30+ OF THE POPULAR AND HIGHLY RATED PERIOD DRAMAS: WHERE TO STREAM THEM
When it comes to the “best” of anything, whether it be entertainment or recipes or fashion, it’s often subjective. However, in the case of our feature list which is 30+ of the popular period drama, the blueprint is looking at ratings and how highly the dramas are loved by viewers. From various (but often respected) production companies and impressive casts, let’s see where we can find some of our favorite period drama films which spans all kinds of streaming platforms.
LIST | 10+ THINGS LIKE ‘ÉTOILE’: SIMILAR FILMS AND SHOWS TO WATCH!
30+ OF THE POPULAR AND HIGHLY RATED PERIOD DRAMAS: WHERE TO STREAM THEM. A collection of popular period dramas and where to stream them! #PeriodDrama #PeriodDramas #Romance #Bridgerton #Netflix #MasterpiecePBS Share on XSo, because there are a few period drama milestones in the U.S. for fan favorite productions in 2025, we are really leaning into our love of the genre this fine year. Most of the time I think we assume that good period drama isn’t readily available without having certain streaming platforms. But to be honest, places like Roku or Tubi do have some popular period drama titles on their services. They may be older titles, but they are worth a rewatch regardless. Let’s take a closer look at some of the dramas that have those high ratings and inspire much social media love, and let you know where you can stream them during the next time you plan a weekend in binge.
PS; one of the recent lists here features period drama you can find on Prime Video
30+ of the POPULAR PERIOD DRAMAS where to stream them
ALL CREATURES GREAT and SMALL, tv show
Cast: Nicholas Ralph; Samuel West; Callum Woodhouse; Anna Madeley; Rachel Shenton; Particia Hodge
About: James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in the 1930’s Yorkshire Dales get a glorious new adaptation in a TV series based on his internationally celebrated books. Nicholas Ralph makes his television debut as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring humor, compassion for his animal patients, and love of life. – Masterpiece PBS
Why Watch: This series (going into its sixth next year) is all about the feelings. There is some sadness that crops up here and there, but mostly, this show is a ray of sunshine and I cannot express about delightful this is. In an age when gritty feels like the overreaching genre, All Creatures Great and Small is the exact distraction we need. Plus, the characters are charming and the love story, while minor, is beautiful. Just in case you don’t trust me, check its Prime Video ratings. It has over 3,000 reviews and 92% are five star ratings.
This one is TVPG. The main “offender” is some of the medical procedures some of the animals require which may bother some viewers.
Stream, at publication, with Masterpiece PBS; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
ANNE of GREEN GABLES
Cast: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth
About: When Anne Shirley arrives at the Cuthbert’s Farm on Prince Edward Island, she is a precocious, romantic child, desperate to be loved, and highly sensitive about her red hair and homely looks. Anne moves from one mishap to another as her wild imagination and far-fetched antics combine to constantly bring trouble upon her shoulders. – AnneofGreenGables.com
Why Watch: These are delightful. It’s charming and all about childhood nostalgia (I’m sure many of us grew up watching these). It’s a coming of age story, but also a lovely romance that unfolds during this and its sequel Anne of Avonlea (or sometimes called Anne of Green Gables the Sequel).
TVG / PG is the rating for this.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with GazeboTV
ANNE with an E, tv show
Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson, Dalila Bela
About: The adventures of a young orphan girl living in the late 19th century. Follow Anne as she learns to navigate her new life on Prince Edward Island, in this new take on L.M. Montgomery’s classic novels. – Prime Video
Why Watch: I didn’t watch this one, but it seems like this three season Netflix show had a fanbase. It also received some criticism because of some modernizing (or that’s my impression), but it has an average 4.5 out of 5 stars and 82% of the reviews are five stars. So perhaps if you haven’t been introduced to the fiery redhead, this may be a show to watch.
