10 Alternate Dives Through History
Bridgerton is a new period drama released on Netflix that combines elements of Downtown Abbey and Gossip Girl to produce a diverse and different slice of historical fiction. The show follows the lives of the Bridgerton family, who live in England during the early 1900s. ..
If you’ve finished streaming this one and are looking for more content like it, we’ve compiled a list of the best similar shows for you to stream. ..
The similarities between these two articles are that they both focus on the life of a single mother. They also both mention the importance of family. However, the main difference between these two pieces is that one focuses on the struggles and joys of being a single mother while the other focuses on the struggles and joys of being a family member.
We’ve added a link to our full thoughts on that series so you can check it out and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
- The Crown
- Stranger Things
- Game of Thrones
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Westworld
- Black Mirror
- The Office (U.S.)
- Parks and Recreation
- Veep 10 . House of Cards ..
Downton Abbey
Similarities – Tone & Characters
Given that Downtown Abbey is a popular British series, it seems likely that Bridgerton would make our list as well. The show follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family in the early 20th century and is highly popular.
Downtown Abbey is a show that is both beautiful and compelling. The costumes and set design really help to breathe life into the show, but what makes it so absorbing is the way its characters interact and grow across the span of 6 seasons while interweaving real-life events into the story.
As the new legal heirs arrive on the Titanic, they quickly cause a lot of friction and hostilities.
The story begins with a bang, and quickly builds to a climax. It’s difficult to put down, and takes a lot of effort to follow.
Call The Midwife
Similarities – Characters & Social Themes
Call the Midwife is a period drama set in London in the late 50s. It’s well written and cleverly disguised commentary on social class, the role of women in society, and poverty. ..
Nonnatus House is a nursing home in London. It is the home of Dr. John Nonnatus, a renowned surgeon who has been helping to care for the elderly and injured since the 1800s. Jenny Lee, a new nurse, arrives at Nonnatus House ready to begin working as a midwife. Playing out the “fish out of water” trope, Call The Midwife cleverly works this around a more expansive story that encapsulates several other nurses, lots of romance and plenty of drama along the way.
The performances from all involved are excellent and despite its lengthy run-time, never lets up on any of its core values across the expansive 10 seasons. This one’s a must-watch.
Outlander
Similarities – Romance
Outlander is a great adaptation of the book series, with strong character development and a well-paced story. The show is also visually stunning, with excellent production values. If you’re looking for a good TV series to watch, Outlander is definitely worth checking out.
Outlander is a romance that goes on to evolve and grow over time. It combines several different genres, including historical fiction, adventure, fantasy and melodrama. This blending of genres makes Outlander such an enthralling watch. The later seasons do meander a little at times, but there’s enough here to enjoy nonetheless.
Sky Castle
Similarities – Characters & Themes
Sky Castle was a remarkable feat, especially when you look back and see the drama hit a measly 1% with its opening episode.
Four housewives residing in an exclusive residential area are desperate to get their kids into university no matter the cost. The show is a satirical drama that revolves around their everyday lives and their struggles to get their children into the best schools. ..
Sky Castle is a well-done Korean drama that examines class and culture. It also has thought-provoking discussions around parental pressure to excel in school. All of this makes Sky Castle one of the best Korean dramas out there. ..
The Penthouse
Similarities – Soapy Drama
Penthouse is a show that is extremely dramatized and exaggerated to the point of turning into an exciting guilty pleasure. This, as it turns out, perfectly exemplifies The Penthouse.
Penthouse’s main storyline revolves around the death of a girl named Seol-A who was pushed off the 49th floor of a lavish apartment complex called Hera Palace. While the murder mystery element does take up a good chunk of time, it’s the various affairs, relationships and scandalous twists that really make this show so captivating. ..
The show has a lot of different characters and the villains are easy to hate. If you’re looking for a solid binge-watch, this one may not be a period drama but it does exemplify the same dramatic hallmarks Bridgerton has.
Victoria
Similarities – Period Drama
After receiving a substantial amount of views, ITV scrapped plans for a stand-alone mini-series starring Jenna Coleman and ordered a second (and later third) season of “Victoria.” ..
Victoria follows the early life of Queen Victoria from her ascension to the throne at the age of 18 through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. The season covers all the political trickery, deception and manipulation that goes on during this time. ..
Victoria does a wonderful job of bringing this period of time to life with some fine performances from most of its main cast. ..
Upstairs, Downstairs
Similarities – Social Issues
Upstairs, Downstairs is a British television series that centers around the trials and tribulations of the British aristocratic Bellamy family and their household staff. Although the “upper class” Bellamy’s are the central focus in the public eye, it’s the “downstairs” personnel that steal the show. ..
The workers are busy around the house because they care about their families and want to make a difference in the world. Their issues are very sympathetic, and the story is full of social issues that are relevant to people of all ages.
The butler Hudson steals the show at the Scottish wedding reception, but each of the characters showcased are perfectly designed and memorable in their own right. Each character is unique and brings a different perspective to the story. ..
Upstairs, Downstairs is a popular British television series that tells the story of the servants in a grand house during the early 20th century. The show is based on historical events that took place in England between 1903 and 1930. ..
Belgravia
Similarities – London & Characters
The show is set in the fictional Belgravia district of London, which is a mix of old and new buildings. It’s a place where people are often struggling to make ends meet and where the rich and powerful live. The show follows the lives of several characters, including a young woman named Alice (played by Rufus Sewell), her father (Tom Hiddleston), and her mother (Jessica Chastain).
Belgravia is a luxurious upper-class neighbourhood bordering Buckingham Palace that is home to Belgravia, the country house.
Belgravia is a popular London neighborhood that offers a high level of society drama with a little less soapy melodrama. ..
The Crown
Similarities – Period Drama
Netflix has released a number of great period dramas in recent years, but The Crown is easily one of the best. The show follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her early years as a young princess to her time as queen. The Crown is well-written and well-acted, and it’s sure to captivate viewers. ..
The production of “The Crown” is a very stylish and impressive one, blending romance and character relations beautifully. This period drama follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, making it a very popular show. ..
Netflix’s Stranger Things is one of the few Originals that have made it over the 3-season hurdle. This series is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys period dramas or not.
Gran Hotel
Similarities – Romance
The Gran Hotel is a hotel that revolves around a family-owned hotel set in the fictional Spanish town of Cantaloa. The hotel’s costume and production design oozes a wonderful 1900’s aesthetic and balances that with a heady cocktail of romance, drama, comedy and shocks.
Julio, a waiter at the hotel, falls in love with the owner’s daughter and investigates the disappearance of his sister. While out investigating, he falls in love with her and their affair becomes steamy. However, he’s also trying to find out what happened to his sister.
This Spanish series is very addictive and difficult to put down. There is a lot of drama across its season, as well as the mystery elements that keep you coming back for more.
- The Crown
- Stranger Things
- The Good Place
- Veep
- Master of None
- Better Things
- The Mindy Project
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- The Good Place (season 2) 10. Narcos
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