This article has been updated by Atreyi Jayadutt.
Bridgerton is one of the most-watched Netflix series of all time. The show’s popularity is hardly surprising as it blends an alternate historical setting with romance, spice, secrets, and high society. Part of Bridgerton’s appeal is its ability to transport viewers into another timeline and social class (and make us feel all the feels with longing glances.) Another major part of the appeal is the fairytale-like love story that each Bridgerton sibling gets as they come of age (all with an amazing soundtrack of popular songs reimagined as instrumental string quartet versions!)
For viewers looking for their next period romance drama fix with more magical love stories and juicy scandals while waiting for Season 5 of Bridgerton, this guide will reveal where you can stream 10 more great TV shows like Bridgerton on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more!
Anne with an E (2017)
Anne with an E reimagines Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. The period drama is geared toward slightly older audiences than the books; it tells the origin story of the orphan Anne Shirley and delves into issues like sexuality, conformity, and childhood trauma.
Anne with an E delves into emotional depth and character-driven storytelling, the latter which was done very well in Bridgerton. Anne herself is a force of nature and extremely relatable, and anyone who appreciates a slow-burn coming-of-age story like in Little Women will find that this show hits the same emotional sweet spot. Like Bridgerton, it takes advantage of the power of reimagination and alternate histories, providing a wild and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a teenager growing up in 1896 Avonlea.
Downton Abbey (2010)
Similar to Bridgerton, Downton Abbey follows the lives of a wealthy, aristocratic family, the Crawleys, in a specific British historical setting (but unlike Bridgerton, we don’t have any string quartet covers of pop songs, which is honestly a shame.) Anyone who enjoys period dramas knows Downton Abbey is basically the blueprint (especially in Season 4 of Bridgerton which highlights the upstairs/downstairs drama that Downton Abbey is famously known for.)
Viewers who especially enjoy the historical element of Bridgerton will appreciate Downton Abbey’s more serious tone and intimate look into how real-life historical events affect the Crawley family's drama, struggles, and romances. But, if what you loved was Bridgerton’s heightened energy, then you might find Downton Abbey a bit too restrained. However, it’s absolutely worth the watch if you’re craving a more traditional, long running show that spotlights the lives of various members of a household, much like Bridgerton does, and will keep you occupied for weeks!
Mary & George (2024)
Mary & George tells the stranger-than-fiction true story of how mother-and-son duo Mary (Julianne Moore) and George Villiers (Nicholas Galitzine) found an unconventional way to royalty during the reign of James VI and I (Tony Curran), using ambition and ruthlessly cunning charm.
If your favorite Bridgerton moments were Marina Thompson trying to deceive Colin Bridgerton in Season 1 or Cressida Cowper’s scheming and sabotage, then Mary & George takes the scandal to the next level. It’s much more intense than something like the lighthearted The Artful Dodger, and viewers looking for a show with the same playful tone and penchant for scandal as Bridgerton will love this wild and spicy period drama with audacious central characters who focus more on strategy rather than fantasy. Mary and George aren’t here to play nice, and that’s what makes the show such an interesting watch.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
Viewers can’t get much closer to Bridgerton than the show’s official spinoff series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Several familiar Bridgerton characters, like Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), return in this prequel/spinoff series that serves as an alternate history of the rise of Queen Charlotte and her love story with King George III (Corey Mylchreest).
Charlotte and George’s relationship is tender and heartbreaking, and much more mature than any of the Bridgerton couples’ relationship thus far. The emotional stakes hit differently and are for fans of period dramas who want something more layered than the average romantic relationship. Largely serving as a bonus Bridgerton story that deepens the world with some additional social commentary and historical reimagining, Queen Charlotte is everything fans could want in a spinoff series. If you’re in the mood to cry, then Queen Charlotte is the perfect Friday night binge.
Sanditon (2019)
If you’re a Jane Austen fan, but wished her stories had some spice, then you can’t go wrong with Sanditon. Like Bridgerton, Sanditon is set in the Regency era and is adapted from an unfinished manuscript by the legendary romance writer.