The show is 13+ on Prime and TV-PG on Netflix
Stream, at publication, with Netflix; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
BELGRAVIA, tv show
Cast: Alice Eve, Philip Glenister, Harriet Walter, Ella Purnell, Tara Fitzgerald,
About: The Trenchard family have recently ascended to the aristocratic society of London’s Belgravia, but a decades old love affair comes back to haunt them and jeopardize the happiness of many. – Prime Video
Why Watch: Another series by Julian Fellowes, this one is quite good and stunning to watch. Plus, it also has a little bit of a mystery that builds some tension towards its final episode.
The TV14 rating is for adultery, but nothing is graphic (based on season one).
Stream, at publication, with MGM+; or digitally buy on places like Prime Video
BLEAK HOUSE
Cast: Anna Maxwell Martin, Carey Mulligan, Denis Lawson, Patrick Kennedy, Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance
About: An exploration of the British judiciary system as a longstanding estate case drones on and impacts the daily lives of the potential heirs. – Peacock
Why Watch: This is a dark story and there are tears, plus the quick succession shot of filmmaking takes a little getting used to, but once the viewer settles in, it’s hard to say this production is anything but brilliant. Between its cast and ultimately, happy end, it’s a wonderful story.
TVPG is the rating
Other versions: Bleak House (1981) on BritBox
Stream, at publication, with BritBox or Peacock; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
THE BLETCHLEY CIRCLE, tv show
Cast: Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle, Anna Maxwell Martin, Julie Graham, Hattie Morahan
About: In 1952, four women, former cryptographers at Bletchley Park during the war, work to solve a murder case while a serial killer is at large. – Peacock
Why Watch: the cast is really good in this British two season (and a third came later with a ‘San Francisco’ subtitle) drama, and its stories are compelling about women who worked as code breakers during WWII
TV14 (there is some adult and thematic content and of course murders) is the rating.
Stream, at publication, with Peacock, Prime Video, Pluto TV, Roku, or Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
BRIDGERTON, tv show
Cast: Luke Newton; Nicola Coughlan; Polly Walker; Luke Thompson; Jonathan Bailey; Phoebe Dynevor; Simone Ashley; Hannon Dodd; Regé-Jean Page; and others.
About: The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels. – Netflix
Why Watch: I haven’t seen this one, but it has lots of hype and love. For me, it’s not my cup of period drama tea, but if you like pretty things and a fresh-faced (most of the cast became household names because of this) cast, well then Bridgerton may be something you’d quite enjoy.
This one has a TVMA rating and is “graphic” (by comparison to Austen) in its sexual content (which includes various different sex experiences). There is also nudity and other adult content.
Stream exclusively seasons one – three on Netflix
CALL the MIDWIFE, tv show
Cast: Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris, Miranda Hart, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Bryony Hannah, Laura Main, Cliff Parisi, Vanessa Redgrave
About: Expect miracles. A heartwarming tale of life in London’s impoverished East End. Midwives welcome new lives and care for the community in the changing times of the 50s and 60s. – BBC
Why Watch: This show is sad in many ways, but it’s also oddly heartwarming and uplifting. I teared up more than once (which is odd for me) when watching this show and while I haven’t seen any recent series, I enjoyed it up until last I saw it. The characters always pull us in, and the writing has a lot of wisdom. The big drawback (at least for me) is that rarely do the love stories seem to end happily or if they do, they seem to then spiral into unhappiness.
TV14 is the rating. Mostly this is for some “intense” medical complications or scenes such as difficult births and sometimes death is the result of a complication.
Stream, at publication, with Netflix or Plex; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
THE CROWN, tv show
Cast: Claire Foy; Olivia Coleman; Vanessa Kirby; Jonathan Pryce; Imelda Stanton; Matt Smith; Dominic West; Helena Bonham Carter; Lesley Manville; Victoria Hamilton; Elizabeth Debicki; and many more.
About: The Crown’s six seasons bust the curtains wide open on Britain’s more recent and current royals. From the beginning of Queen Elizabeth’s reign to the era when Princess Diana enters the fold and continuing on to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s university romance, feast your eyes on British history… – Netflix
Why Watch: If you love the Royals, well then, this may be a group you want to have high tea with. It’s all about Queen Elizabeth and the legacy of her reign along with being a dramatization of the lives of her children and grandchildren, too.
This one has a TVMA rating for adult content like profanity and nudity plus some sexual content.
