Welcome to the world of steamy romance and high-stakes drama: Bridgerton is one of the most popular shows on Netflix, and viewers have been looking for more irresistible stories to sink their teeth into. If you’re in search of a show with lavish costumes, dramatic storylines, and plenty of scandalous moments, look no further. Here are some great series that offer a similar blend of romance and drama to Bridgerton.
Introduction
Overview of Bridgerton
Bridgerton is a critically acclaimed series on Netflix that follows the Bridgerton family and their lives in 19th century England. The show focuses on the dramatic relationships between unmarried members of the family, as well as those of their friends and enemies. Set against a backdrop of lavish costumes and sweeping music, Bridgerton provides viewers with an unforgettable story filled with romance, intrigue, and scandal.
Popularity of Bridgerton
Based on the novels written by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton has become a global phenomenon since its release in 2020. The show became one of Netflix’s most popular series with viewers of all ages and backgrounds enjoying its steamy romance and captivating drama. Its success can be attributed to the strong performances from the cast, as well as the show’s ability to blend historical accuracy with a modern twist.
Shows like Bridgerton
If you’re looking for more romance and drama in the vein of Bridgerton, there are a number of series that will provide a similar viewing experience. The Regency-era series Gossip Girl follows the lives of privileged high school students in New York City and their many romantic relationships. For a more supernatural twist on romance, try Shadow and Bone, a fantasy series set in a world of war and magic. Outlander is another period drama that follows the adventures of a married couple who travel back in time to 18th century Scotland. Finally, fans of Bridgerton will want to check out Virgin River, a small-town drama that focuses on love and loss.
Historical Romance Shows
Poldark
Poldark is a British period drama series based on the novels of Winston Graham. The series follows Ross Poldark, a British soldier who returns home to Cornwall after fighting in the American Revolutionary War and discovers his family estate has fallen into disrepair. As he attempts to rebuild his life and reclaim his inheritance, he finds himself caught up in romance and political intrigue.
Outlander
Outlander is a historical drama series based on the novels of Diana Gabaldon. The show follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945 who travels back in time to 18th century Scotland. As she struggles to survive in this new era, she finds herself torn between two loves — one with her husband in the present and another with Jamie Fraser, a dashing Scottish warrior.
The Crown
The Crown is a historical drama series created and written by Peter Morgan for Netflix. The show follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning in 1947 when she was just 25 years old. Through her struggles to protect the monarchy and balance her personal life, viewers get an intimate look at her reign as one of Britain’s most powerful figures. From its lavish costumes to its captivating storylines, The Crown provides a fascinating insight into the private lives of the royal family.
Reign
Reign is a historical drama series that premiered on the CW in 2013. The show follows the teenage years of Mary, Queen of Scots and her tumultuous life at the French court. Despite being betrothed to Prince Francis, Mary finds herself torn between her duty and desire, as she is pursued by other suitors and must navigate palace politics. From its colorful costumes to its sweeping musical score, Reign is a captivating look at one of the most famous royals in history.
Regency Era Shows
Sanditon
Sanditon is a period drama series based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen. The show follows Charlotte Heywood and her journey to the small coastal village of Sanditon, where she discovers a world of wealth, power, and intrigue. As she explores this new place and meets its inhabitants, she quickly finds herself swept up in a whirlwind of secrets and scandal.
Beecham House
Beecham House is a British period drama series created by Gurinder Chadha for ITV in 2019. The show follows the story of John Beecham, a former soldier who moves to Delhi with his family to take over the running of their East India Company trading post. As he struggles to balance his duty and desire, he must navigate complex relationships with the locals and protect his family from the dangers of life in colonial India.
Emma
Emma is a period drama series based on the classic novel by Jane Austen. It follows the story of Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy young woman in 19th century England who meddles in the romantic lives of those around her with often disastrous results. With its sharp wit and wonderful cast, this modern adaptation of Austen’s beloved novel perfectly captures the comedy and romance of Regency-era Britain.
Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair is a period drama series based on the classic novel of the same name by William Makepeace Thackeray. The show follows the life of Becky Sharp, a young woman who navigates her way through 19th century British society against all odds. With its beautiful costumes and lavish settings, Vanity Fair captures the wit, glamour, and intrigue of this era with stunning detail.
