Darling esteemed fans of the Ton, the end of the season can leave us all longing for more Regency-era sumptuous costumes, steamy romances, and intricate social dramas. Whilst the first half of Season 3 is already upon us, many, yours truly included, are bereft at the length we must wait for its conclusion.
Fear not, dearest reader, for the world of television is ripe with series that capture the spirit and elegance of Bridgerton. To satisfy your cravings, here are five shows that will go some way to sate your desire until the wonderful Shonda Rhimes deems it time to grace us with more storytelling flair and tales from the Ton.
Downton Abbey
Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey shows us the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family, their social circle and servants. The show delves into the impact of historical events such as the Titanic sinking, World War I, and the Spanish flu on both the upstairs elite and the downstairs working class.
Like Bridgerton, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, complete with opulent settings and complex characters. It expertly balances personal dramas with broader social changes, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy historical narratives with emotional depth. And as a bonus, there is a movie too!
With stars such as Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith (yes, Queen Elizabeth II awarded her the title.) bringing the characters to life, it truly is a feast for all fans of historical drama.
Outlander
Outlander follows Claire Randall (played by the wonderful Caitríona Balfe from my hometown), a 1945 nurse mysteriously transported from war-torn England back to 1743 Scotland. There, she gets caught up in the revolutions and finds herself torn between two very different lives and loves.
The series is known for its passionate love story between Claire and Jamie Fraser, played by the swoonsome Sam Heughan, set against Scotland’s lush, sweeping landscapes. Its mix of time travel, political intrigue, and rich historical context provides a captivating escape for viewers seeking romance and adventure.
The chemistry between the lead characters and the richly depicted historical settings make it a perfect follow-up for Bridgerton fans who lust after epic love stories set against dramatic backdrops.
The Crown
Chronicling Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, The Crown explores the intricate balance between her public duties and private life as the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning Monarch. The series meticulously details significant events and personal struggles within the royal family, offering an intimate look at the pressures of the monarchy.
If you’re drawn to Bridgerton for its royal intrigue and power dynamics, this provides a modern yet equally captivating exploration of similar themes. The show’s high production values and historical authenticity make it a must-watch.
With stellar performances from all the cast, particularly from the three women who have played the Queen over the years, Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton, this is high-quality and intriguing viewing.
Sanditon
Based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, it follows a spirited young lady, Charlotte Heywood, when she moves to the seaside village of Sanditon. There, she encounters a cast of characters and navigates the complexities of love and social ambition.
Sanditon captures the wit and romance of Austen’s work, offering viewers a delightful mix of character-driven stories and period charm. The show’s exploration of societal norms and personal aspirations resonates with the themes that make our visits to the Ton so engaging. And who doesn’t love a bit of Jane Austen?!
While the cast might be relatively unknown, their performances are beyond reproach. Leading lady Rose Williams has starred in other period dramas such as A Quiet Passion and Reign, while love interest Alexander, played by Ben Lloyd-Hughes, is also in The Crown.
The Great
This series is a satirical, comedic take on Catherine the Great’s rise from her arrival in Russia to her eventual coup against her husband, Emperor Peter III. It blends historical facts with irreverent humour and modern sensibilities.
For those who appreciate Bridgerton’s playful anachronisms and witty dialogue, The Great offers a similarly refreshing approach to historical storytelling. Its bold, humorous portrayal of royal intrigue and the complexities of power will keep you entertained and amused.
This Emmy Award-winning show, which stars two of Hollywood’s child stars all grown up, Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, as Catherine and Peter, shouldn’t be missed.
Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of royal courts, the rugged landscapes of historical Scotland, or the wit and charm of Austen-inspired narratives, these shows will try to fill the void left by Bridgerton.
However, my dearest readers, understand that even though these shows offer unique charm and perspectives on history, romance, and societal dynamics, they are not our beloved Bridgerton. But alas, they will have to satisfy us for now.
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown…oops, I mean Julie-Ann Sherlock.
P.S. If you have any gossip about other tales worth indulging in, please drop them in the comment box for my consideration.