Stream exclusively seasons one – six on Netflix
DAVID COPPERFIELD, 1999
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Trevor Eve, Pauline Quirke, Laura Harling, Zoë Wanamaker, Maggie Smith, James Thornton, Alun Armstrong
About: The story of David Copperfield, whom we follow from birth to manhood, is set to charm audiences in a new adaptation where the young hero’s experiences bring him into contact with an extraordinary range of sinister and benevolent characters. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This two part miniseries is really quite good. It’s based on the Charles Dickens classic and has a really impressive cast, too. Plus, it marks Daniel Radclieffe’s first foray in a lead role.
Other versions: David Copperfield (1969) digitally purchase on places like Prime Video | David Copperfield (1986) stream on BritBox or Prime Video | David Copperfield (2000) isn’t readily available
TVPG is the rating for this. The story gets dark and there is child abuse depicted.
Stream, at publication, with BritBox or Roku
DOWNTON ABBEY, tv show
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Brendan Coyle, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Robert James-Collier, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Kevin Doyle, Allen Leech, Siobhan Finneran, Dan Stevens
About: A glittering period drama following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family. – ITV
30+ OF THE POPULAR AND HIGHLY RATED PERIOD DRAMAS: WHERE TO STREAM THEM. A collection of popular #PeriodDrama + where to stream them all! #DowntonAbbey #Bridgerton #PeriodDramas #Romance Share on X
Why Watch: This drama is indeed a drama and is “soapy” at times, but it is also charming and wonderful and full of characters to root for (and loathe, too). The story also breaks our hearts and that is sometimes difficult, but mostly, the show is about overcoming and finding good things. Plus, its cast alone is an incentive to watch!
TV14 is the rating for some sensuality (select episodes) and innuendo. Character die, sometimes in an emotionally draining scene and season one has a plot surrounding someone dying in another character’s bed (which is implied to have been rape); and a later storyline involves rape (off screen). There is a character who likes the same sex if that bothers you and there are some same-sex kisses.
Stream, at publication, with BritBox, Peacock; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
EMMA (BBC), tv miniseries
Cast: Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller, Michael Gamdon, Jodhi May, Blake Ritson
About: All-star adaptation of Jane Austen’s comic novel about the privileged Emma Woodhouse, who delights in meddling in the love lives of others. – BBC
Why Watch: This 2009 adaptation isn’t perhaps the most famous, but it has a higher average rating. However, there is also the 1996 Miramax version with Gwyneth Paltrow and then the underrated A&E adaptation with Kate Beckinsale. This is of course the classic story of Emma Woodhouse and her quest to play matchmaker for everyone, even as her fumbles trip up her own romantic prospects!
Other versions: Emma (1996) stream on Peacock, Pluto TV, Prime Video, Roku or Tubi | Emma (1996) stream on Pluto TV or Hoopla | Emma. (2020) stream on Peacock
TVPG is the rating; this one is relatively wholesome
Stream, at publication, with BritBox, Peacock, Roku or Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
EVER AFTER
Cast: Cast: Drew Barrymore, Angelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Judy Parfitt, Timothy West, Melanie Lynskey
About: In this Cinderella story, a 16th-century woman who is treated as a servant by her stepmother, ends up winning the heart of the French prince. – Amazon
Why Watch: This film is from 1998 and is a realistic (no magical elements in this one) and charming fairy tale. It also has an average five star rating with over 16,000 reviews on Amazon.
Stream, at publication, with Disney+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
FOYLE’S WAR, tv series
Cast: Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks
About: Michael Kitchen stars as Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Foyle in this original PBS Masterpiece Theatre mystery series. Set in the beautiful southern English countryside amid the disorder and danger of World War II, Foyle’s War takes place far from the glory of the front. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This one is darker because it’s set during WWII, but the intrigue and smart storytelling, coupled with complex characters makes it easy watching.
