“Missing the Bridgerton Drama? These 10 Series Will Satisfy Your Period Romance Cravings!”

Bridgerton was a smash hit from the beginning and has provided Netflix with a steady stream of steamy historical romance in the five years since it first debuted. The series has already been renewed for two additional seasons ahead of Season 4’s premiere, ensuring more Regency Era love stories for years to come. Unfortunately, the show is currently in its longest hiatus yet, with no spinoffs to fill the time in between. Fans might be yearning to see Benedict Bridgerton finally take center stage, but there are plenty of other great TV shows to watch while they wait.

While period romance shows are hardly new, Bridgerton helped refresh the genre with its revisionist history and use of modern music. Several costume dramas have taken a similar approach in recent years, making the old new again for today’s audiences and allowing them to see history in a different light. At the same time, fans might find a few classic series that scratch a similar itch. From Sex and the City to The Buccaneers, here are ten shows to check out before Bridgerton Season 4.

Sex and the City Addresses Similar Themes in a Modern Setting

RT: 70%, Metacritic: 64, IMDb: 7.4

Set in present-day New York City, Sex and the City follows glamorous columnist Carrie Bradshaw as she and her friends navigate sex and dating. Along the way, they also grapple with traditional gender roles and find solace in each other. Audiences were captivated by the lives of these sexually liberated women when they first appeared in 1998, and many continue to follow these characters in the spinoff series, And Just Like That…

Certain aspects of Sex and the City might not have aged well, but its sex-positive attitude and emphasis on female friendships have ensured that it remains a fan-favorite series. Although it might lack the period charm of Bridgerton, it still finds suitable spectacle in the characters’ memorable fashion choices and the dazzling setting. With six seasons, two movies and a spinoff that’s currently in its third season, Sex and the City has plenty of content to keep viewers occupied.

The Great Is a Romp Through 18th-Century Russia

RT: 96%, Metacritic: 78, IMDb: 8.1

The Great is a dark comedy detailing the rise of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning Empress of Russia. Despite the premise, the series often throws historical fact out the window, particularly as it explores the toxic relationship between Catherine and her husband, Peter III. The series sometimes flew under the radar during its run, but it was acclaimed for its witty writing and stellar cast, particularly its leads, Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult.

Although The Great can get quite dark at times, its absurdist comedy still shines through, making it a mostly enjoyable watch. It might not be as romance-forward as Bridgerton, but fans of the latter can still enjoy its examination of relationships and gender politics, as well as the intrigues and spectacles of the Russian court. Despite its abrupt cancellation, The Great’s three seasons tell a complete story that will keep audiences diverted for a good while.

Dickinson Focuses on a Very Different Female Writer

RT: 92%, Metacritic: 72, IMDb: 7.7

Loosely based on the renowned American poet, Dickinson depicts Emily Dickinson as a young woman finding herself and her voice during a difficult time in her country’s history. It also centers on her intimate relationship with her best friend and sister-in-law, Susan “Sue” Gilbert, which has been a source of scholarly speculation for many years. The stylish series garnered praise for its bold, creative portrayal of the poet, as well as its lead actor, Hailee Steinfeld.

Emily Dickinson might not be an anonymous gossip columnist, but like Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown, she faces many challenges as a female writer in the 19th century that viewers are sure to find compelling. Additionally, Dickinson naturally weaves in the politics of the era, exploring race, gender and sexuality with a bit more depth than Bridgerton. While the episodes might be short, the show’s three seasons will have fans riveted from beginning to end.

The Artful Dodger Brings Romance and Medical Drama to a Literary Classic

RT: 92%, Metacritic: 67, IMDb: 8.0

The Artful Dodger serves as a sequel series to Oliver Twist and follows Jack Dawkins, who has left his life of crime to become a surgeon in Australia. His new life is turned upside down when he’s reunited with his old mentor, Fagin, and begins training the governor’s daughter, Lady Belle Fox, to become a surgeon too. With its excellent cast, exciting story and lively music, the miniseries was so well-received that it earned a second season, which recently wrapped filming.

Even if romance isn’t The Artful Dodger’s main focus, Jack and Belle’s love story is equal parts swoon-worthy and heartfelt, making it a great next watch for Bridgerton fans. The show also features a fun, modern soundtrack to accompany Jack’s adventures and provides some insight into this era in Australia’s history. It only has one season at the moment, but it’s well worth the watch, particularly with Season 2 on the way.

Pride and Prejudice Is the Ultimate Regency Era Love Story

RT: 88%, IMDb: 8.8

Based on Jane Austen’s most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they navigate love and marriage. Elizabeth unexpectedly captures the attention of the wealthy but snobbish Mr. Darcy, but as she later discovers, he might not be as irredeemable as she initially thinks. The BBC show has been hailed as one of the best miniseries of all time and is widely considered one of the best Austen adaptations ever made.

