18 Shows Like Bridgerton: Romantic Period Dramas That Feel Modern

**Bridgerton** proved that period romance could be lusty, fun, and genuinely invested in character development all at once. The Regency-era aesthetic is gorgeous, the relationships matter, and the costume design alone is worth the subscription. If you've been obsessed with the Bridgerton family and their romantic entanglements, here's what to watch next.

Sweeping Historical Romance

**Outlander** is the prestige period romance that Bridgerton fans need to experience. It's more serious and emotionally complex, with a time-travel romance that spans decades and continents. The lead couple's dynamic is incredible, and the costume design is meticulous. Fair warning: it goes to some dark places.

**Poldark** is a British period drama about a soldier returning to post-war England and rebuilding his life. The production values are cinematic, the romance is slow-burn and genuine, and the supporting cast is phenomenal. It's more grounded than Bridgerton but equally elegant.

**The Gilded Age** is HBO's answer to Bridgerton, set in 1880s New York. The production design is obscene (in the good way), the writing is sharp, and it focuses on wealthy families navigating society. It's got more bite than Bridgerton - less romance, more politics.

**Sanditon** is a Jane Austen adaptation about a woman trying to build a career in a seaside town. It's got Austen's wit but with modern sensibilities about women's agency. The first season is solid, though later seasons experiment more with the format.

**Victoria** is a historical romance about Queen Victoria's early reign and marriage. It's got spectacle and romance in equal measure, and the lead actress is magnetic. Later seasons shift focus away from romance, but the early ones are pure period drama bliss.

Scandal and Society

**Reign** is a period drama about Mary, Queen of Scots at the French court, and it's absolutely unhinged in the best way. The costuming is anachronistic, the drama is constant, and the cast clearly had fun making it. It's camp, but it works.

**Harlots** is a British series about a brothel-owning family in 18th century London. It's sexually frank, the female characters are complex and ambitious, and it refuses to be apologetic about its setting. The writing and performances are top-notch.

**The Great** is Catherine the Great reimagined as a dark comedy with modern sensibilities. It's gorgeously shot, wickedly funny, and Elena Topal is phenomenal. It's less romance and more "woman trying to survive and gain power in a ridiculous historical situation."

**Belgravia** is a British period mystery-romance about high society secrets. It's elegant and gossipy in the best way, with a large ensemble cast and interconnected plots. It wraps up completely in one season, which is refreshing.

**The Buccaneers** is a recent Netflix adaptation of historical romance that's fun and frothy. It's about young American heiresses infiltrating British high society, and it's got charm and adventure. Perfect if you want Bridgerton vibes with globe-trotting.

Period Dramas with Modern Energy

**Downton Abbey** is the ultimate ensemble period drama that everyone needs to watch at least once. It spans a decade in an English manor, following both the family and their staff. The writing is intelligent, the characters are deeply developed, and you'll actually care about everyone.

**North and South** is a Victorian romance that's basically perfect. The production design is gorgeous, the leads have incredible chemistry, and the romance unfolds naturally. Only four episodes, but they're meaty and satisfying.

**Anne with an E** is a modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables that's emotionally complex and visually stunning. It's got coming-of-age romance, community drama, and genuine social commentary. Seasons one and two are excellent (season three gets weird).

**Dickinson** is Emily Dickinson reimagined as a rebellious artist with anachronistic music and modern sensibilities. It's weird and fun and refuses to play it straight. If you want period costume with contemporary energy, this is it.

**The Spanish Princess** is about Catherine of Aragon arriving in England to marry Prince Arthur, and it's gorgeously melodramatic. It's got political intrigue, romance, and historical stakes. More dramatic than gossip-focused.

Romantic Escapism

**Pride and Prejudice** (BBC miniseries) is the definitive Austen adaptation and honestly perfect in every way. If you haven't watched this version recently, it's worth revisiting. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and it's the romance that launched a thousand period dramas.

**Vanity Fair** (2011 ITV adaptation) is sharp, gossipy, and visually sumptuous. It's got romance but also serious social commentary about class and ambition. Becky Sharp is one of television's best protagonists.

**Becoming Elizabeth** is a recent series about the early life of Elizabeth I, focusing on her traumatic adolescence and romantic entanglements. It's darker than Bridgerton but beautifully shot and emotionally resonant.

**Catherine Called Birdy** is a film, not a series, but it's Judi Dench as an older Catherine reflecting on her life and her coming-of-age romance. It's whimsical and clever, with a modern sensibility about women's choices in historical settings.

**Emma** (2020 BBC) is another Austen adaptation that's pure delight. It's got the romance, the comedy of errors, and gorgeous Regency costumes. It's shorter than some adaptations but perfectly paced.

Find Your Next Romance

Head over to BingeNext's couple recommendations to find shows you and your partner will both love. Whether you want epic historical romance, gossipy period drama, or modern takes on classics, we've got curated recommendations waiting.

Period romance is having a genuine renaissance right now, and there's genuinely something for everyone. Whether you're looking for Jane Austen, scandal, spectacle, or pure escapism, these shows will deliver. Grab your favorite beverage and settle in - you're going to lose entire weekends to these.