Stream, at publication, with Acorn TV; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
THE GILDED AGE, tv show
Cast: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Audra McDonald, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy
About: From Oscar® and Emmy® winner Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age follows a young woman who moves in with her old-money aunts and quickly gets entangled in the social war between them and their new-money neighbors. In a world on the brink of the modern age, will she follow the rules of society or forge her own path? – HBO
Why Watch: From the creator of Downton Abbey, this one has interesting characters and beautiful scenes. The costuming, and stories are also worth giving a shoutout too. In short, this series is good.
This has a few different ratings. TVMA is on and Prime Video gives it an 18+ rating. The show has some nudity and sexual content, but it’s not gratuitous. One character likes the same sex (if this bothers you) and we do see them sharing intimate moments (not every episode).
Stream, at publication, on Max; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
GRANTCHESTER, tv show
Cast: James Norton, Robson Green, Tessa Peake-Jones, Tom Brittney
About: In GRANTCHESTER, a young vicar and a veteran cop join forces to solve baffling murders around a placid English village in 1953. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This 1950s show is fabulous. It has solid mysteries and while some of the romance gets messy and annoying, the production is well done and the cast wonderful.
TV14 is the rating because of the bodies and crime scenes. There is also some sexual content and sex (nothing terribly graphic). A character who likes the same sex becomes a main character.
Stream, at publication, with PBC Masterpiece; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Cast: Douglas Booth, Ray Winstone, Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, David Suchet, Harry Lloyd
About: A young orphan’s life is forever changed when a mysterious benefactor funds the boy’s journey to London, where he becomes a gentleman. – Peacock
Why Watch: This is a Gothic Charles Dickens story that isn’t exactly happy per se, but it ends in a way that inspires us to hope for happiness. It’s also stunning to look at even with its dark tones.
Other versions: Great Expectations (1981) stream on Prime Video or Roku | Great Expectations (1999) stream on Prime Video or Tubi | Great Expectations (2013) digitally purchase on places like Prime Video | Great Expectations (2023) stream on Hulu
The 3-part series is TVPG and deals with some dark topics including abuse and murder (there is an intense fight / murder scene).
Stream, at publication, with BritBox or Peacock
JANE EYRE, 2006
Cast: Ruth Wilson, Toby Stephens, Pam Ferris, Tara Fitzgerald, Francesca Annis, Christina Cole, Aidan McArdle
About: Dramatisation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel. – BBC
Why Watch: There are many adaptations of this classic Charlotte Bronte novel, but this one has high user ratings and features a brilliant cast. The story is, of course, the iconic one about the poorly treated Jane Eyre who overcomes and ends up finding love with a brooding wealthy master of Thornfield and the upsetting turns their respective lives take.
Other versions: Jane Eyre (1983) stream on Peacock, Pluto TV, Prime Video | Jane Eyre (1996) stream on Pluto TV | Jane Eyre (1997) stream on Peacock, Pluto TV or Roku | Jane Eyre (2011) digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
The TVPG rating is for passionate kisses and caresses, touching (everything remains clothed) and an implied sex scene (flashback). There are tense scenes, too.
Stream, at publication, with BritBox, Peacock, Roku
LARK RISE to CANDLEFORD, tv series
Cast: Claudie Blakley, Olivia Hallinan, Julia Sawalha, Karl Johnson, Mark Heap, Linda Bassett, Matilda Ziegler, Brendan Coyle, Victoria Hamilton
About: Set in the Oxfordshire countryside in the 1880s, this rich series follows the relationship of two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, the small hamlet gently holding on to the past, and Candleford, the small market town bustling into the future. – Amazon
Why Watch: this is a charming dramedy about small town communities and is very character driven. It also has some romance here and there along with a focus on other relationships like family and friendship, too.
This one is TVPG and stays pretty much within those lines; there is some minor sexual innuendo and conversation (in very few episodes) about birth control.
Stream, at publication, on BritBox, The Roku Channel or Tubi
LITTLE DORRIT
Cast: Claire Foy, Matthew Macfadyen, Tom Courtenay, Judy Parfitt, Alun Armstrong, Eddie Marsan
About: New adaptation of Dickens’ story of love, honour and debt in 1820s London, written by Andrew Davies. Arthur Clennam seeks to learn more about young seamstress Amy Dorrit. – BBC
Why Watch: This British production is wonderfully produced. I’m not sure how closely it adapts Dicken’s novel, but it’s wonderful even if there is a difference.