Pride and Prejudice is set in the same era as Bridgerton, although it takes place in the countryside instead of the city and is much more historically accurate, and focuses on the same themes. This particular adaptation also seems to have been a direct influence on Bridgerton Season 2, if Anthony Bridgerton’s dip in the lake is any indication. While it only has six episodes, viewers might be inspired to dive into other Austen adaptations afterward.

Outlander Explores Romance Across Multiple Time Periods

RT: 90%, Metacritic: 76, IMDb: 8.3

Outlander is based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series of the same name and centers on a nurse named Claire, who’s on her honeymoon in Scotland when she’s inexplicably transported from 1945 to 1743. After being taken under the protection of a group of Scottish rebels, she falls in love and marries one of their members, Jamie Fraser. The time-hopping historical drama quickly gained acclaim for its steamy romance, beautiful scenery and genre-bending story.

While some have likened it more to Game of Thrones with its fantastical elements and power struggles, Outlander is best known for its epic love story, which is sure to appeal to Bridgerton fans. Its use of time travel also allows it to explore a few different historical settings, making it feel like multiple period dramas in a single show. With seven seasons and a spinoff coming later this year, new viewers have plenty to catch up on.

My Lady Jane’s Fantastical Enemies-to-Lovers Arc Is Sure to Please Bridgerton Fans

RT: 95%, Metacritic: 71, IMDb: 7.4

Adapted from the Cynthia Hand novel of the same name, My Lady Jane is a fictionalized account of the life of Lady Jane Grey, who was queen of England for nine days. In this version, the conflict between Catholics and Protestants is replaced with one between Ethians, people who can transform into animals, and Verity, people without this ability. The series was adored for its fun fantasy elements, witty comedy and enemies-to-lovers romance between Jane and her husband, Lord Guildford Dudley.

My Lady Jane’s central love story is reminiscent of Charlotte and George’s romance in the Bridgerton spinoff Queen Charlotte, with a fantasy twist. Although the former series has more palace intrigue, fans will surely be taken with Jane and Guildford’s turbulent relationship as they navigate their growing feelings for each other and Guildford’s secret Ethian status. Amazon may have canceled the show after just one season, but it’s still definitely worth watching.

Sanditon Is a Steamy Take on Jane Austen’s Unfinished Novel

RT: 82%, Metacritic: 69, IMDb: 7.6

Sanditon was inspired by Austen’s unfinished manuscript of the same name and follows Charlotte Heywood as she visits the up-and-coming seaside town with the Parker family. During her stay, she meets fascinating characters, encounters shocking scandals and, of course, falls in love. Even if critics didn’t initially take to the show’s steamy, melodramatic reimagining of Austen’s work, audiences enjoyed it so much that they successfully brought it back from cancellation.

Like Bridgerton, Sanditon takes place during the Regency Era and is largely about love, marriage and gender roles. It also comes with an unusually high level of gossip and intrigue for an Austen adaptation, as well as some dazzling parties, which makes it an excellent choice for fans of Lady Whistledown’s column. While the seasons aren’t very long, the series has three of them to fill the hours, thanks to the dedicated fans who campaigned for its renewal.

The Gilded Age Examines New York’s Social Elite With Historical Splendor

RT: 91%, Metacritic: 71, IMDb: 8.1

Set in New York City in the late 19th century, The Gilded Age details the changing lives of the new money Russell family and the old money van Rhijn-Brook family. As the old guard tries to maintain control in the face of Bertha Russell’s determination to break into society and George Russell’s ruthless business tactics, Marian Brook and Peggy Scott struggle to find their place in the bustling city. The ensemble show got off to a slow start, but so far, it has only gotten better with each season.

The Gilded Age revolves around the city’s rigid social structure, resulting in plenty of petty drama that Bridgerton viewers are sure to enjoy. Although romance and marriage haven’t been as prominent in the first two seasons, both appear to be playing a bigger part in Season 3. With the new season just getting started, now is the perfect time for Bridgerton fans to get on board.

The Buccaneers Explores the Challenges of Marriage in the 19th Century With Modern Flare

RT: 73%, Metacritic: 71, IMDb: 6.6

The Buccaneers is loosely based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel of the same name and follows five American heiresses who become entangled in the world of English aristocracy. As cultures clash, the young women must also face the harsh realities of marriage and the social expectations that come with it. While its use of modern anachronisms might not be for everyone, audiences enjoyed the romantic drama and its memorable pop soundtrack enough for it to earn a second season.

With its messy love stories, scandalous revelations and contemporary soundtrack, The Buccaneers is the ideal next watch for Bridgerton fans. It also includes more LGBTQ+ representation, and its American protagonists are a welcome shock to the system, breathing new life into high society by flouting its expectations. The Buccaneers’ second season has just begun, but new viewers still have time to catch up with the story so far.

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