The series follows Charlotte Heywood's (Rose Williams) adventures in a quiet seaside village as she finds romance, ambition, and small-town secrets. If Bridgerton’s slow burn, will-they-wont-they energy is what captured your attention, then Sanditon operates in a similar lane. Charlotte’s relationships unfold in a satisfying way, and with solid storytelling and a less modernized take on the Regency era, Sanditon is a strong alternative to Bridgerton, though the former does have a bit of an uneven storyline that not all viewers might love. Fans of other Jane Austen works like Pride & Prejudice or Emma will like the familiarity that Sanditon delivers.
The Artful Dodger (2023)
If I must pick a sleeper hit out of all the titles on this list, it’s The Artful Dodger. Seriously, people aren’t talking about it enough. The series follows Jack Dawkins (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) after the events of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Viewers seeking a period drama that’s less about marriage marts and high society, with more action and swashbuckling adventure will enjoy The Artful Dodger.
It boasts the historical elements and forbidden romances of Bridgerton, but leans into humor and a faster-paced storyline. If you’re expecting a polished romance, then The Artful Dodger might seem a bit gritty. Nevertheless, it’s a show that dares to do something a bit different and lively, and is definitely worth adding to your watch lists. Season 2 of the show was released in 2026, and if you haven’t watched a single episode thus far, now’s the time to rectify that and binge both the seasons consecutively.
The Buccaneers (2023)
Similar to Bridgerton, The Buccaneers is a period drama that follows several wealthy young women as they navigate high society and seek partners for marriage—but with a twist: these women are Americans, and their navigation of London's high society sparks an interesting cultural war.
Given that these women are less accustomed to and less willing to follow the rules of high society, there’s even more room for scandal, humor, and feminism, and fans of romantic tension and social intrigue of Bridgerton will love what The Buccaneers brings to the table. The show allows each character to shine and highlights their American perspectives. It’s the complete opposite of Downton Abbey, and if that’s what you’re looking for, then this is the show to watch. The Buccaneers is just as addictive as Bridgerton, though it personally took me a few episodes to get there.
The Gilded Age (2022)
Hailing from the same creator as Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age is an intriguing drama that strives for historical accuracy while tackling the titular American time period.
While it’s largely a deep dive into the race and class conflicts of the time, it does have that Bridgerton-esque flair with its exploration of the clash between two powerful and wealthy families. The costumes and performances truly transport you to that time period, and are worth a try for fans of shows where there’s a friction between old money and new money. That said, the show can feel slow at times, and if you’re expecting a continuously light and playful storyline, then The Gilded Age might not be your cup of tea.
The Great (2020)
The Great is a satirical and comedic reimagining of Catherine the Great's (Elle Fanning) rise. It takes Bridgerton’s alternate history premise and lighthearted tone and ramps it up several notches for a delightful and absurd spin on a historical story.
This is for viewers who love period dramas but also thrive in chaos. The Great is audacious, and its wildly inventive storytelling offers a commentary on power and society. The Great offers a completely unique flavor especially when compared to the elegance of Bridgerton. If you are someone who’s wanting heartfelt moments in your shows like in Queen Charlotte, then you might find the satire and dark comedy in The Great slightly jarring in the beginning. But stick with it because it’s the funniest show out of this bunch, no competition. Fans of Veep-style humor will find The Great exuding a very similar energy.
The Lady’s Companion (2025)
The newest period drama on the list, The Lady’s Companion offers a fresh and delightful take on the genre. As the title suggests, the show follows a chaperone who’s meant to look after three unmarried sisters in 1880s Spain. The Lady’s Companion showcases a similar dreamy and colorful vibe that made Bridgerton so popular.
Unlike Bridgerton though, our main lead breaks the fourth wall often, making it reminiscent of Fleabag. Even though it’s a recent release from the minds that created the Netflix series, Cable Girls, the show is already getting favorable reviews from period drama enthusiasts because of how it balances witty humor and romance, while tackling some heavier themes. One small thing to take note of is that it’s a Spanish show, so viewers who aren’t fluent in the language will have to refer to subtitles; however, it’s a very small price to pay for the kind of story The Lady’s Companion brings to the forefront, which is a perfect escapist show in 8 quick episodes.