The rating is TVPG / 14
Stream, at publication, with BritBox, Peacock, Pluto TV, and Roku
LITTLE WOMEN, 1994
Cast: Winona Ryder, Gabriel Byrne, Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Christian Bale, Eric Stoltz, Mary Wickes, Susan Sarandon
About: Winona Ryder lights up the screen in this classic story of love and family devotion. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This film is iconic and charming and I think for many of us, nostalgic. It follows the five March women (four daughters and their mother) as they grow up during the Civil War era.
Other versions: Little Women (1949) digitally purchase on places like Prime Video | Little Women (2018) on PBS Masterpiece | Little Women (2019) digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
The film rates PG
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
LOVE COMES SOFTLY
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Dale Midkiff, Theresa Russell, Corbin Bernsen
About: A young woman, suddenly widowed in the American West in the 1850s, reluctantly agrees to marry a widower who is raising a daughter by himself. – Hallmark Media
Why Watch: If you like When Calls the Heart, you’re certain to love this film series (which was on Hallmark) for Love Comes Softly. They are loosely inspired by Janette Oke’s series, so if you love the books, just know that after the first film (which is decently adapted), the films depart greatly from the novels. This is something that quite disappoints me as a fan of the novels. Still, the first movie is decent and it is good fun to see Katherine Heigl before she was a household name.
This one has a TVPG rating
Stream, at publication, with UP Faith and Family
MANSFIELD PARK, 1999
Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Frances O’Connor, Hugh Bonneville, Lindsay Duncan, James Purefoy, Alessandro Nivola, Embeth Davidtz
About: When a spirited young woman is sent away to live on the great country estate of her rich cousins, she’s meant to learn the ways of proper society, but she also enlightens them with a wit and sparkle all her own. – Miramax
Why Watch: This one is, from what I know, the least faithful to the Jane Austen novel, but it has some pretty romance and this adaptation actually makes me curious about the Henry Crawford cad!
Other versions: Mansfield Park (1983) on BritBox or Tubi
PG13 for some sexual content (mostly implied) and nudity; and thematic elements. A woman sees drawings depicting slaves being mistreated or raped.
Stream, at publication, with Paramount+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
MARPLE, tv series
Cast: Geraldine McEwan, Julia McKenzie
About: Geraldine McEwan brilliantly portrays the iconic Miss Marple as she astutely investigates a series of crimes, even when the police are reluctant to accept her help. – Prime Video
Why Watch: ITV produced this series of mysteries where the iconic Agatha Christie character Miss Marple solves many a baffling case. The episodes (which usually clock it at about 90 minutes) are all entertaining and fun, and boast impressive guest stars which include Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliet Stevenson, Timothy Dalton, and more!
TV14 is the rating for this. There is talk of affairs, some sexuality (scattered here and there) and innuendo. There are some episodes (if this bothers you) that reveal same-sex relationships. Murder of course plays a role in each story so there are always bodies.
Stream, at publication, with BritBox; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES
Cast: Essie Davis, Nathan Page
About: Get ready to immerse yourself in the opulent, exciting world of Australia’s leading lady detective Phryne Fisher, in ABC1’s new 13-part drama series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Phryne (pronounced Fry-nee) is a glamorous and thoroughly modern woman of the 1920s. Our lady sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger sharp wit. – ABC1
Why Watch: This show is indeed glamourous and charming and exciting all in one fell swoop! It only has three short seasons, but they are memorable and very rewatchable, too.
This one gets the TV14 rating for sensuality and some tense scenes (which can include pistols) as Phryne solves cases
Stream, at publication, on Acorn TV or Plex; or purchase digitally on places like Prime Video
MISS SCARLET fka MISS SCARLET and the DUKE, tv show
Cast: Kate Phillips
About: Miss Scarlet (formerly titled Miss Scarlet and The Duke) follows Eliza Scarlet, Victorian London’s first-ever female detective. – Masterpiece
Why Watch: Yes we all know I take issue with Miss Scarlet (the character), but I do still enjoy this. It’s fun and while the mysteries aren’t always “biting” (meaning they aren’t always deep), the characters and the almost (but didn’t end in happily ever after) love story with Eliza and William is lovely. The rebrand from 2025 has Eliza continuing to work on her business as she and a new detective try to keep the streets a tiny bit safer.