Period Drama Shows
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is a period drama series created and written by Julian Fellowes for ITV. The show follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants in the early 1900s at their Yorkshire estate. Through its gripping storylines, lavish costumes, and captivating characters, Downton Abbey chronicles the changing landscape of British society as it transitions from an era of tradition to one of modernity.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a period drama series created by Steven Knight for BBC. The show follows the story of Tommy Shelby and his family as they grapple with the aftermath of World War I in 1920s Birmingham. The Shelbys are an organized crime family, and they must navigate their way through the dangerous criminal underworld of Peaky Blinders while trying to protect their own. With its gritty violence, stylish visuals, and suspenseful storylines, Peaky Blinders is an addictive and captivating drama series.
The Tudors
The Tudors is a period drama series created by Michael Hirst for Showtime. The show follows the life of King Henry VIII and his tumultuous reign in 16th century England. With its sweeping cinematography, lavish costumes, and compelling characters, The Tudors captures the political intrigue and personal dramas of the royal court as it charts Henry’s journey from young man to powerful monarch.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a period drama series created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss for HBO. The show follows the story of nine noble families who battle to take control of the Iron Throne in Westeros, a fictional land inspired by Medieval Europe. As alliances shift and old enemies resurface, the characters must face their own dark pasts as they fight to survive in a dangerous world. With its epic scale and captivating characters, Game of Thrones is an immersive and thrilling drama series.
Romantic Drama Shows
Scandal
Scandal is a romantic drama series created by Shonda Rhimes for ABC. The show follows the life of Olivia Pope, a former White House communications director who runs her own crisis management firm in Washington D.C. As she and her team take on cases involving political scandals, they must also navigate their own personal lives and secrets. With its smart dialogue, complex characters, and dramatic storylines, Scandal is a captivating and addictive drama series.
Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy is a romantic drama series created by Shonda Rhimes for ABC. The show follows the lives of the doctors at the fictional hospital, Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Washington. With its witty dialogue and complex characters, this medical drama explores issues such as relationships, life-altering decisions, and medical cases with emotional depth. Through its gripping storylines and captivating characters, Grey’s Anatomy is a riveting and addictive drama series.
This is Us
This is Us is a romantic drama series created by Dan Fogelman for NBC. The show follows the story of the Pearson family and their lives over the years. Through its heartfelt storylines, complex characters, and emotional performances, This is Us captures moments of joy, sorrow, love, and heartbreak as it explores themes such as family dynamics, relationships, and life -changing decisions.
A Million Little Things
A Million Little Things is a romantic drama series created by DJ Nash for ABC. The show follows the story of a group of friends in Boston who must learn to live life to the fullest after one of their members unexpectedly dies. Through its heartfelt storylines and complex characters, A Million Little Things explores themes such as friendship, grief, resilience, and redemption with emotional depth and sincerity. With its gripping storytelling and captivating performances, A Million Little Things is a poignant and addictive drama series.
Conclusion
Similarities between Bridgerton and other shows
Bridgerton is a period drama series set in Regency England, and it shares certain similarities with other period dramas. For example, like Peaky Blinders, The Tudors, and Game of Thrones, Bridgerton offers viewers an immersive experience with its sweeping cinematography and lavish costumes. In addition to featuring riveting storylines and captivating characters, all of these shows explore complex themes such as power, politics, and personal dramas.
When it comes to romantic dramas, Bridgerton also has much in common with shows like Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, This is Us, and A Million Little Things. All of these shows explore issues such as relationships, life-altering decisions, and family dynamics with emotional depth and sincerity through captivating characters and heartfelt storylines.
Where to watch these shows
If you’re looking to watch any of these shows, they are available on various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Game of Thrones and Scandal both have entire series runs available on HBO Max. Grey’s Anatomy is available for streaming on Netflix, while This is Us can be seen on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. A Million Little Things is available on Hulu and ABC.com.
Recommendations for fans of Bridgerton
If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and looking for more shows to watch, there are plenty of options out there. For period dramas, Peaky Blinders, The Tudors, and Game of Thrones all offer an immersive experience set in different historical periods. These shows explore complex themes such as power, politics, and personal dramas. For romantic dramas, Grey’s Anatomy, This is Us, and A Million Little Things all explore issues such as relationships, life-altering decisions, and family dynamics with emotional depth and sincerity through captivating characters and heartfelt storylines. All of these shows can be seen on various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
