Finished 'Bridgerton'? Here Are 8 Period Dramas To Binge-Watch Next

Dearest Gentle Reader, Netflix has confirmed with great pleasure that Bridgerton will be returning for Seasons 5 and 6, but, as I'm sure the ton is well familiar with, it does take time before our Bridgertons are ready for their big debut, meaning Netflix hasn't announced a release date yet.  

If you're like me and all you know about period pieces and the regency era is Bridgerton, then congrats, you're like 90% of the world. But—and that’s a big butt, à la Benedict 😉—if the show has caught your attention and now you're thirsting for more period dramas, then here are 8 shows you can binge to cure your post-Bridgerton blues!

Most Bridgerton fans would probably have already heard of this spinoff title, but in case you missed it, Netflix made a limited series about Queen Charlotte and her ✨origin story✨.

It tells the story of Charlotte and her marriage to King George, which was set to transform society as the ton knows it. But there's a reason we don't see a lot of George in Bridgerton, and here, you finally find out why.

I will admit, at first, I was bored to death because I thought the story moved too slowly, but I promise you, stick with it, because once I got to the ending, it made going through everything so worth it. Suffice it to say, it was beautifully written—probably one of my favorite show endings of all time.

And I will admit, it's pretty cool to see the younger versions of the characters we've come to know and love in the main series, and getting a little sneak peek as to why they are the way they are in the show.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is streaming on Netflix.

I first heard of The Gilded Age from my parents, who, upon watching it, instantly recommended it to me. Apparently, they enjoyed it so much that they insisted I quickly finish the show I'm currently streaming so I can watch it.

Unlike Bridgerton, The Gilded Age takes the spotlight away from the British Regency and instead turns it to its American counterpart. As its namesake, it's set during the Gilded Age of the 1880s, following a young woman entering New York's social scene. She's drawn into conflicts pertaining to families that came from new money (those who made their money from industrialism) and families that came from old money (those who inherited their wealth).

The Gilded Age is streaming on HBO Max.

Though a relatively older entry, Outlander is about a woman on her second honeymoon in Scotland. But all of a sudden—as most juicy plots go—she's transported to 1743, where not only her freedom but her life is threatened. For no other reason but to survive, she marries a strapping Scots warrior, armed not just with pistols but a complex past and a surprisingly disarming sense of humor.

Without even realizing it, she’s caught between two different men from two quite literal different worlds.

Outlander is streaming on Netflix.

Despite being older than Outlander even, Downton Abbey is a classic for a reason. This is another all-time favorite of my parents—well, Mom more than Dad, but he enjoyed watching it with her! (Now isn't that true love, sitting through period pieces with your significant other?)

Another historical drama, Downton Abbey tells the story of the Crawley family and their servants. When a lord's heir goes down with the Titanic, he's left without a male offspring to take over the throne when he dies, so he begins the search for a new heir.

Downton Abbey is streaming on Prime Video. You can also watch the movies on HBO Max.

Set in an alternate 16th-century England, a woman's mother sells her to the highest bidder, but to her surprise (and dismay), her fiancé is revealed to be infuriatingly handsome, but in his heart he carries a dark secret, one that could get them both killed—you know, typical period piece stuff.

But where My Lady Jane differs from the rest is that in their world, Ethians exist—humans who can take animal forms. They coexist with the Verity, otherwise known as ordinary humans, but the Verity ruling class has since driven the Ethians out of society.

My Lady Jane is streaming on Prime Video.

The Empress is a historical drama about real-life figures Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary and the princess of Bavaria, Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, and it's love at first sight for the two. 

Elisabeth is a beautiful young woman way ahead of her time who rebels against the 19th century's rigid rules, not wanting to just be another figurehead of a thriving empire. Meanwhile, Franz is a multi-layered ruler who plays a key role in shaping European history. The two clash in a world of jealousy, intrigue, power struggles, and—of course—passion.

The Empress is streaming on Netflix.  

Set during the regency era, Sanditon follows a naive but spirited heroine who, seeking a fresh start, moves to the quiet fishing village Sanditon where she meets a charming man hoping to turn a seaside residence into a luxury resort of the same name. 

Sanditon is streaming on Prime Video.

The Buccaneers is about five wealthy and ambitious American girls who, upon entering 1870s London, kick off an Anglo-American cultural clash. Though they were sent to secure husbands and status, their hearts are set on something more.

The Buccaneers is streaming on Apple TV.

And there you have it, dearest gentle reader: Eight shows to bide your time while we wait for the much-anticipated return of our favorite fictional family, the Bridgertons. I know this author will be counting down the days till we get our next steamy scene—but until then, might I suggest checking out any one of the shows above? 😌