This one is TV14 and has some “tense” episodes or scenes showing bodies. Some episodes deal with prostitution and there is implications that a man spends his nights with women here and there.
Stream, at publication, on PBS Masterpiece, or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
MURDOCH MYSTERIES, tv show
Cast: Yannick Bisson, Thomas Craig
About: Set in the late 1890s and early 1900s, critically-acclaimed series MURDOCH MYSTERIES explores the world of William Murdoch, a dashing detective who uses inventive forensic techniques to solve crimes. – Gem CBC
Why Watch: This is a kind of Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery series that is going on nearly twenty seasons! It’s about an inventive detective and the men and women who help him solve some curious crimes.
Its Prime Video page has this one as 18+, but in reality, the show is TV14 at its worst (usually mild) and typically more TVPG unless the murder element bothers you, it’s all pretty mild. If it bothers you, characters who like the same sex (romantically) do end up being a part of the main/recurring cast.
Stream, at publication, with Acorn TV, Hulu or Roku; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video. You can also find the show on Hoopla.
NORTH & SOUTH (BBC)
Cast: Daniela Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage, Sinead Cusack, Lesley Manville, Brendan Coyle
About: Set against the backdrop of Victorian England’s industrial north, it follows the fortunes of Margaret Hale, one of 19th century literature’s most original heroines. – BBC
Why Watch: Inspired by the novel, of the same name, by Elizabeth Gaskell, this film is beautiful. It’s a four part miniseries that follows a “middle class southerner” who moves with her parents to the harsher northern climate. While there she meets the harsh, domineering businessman Mr. Thornton, a man who underneath his businessman bluster is really a good person who ends up falling in love with Margaret.
This miniseries is TV14
Stream, at publication, on BritBox, Peacock, Prime Video, Roku or Tubi
THE PARADISE, tv show
Cast: Joanna Vanderham, Emun Elliott, Elaine Cassidy, Sarah Lancashire, Matthew McNulty, David Hayman
About: A country girl moves to the city and becomes enthralled by her new world after she takes a job at The Paradise, England’s first department store. – Peacock
Why Watch: This one has a “longing” kind of romance hindered by the fact that the hero is set to marry another and the heroine is an ambitious young woman who wants to cultivate a career. The series is only two seasons and is set in a shop.
TVPG is the rating
Stream, at publication, with Peacock or Prime Video
PERSUASION, 1995
Cast: Amanda Root, Ciaran Hinds, Fiana Shaw, Corin Redgrave
About: Adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic about a woman facing ruin who needs the help of a man she once rejected. – BBC
Why Watch: My aunt loved this version of the classic reunion love story by Jane Austen. I prefer the 2007 BBC adaptation, but this one gets a higher user rating so we’re featuring it. The trope is all about longing and reuniting with the person you still love.
Other versions: Persuasion (2007) stream on BritBox, Peacock Prime Video, Roku or Tubi | Persuasion (2022) stream on Netflix
The film is PG
Stream, at publication, with Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
POLDARK, tv show
Cast: Eleanor Tomlinson, Aidan Turner, Phil Davis, Jack Farthing, Heida Reed, Gabrielle Wilde
About: It’s 1783 and Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his beloved Cornwall to find his world in ruins: his father dead, the family mine long since closed, his house wrecked and his sweetheart pledged to marry his cousin. But Ross finds that hope and love can be found when you are least expecting it. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This is another series I did start to watch, only to never finish. It was good what I saw though and I was heavily invested in seeing the love story of Ross and Demelza be true and faithful to each other. Based on what I read, I don’t think that is true, but maybe they end up happy?
TV14 is the rating. There is some sexual content (sex scenes) and intense situations including physical fights or standoffs. Some battles and war scenes seem to also crop up in some episodes.
