With Season 3 of The Gilded Age and Season 2 of The Buccaneers wrapping up next week, period drama fans may soon find themselves searching for their next lavish escape into high society, romance, and scandal. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of captivating options to fill the void—especially as we await the arrival of The Gilded Age Season 4 and the much-anticipated Bridgerton Season 4, which is currently deep in production.
For those craving more tales of love, rivalry, and social intrigue set against historical backdrops, both films and television shows can help bridge the gap and reignite excitement for what’s to come. From Regency-era ballrooms to Victorian drawing rooms, these titles offer the elegance, drama, and emotional complexity that fans of The Gilded Age, The Buccaneers, and Bridgerton have come to adore.
And with news that remakes of both Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice are in development, now is the perfect time for a rewatch of the iconic 1995 and 2005 film adaptations. These Jane Austen classics not only remain timeless masterpieces in their own right, but they also provide rich context and emotional resonance as we prepare for fresh interpretations of these beloved stories.
Whether you’re revisiting well-loved characters or discovering new period gems, there’s never been a better moment to indulge in historical drama. Here are seven must-watch titles that promise all the courtship, couture, and complexity that define the very best of the genre:
1. The Gilded Age – HBO Max
From Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age captures the opulence and upheaval of 1880s New York as old-money aristocrats confront the rise of ambitious new money. Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brooke (Cynthia Nixon) represent the rigid traditions of the past, while the audacious Russell family—led by George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha (Carrie Coon)—boldly challenge societal norms. With stunning costumes, dramatic social politics, and a fourth season confirmed, this series is essential viewing for fans of historical power plays and elite drama.
2. The Buccaneers – Apple TV+
Set during the same era as The Gilded Age, this vibrant Apple TV+ series follows a group of young American women who head to England in search of aristocratic husbands. Inspired by Edith Wharton’s final, unfinished novel, The Buccaneers blends youthful rebellion with societal expectations, featuring a standout cast including Kristine Frøseth, Christina Hendricks, and Leighton Meester. Its lush visuals, romantic intrigue, and all-female soundtrack draw welcome comparisons to Bridgerton, especially in the debutante ball scenes and emotionally charged love triangles.
3. Bridgerton – Netflix
Of course, no list is complete without the Netflix juggernaut that reignited the period drama craze. Set during the Regency era and based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, Bridgerton follows the romantic pursuits of each Bridgerton sibling across eight seasons of scandal, seduction, and social ambition. Its modern orchestral covers, inclusive casting, and swoon-worthy slow burns make it a phenomenon in its own right—and a gold standard for those seeking period drama with a pulse.
4. Downton Abbey – HBO Max (Series) & Netflix/Peacock (Films)
Before The Gilded Age, Julian Fellowes enchanted audiences with the world of Downton Abbey, which chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their devoted servants from the Titanic’s sinking through the Roaring Twenties. With its blend of upstairs-downstairs drama, historical events, and unforgettable characters, Downton remains a crown jewel of period storytelling. The universe also includes two feature films, with a third—Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale—arriving September 2025. The series is on HBO Max, the first film is on Netflix, and the second is streaming on Peacock.
5. Pride & Prejudice (2005) – HBO Max
Revisiting Joe Wright’s visually sumptuous adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic is always a good idea—especially as Netflix readies a new TV version. Keira Knightley’s spirited Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen’s brooding Mr. Darcy deliver one of the most enduring love stories in literary and cinematic history. With an all-star supporting cast and a sweeping score, this Pride & Prejudice remains the gold standard of Austen adaptations and is currently streaming on HBO Max.
6. Sense & Sensibility (1995) – Available to Rent
Emma Thompson’s Oscar-winning adaptation of Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee, features heartfelt performances and timeless storytelling. With Kate Winslet as the passionate Marianne and Hugh Grant as the reserved Edward Ferrars, this tale of two sisters navigating love and financial ruin remains deeply affecting. With a new remake on the way from Focus Features starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, now is the perfect time to revisit this emotionally rich film, available for rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and more.
7. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – Netflix
This Bridgerton spinoff and prequel from Shonda Rhimes dives into the origin story of Queen Charlotte, offering a deeper exploration of race, romance, and power in the early Regency court. India Amarteifio stars as the young Queen, alongside Corey Mylchreest as a vulnerable yet charismatic King George. The show also features younger versions of Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, delivering the same visual splendor and dramatic stakes fans expect—while enriching the broader Bridgerton universe with fresh, emotional depth.
From Austen-inspired love stories to glittering tales of ambition and society, these seven period dramas capture the heart and elegance of a bygone era with all the flair and fire of modern storytelling. Whether you’re binging your favorites again or diving into something new, these titles are sure to keep you enchanted until Bridgerton and The Gilded Age return in all their splendid glory.
