+ show even more intriguing, it features a modern soundtrack of Drake, Billie Eilish, and A$AP Rocky hits and co-stars Wiz Khalifa as the blunt-smoking physical embodiment of death.
6
Harlots
Crafted by a team of all women, this 2017 Hulu series ran for three seasons and centers around an 18th-century brothel owner (Samantha Morton) striving to save her business and create a better future for her daughters. While the critically acclaimed series was cut short, Harlots is an empowering story packed with racy romance and cutthroat drama that's a perfect fit for the next vacancy on your watchlist.
7
The Crown
If you enjoyed Bridgerton's exploration of high society, you'd love The Crown, a period drama from Netflix that takes place a century later and blurs the lines of fact and fiction. Split into multiple time periods, the 39-time Emmy-nominated series features an ensemble cast including Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham-Carter, and Emerald Fennell. Starting at the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, The Crown tackles royal drama, political scandals, and more — and you may even recognize some of the same filming locations from Bridgerton.
8
Gossip Girl
If Bridgerton were set in Manhattan and featured narration from a writer voiced by Kristen Bell rather than Julie Andrews, it would pretty much be Gossip Girl. While it may be the only non-period series on this list, it features just as much drama, steaminess, and high fashion as the Netflix show. Ahead of the series’ forthcoming revival at HBO Max, dive into the original 2007 series starring Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, Chase Crawford, and Taylor Momsen.
9
Marie Antoinette
With modern music from Aphex Twin, The Strokes, and Bow Wow Wow woven throughout and an Oscar for Best Costume Design under its belt, Sofia Coppola's 2006 film Marie Antoinette will fill the Bridgerton-shaped hole in your life. Kirsten Dunst delivers a memorable performance as the alluring, naïve new queen of France who becomes embroiled in scandal after scandal leading up to the French Revolution.
10
Gentleman Jack
In the BBC One and HBO drama Gentleman Jack, created by Sally Wainwright, Susanne Jones plays Anne Lister, an out lesbian and landowner in Yorkshire, which was quite the unconventional lifestyle for a woman in 1832. Based on Lister's real-life diaries primarily written in code, the series is an intelligent and witty period piece that explores a lifetime of lesser-known love stories. It’s the perfect time to begin watching the series as Season 2 is currently in production after enduring COVID-related delays.
11
The Tudors
The Showtime classic focuses on the Tudor dynasty as a whole, but mainly a young, horny Henry VIII (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), his six wives, and many romantic trysts in 16th-century England. Also starring Downton Abbey and Outlander actor Maria Doyle Kennedy, this Emmy-winning series is chock full of scandalous storylines over its four seasons, providing all the lustful drama you're looking for in a heightened period piece.
12
The Other Boleyn Girl
This fictionalized 2008 historical drama directed by English filmmaker Justin Chadwick also centers on King Henry VIII (Eric Bana), but the film pays special attention to his relationships with aristocratic sisters Mary (Scarlett Johannson) and Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman). It's an extravagant, star-studded, soapy take on a story filled with drama and breathtakingly gorgeous royal settings. Be forewarned, however, that The Other Boleyn Girl is not entirely historically accurate.
13
Little Women
Director Greta Gerwig's refreshing take on Louisa May Alcott's classic story of the four March sisters was so captivating that it garnered six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The emotional and empowering film features roughly 75 period costumes, the stunning backdrop of Harvard, Massachusetts, and a stacked ensemble cast of Saorise Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and Laura Dern. Need we say more?
14
Downton Abbey
Similar to Bridgerton, Downton Abbey focuses on an aristocratic family in England, but it also explores the lives of the servants who work for them and gives viewers an entirely different perspective on the upper class. With six seasons, a spin-off film, and numerous Golden Globes and Emmys to its merit, you're guaranteed to get sucked into this beloved British import that features high-profile actors including Harry Potter’s Maggie Smith and star of the forthcoming Pam & Tommy series, Lily James.
15
Sanditon
Set in Regency-era England, this PBS series fleshes out an unfinished Jane Austen manuscript. When Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) arrives in the quiet town of Sanditon, she finds conflict with Sidney Parker (Theo James), the son of an entrepreneur attempting to develop the town. Eventually, of course, they find a way to get past their differences and fall in love. Sound familiar? Following critical acclaim and a ravenous fan campaign, the series was recently picked up for Seasons 2 and 3 after initially being canceled.
16
Victoria
This British series follows Queen Victoria (played by Jenna Coleman), who ruled Great Britain for 63 years from 1837 to 1901. In contrast to Bridgerton, Victoria is a much more straightforward retelling of events — a perfect fit if you're looking for historical accuracy rather than sensationalized drama. Thanks to critical acclaim and two Emmy nominations, the series has been renewed for Season 4, which is currently in the planning stage.