Stream, at publication, on PBS Masterpiece; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
PRIDE and PREJUDICE (A&E), 1995
Cast: Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle, Julia Sawalha, Anna Chancellor, David Bamber
About: Re-live the romance and drama of Andrew Davies’ lavish adaptation. – BBC
Why Watch: A fan favorite based on the novel by Jane Austen, this one is a classic about the original (or one of them) hate to love trope with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. It’s also the production that is home to the infamous Colin Firth pond scene.
Other versions: Pride and Prejudice (1940) digitally purchase on places like Prime Video | Pride and Prejudice (1980) stream on BritBox | Pride and Prejudice (2005) stream on Netflix or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Stream, at publication, on BritBox, Hulu, Peacock, Prime Video, The Roku Channel or Tubi
OUTLANDER, tv show
Cast: Caitríona Balfe, Richard Rankin, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies
About: The “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science-fiction, history and adventure in one epic tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743 Scotland. – Starz
Why Watch: I’ve only seen maybe two episodes in this enormously popular show. It will be ending its run with a final eighth season next year. Like some others on this feature, it’s not my kind of period drama, but based off its coverage on TV blogs or websites, and social media, it’s a favorite. It also is getting a spin off, so while this world is ending, a version of it will live on.
TVMA is the rating for this and from all that I see and read, the content is heavy. There is lots of violence, but beyond this, the sexual content is intense and includes rape and adultery. Nudity and other adult language is also a part of the content.
Stream, at publication, on Netflix or Starz; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
REIGN, tv show
Cast: Adelaide Kane, Torrance Coombs, Anna Popplewell, Rose Williams, Jonathan Keltz, Rachel Skarsten, Sean Teale
About: Mary, the teenage queen of Scotland, moves to France to marry a prince and secure a strategic alliance for her country. But as she tries to navigate palace intrigue in the perilous world of the French court, Mary must rally her ladies-in-waiting and steel herself as she rises to power. – CW TV
Why Watch: If you like royal dramas (emphasis on drama) then you may enjoy Reign. It’s not one I’ve seen but it seems to have high ratings. It also has Hallmark alumni and Megan Follows, the fan favorite Anne Shirley.
According to its Prime Video page, this one has “violence, alcohol use, foul language, sexual content” and is TV14
Stream, at publication, on CWTV or Prime Video; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Cast: Anthoney Andrews, Jane Seymour
About: The tumbrels roll through the streets of Paris, carrying enemies of the new French Republic to their appointments with “Madame Guillotine.” But to the revolutionaries’ fury, more than a few of France’s hated aristocrats have escaped execution thanks to the actions of a dashing young Englishman known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This is a really good time adventure based on the novel of the same name. It’s about an Englishman who rescues French nobility from their death warrants during the revolution. It’s not just an adventure though with plenty of good swordplay (and a well tied cravat, too!), it’s also a romance.
PG13 would be the rating here for some sensuality (we see couples in bed, but nothing overly graphic) and violence (there are scenes at the guillotine, but again not overtly graphic).
Stream, at publication, with Acorn TV; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
SENSE and SENSIBILITY, 1995
Cast: Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Greg Wise, Kate Winslet
About: After the death of her husband, a woman is forced to live humbly with her three daughters in the 18th century England. – Prime Video
Why Watch: An Oscar winner, this film is loved and highly rated on streaming platforms. It’s not a favorite version for me (I cannot with the end crying scene) but I grew up watching it and do respect it as a version of Austen’s tale of a sisterly bond. The cast is also solid too and I like some of the scenes between certain characters. This may not be her “breakout” role, but Winslet is good in this.
Other versions: Sense and Sensibility (1981) stream on BritBox, Pluto TV, Roku, Tubi | Sense and Sensibility (2008) stream on BritBox, Peacock or Tubi
PG is the rating of this film.
