IF YOU LIKE APPLE TV’S ‘THE BUCCANEERS,’ TRY THESE PERIOD DRAMAS

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There are far too few period dramas. Or perhaps more appropriate is adding a qualifier of there are too few good period dramas. When there’s a new one, no matter the company, I’m sure to at least take notice of it. Whether or not I’ll watch it is another story. One of the recent releases is from Apple TV+ and is an adaptation of the Edith Wharton novel The Buccaneers. The plot follows four American girls who burst onto the London social scene. The second adaptation to be made in twenty years, we’re going to look at some recommendations. So, if you like The Buccaneers, try these twelve period dramas. At least we’re going to try to recommend some good ones.

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Not everything on this list will mirror The Buccaneers because nothing is really the same story or plot as that on our list. But there’s something that’s similar, even if only its “look.”  I haven’t watched this new drama version yet, but have seen the 90s adaptation a few times. If there’s one thing I’m predicting about the new version, it’s that it’s way too modern, and like usual, the script will likely mess (unnecessarily so) with the novels intended social commentary. Nonetheless, we hope you’ll find something else to enjoy if you like this 2023 adaptation.

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IF YOU LIKE ‘THE BUCCANEERS,’ TRY THESE TWELVE PERIOD DRAMAS

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THE ABDUCTION CLUB

I think I saw this years ago, but cannot remember it well. The plot (noblemen “kidnap” some ladies to become their brides) sounds very much like one that will be only for a certain audience and is like an 1800s era version of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I’d imagine it’s far more comical than The Buccaneers, but something about it wanted to be included today.

BELGRAVIA

From Julian Fellowes, Belgravia, is a familial drama about a group of people who hold secrets and how their lives intersect surrounding a love story that was never meant to blossom. The first series dropped several years ago and now ‘The Next Chapter,’ which will be set several years later, will be dropping in 2024. Stream Belgravia on streaming channels like MGM+

THE BUCCANNEERS (1995)

Obvious, yes, but we cannot curate a list like this and not include the 90s BBC adaptation. Featuring Garla Gugino (who would later star in Spy Kids) and Greg Wise, the period drama is the same basic story minus such a modern influence. Stream The Buccaneers on streaming channels like Roku

DANIEL DERONDA

I haven’t seen this one in ages, and it does contain serious elements. But the 90s adaptation of The Buccaneers does as well. I’m not sure all that this one entails but I know Hugh Dancy’s titular character is at the center of it all along with a woman in a marriage she cannot flee. Stream Daniel Deronda on streaming channels like BritBox

DOCTOR THORNE

Another Julian Fellowes drama, this is a sweet period romance about a man who falls in love with a woman he isn’t supposed to, and the love story between them. Stream Doctor Thorne on Prime

DOWNTON ABBEY

Another obvious addition, yes. But this multi-generational drama, even being set in a drastically different time frame, still feels okay to liken to The Buccaneers. It has drama, romance and sassy heroines, too! Stream Downton Abbey on streaming channels like BritBox

EMMA

Since this one is so female centric, I decided to include Emma. It’s far lighter than The Buccaneers, but that’s ok. We’re still going to give Jane Austen a shout out by adding in her stubborn and often misguide heroine, Emma. There’s several adaptations of this one too including its 2020 adaptation though (overall) I think the 2009 BBC adaptation is probably most “complete.” Stream Emma on streaming channels like Masterpiece Theatre

THE FORSYTE SAGA

I watched the first of two series of this BBC drama earlier this year (shockingly for the first time) and didn’t love it. It wasn’t “bad,” but there were so few characters to like. Even Irene whom I know is meant to be a sympathetic character was difficult. I didn’t like seeing her treated the way she was, but she also wasn’t easy to life even with the weight of her situation. Stream The Forsyte Saga on streaming channels like Masterpiece Theatre

THE GILDED AGE

From HBO and (yes again), Julian Fellowes, I watched series one of this early this year and am now wanting to binge series two. A solid story with solid drama, the show follows two neighboring families in New York, and the battles between their respective new vs old money. There is, naturally, some romance and “downstairs” servant drama, too. Stream The Gilded Age on HBO

THE INHERITANCE

Very sweet in comparison to some on this list, this is a lower budget television film with a young Thomas Gibson, and is inspired by the Louisa May Alcott novel of the same name. The plot follows a kindly companion who is treated well by the wealthy family she resides with, but isn’t prepared to fall in love with someone with whom she isn’t an equal. Stream The Inheritance on streaming channels like Freevee

THE PARADISE

Follows a young woman striking out on her own working in England’s first department store shop, and her ambitions to be successful all while struggling with a forbidden romance. Stream The Paradise on streaming channels like Masterpiece theatre

WIVES & DAUGHTERS

Centering on a trio of women, a motherless young woman, her stepmother and a stepsister, this is one of those I saw often in my teenage years of rotating titles. There’s unrequited love, misunderstandings, and of course, drama, which accompanies everything in this genre. Stream Wives & Daughters on streaming channels like BritBox

Have you seen any of these period dramas? Would you liken any of them to The Buccaneers? Have you seen the new Apple TV+ drama? Or are you slacking like me? Comment all your thoughts below. Let’s talk about all of the period drama?

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