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video or Pluto TV
TITANIC
Cast: Kate Winslet, Bernard Hill, Bill Paxton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Frances Fisher, Kathy Bates
About: Leonardo DiCaprio and Oscar nominee Kate Winslet light up the screen as Jack and Rose, the young lovers who find one another on the maiden voyage of the “unsinkable” R.M.S. Titanic. – Prime Video
Why Watch: This 1997 film is considered Winslet’s breakout role, but it’s not one I’ve seen all the way through. It is iconic for many though and has over 16,000 reviews on Amazon alone, with nearly 90% being five stars. The story is of course about the fated journey of the Titanic and the love story that blooms between a pair of “upstairs” and “downstairs” passengers.
PG13 is the rating for nudity and some sexual content, there is also some “tense” situations because of the sinking.
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video
VICTORIA, tv show
Cast: Tom Hughes, Jenna Coleman, Nell Hudson, Alex Jennings, Diana Rigg, Rufus Sewall
About: Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) stars as her fearless Majesty Queen Victoria. We’re treated to the queen’s remarkable and emotional story, from her giddy ascension to the British throne at age 18, infatuation with dashing mentor Lord Melbourne, passionate romance with and early marriage to Germany’s Prince Albert, and growth into her royal role. – Masterpiece PBS
Why Watch: This is a show that follows the long reign of England’s Queen Victoria. It’s a pretty good show and though it was kind of promoted as a “replacement” for filling the period drama hole left from ITV’s Downton Abbey (after its end), it’s different. Still, there is a solid romance that had ups and downs and still begs us to cheer on.
TV14 or PG is the rating depending on the episode. Some are a little more “intense” depending on the subject (assassination attempts or political coos) and there is some sensuality. Any episodes I saw is pretty tame.
Stream, at publication, on PBS Masterpiece; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
WAR and PEACE, 2016
Cast: Paul Dano, James Norton, Liley James, Aislin Loftus, Greta Scacchin, Jack Lowden, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Burke, Callum Turner, Stephen Rea, Gillian Anderson
About: Drama series set in Russia in the early 19th century, based on Tolstoy’s novel. Russia is drawn into war with France, changing the lives of three young people forever. – BBC
Why Watch: This one is dark and of course, based on the literary tome that is the novel by Lev Tolstoy. It’s an epic that is part war story and part love story. This eight-episode miniseries is penned by Andrew Davies who is a popular British period drama script writer.
TV14 is the rating. There is some sexual content including partial nudity (male and female); and an incestuous relationship, too. There are also some war scenes and fighting.
Stream, at publication, Peacock, Prime Video or Roku; or you can digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
WHEN CALLS the HEART, tv show
Cast: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Kevin McGarry, Kavan Smith, Jack Wagner, Pascale Hutton
About: Elizabeth Thatcher arrives in Coal Valley, and is welcomed by Abigail Stanton and the new Constable Jack Thornton. The town is at odds when a special message is found at the site of the fatal coal mining accident. – Hallmark Media
Why Watch: If you enjoy wholesome period dramas, this one is ideal for you. Plus, with 10+ seasons, there is a lot you can binge here.
TVG /PG is the rating here. Most everything, aside from a few “tense” moments here and there, is very sweet and wholesome.
Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+, or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
MORE to CONSIDER
The Age of Innocence stream on Netflix
Cranford stream on BritBox, Peacock, or Roku
The Duchess (Film) stream on MGM+
The Durrells stream on BritBox, Prime Video, Roku, or Tubi
Howards End (Film) stream on Tubi
Howards End (TV Miniseries) stream on Straz
Martin Chuzzlewit stream on Prime Video or Tubi
Middlemarch stream on BritBox, Prime Video or Tubi
Mr. Selfridge stream on PBS Masterpiece
A Room with a View stream on Max
Sanditon stream on PBS Masterpiece
Somewhere in Time stream on Plex, Prime Video, Tubi
A Tale of Two Cities (1980) stream on Hallmark+, Peacock, Plex, Roku or Tubi
Wuthering Heights (2009) stream on BritBox, PBS Masterpiece; 1998 Adaptation stream on Prime Video or Tubi
Photos: Alamy
What type of period drama where to stream lists should we curate and put together next? What streaming platform should we feature next? How many of these 30 popular period drama titles have you seen?
How do you define the best period drama? Do you think there is a formula for what makes a period drama memorable or tags it as “the best”? What are your thoughts? Comment them all in the comment section below.
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