FINISHED ‘BRIDGERTON’? Here are 10 other period dramas to binge next

Television has a host of options that could make for a worthy replacement

Bridgerton, Netflix’s saucy new Shondaland period drama, is a fun and popular escape — one that you might binge your way through in a few days or even hours. But fear not if you’ve already finished: TV has a host of period dramas that could make for a worthy replacement. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.

THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT (2020)

This absorbing chess drama — starring Anya Taylor-Joy as an orphan who becomes a chess prodigy while struggling with addiction — has held steady in Netflix’s Top 10 offerings since its release in October of last year. The series is set in the 1960s, but as Post gender columnist Monica Hesse noted last year, the series resolutely ignores the sexism of the era. (Streaming Netflix)

DICKINSON (2019)

Hailee Steinfeld plays a rebellious and rightfully funny Emily Dickinson in Alena Smith’s unconventional, occasionally trippy take on the iconic 19th century poet. The first three episodes of Season 2 just premiered Friday; the rest will debut weekly. (Streaming on Apple TV Plus)

THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (2017)

Rachel Brosnahan has racked up awards — one Emmy and two Golden Globes among them — for her turn as Midge Maisel, a whip-smart comedian navigating the male-dominated stand-up circuit in 1950s New York, in this period comedydrama. (Streaming on Amazon Prime)

REIGN (2013)

CW’s four-season historical fantasy revolved around Mary, Queen of Scots (played by Adelaide Kane), and her early years in 16th century France, where she navigates political and sexual tensions while preparing to wed the would-be king, Prince Francis (Toby Regbo).

GOOD GIRLS REVOLT (2015)

Speaking of disappointing endings, many viewers were crestfallen when Amazon cancelled this ‘60s-era drama. The show, which followed the lives of women working at a Newsweek-esque magazine, was given the boot after just one very promising season. It’s still worth watching.

CALL THE MIDWIFE (2012)

This long-running drama, based on Jennifer Worth’s best-selling trilogy of memoirs, follows a group of nurse midwives in London’s impoverished East End. Season 1 begins in the late 1950s, tackling the postwar social issues of the era. Subsequent seasons take on issues including birth control as the series moves through the decades. (Streaming on Netflix)

OUTLANDER (2014)

Based on the series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, this historical fiction series transports a married former World War II nurse (Caitriona Balfe) to battle-strewn 18th century Scotland, where she falls in love with a Highland warrior (Sam Heughan). (Streaming on Starz)

DOWNTON ABBEY (2010)

If you aren’t familiar with the upstairsdownstairs drama that unfolds at Downton Abbey’s sprawling titular estate, now is a good time to rid yourself of that pop culture blind spot.” This is the kind of show for which you’ll want to get a mild case of the flu,” former Washington Post TV critic Hank Stuever warned in his review of the show. (Streaming on Amazon Prime)

PEAKY BLINDERS (2013)

This gritty and popular British import follows ruthless gang leader Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) as his crime family takes over the streets of postwar Birmingham, England in the 1920s. (Streaming on Netflix)

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1995)

This wildly popular BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel earned Jennifer Ehle a BAFTA Award for her role as protagonist Elizabeth Bennet. It also made Colin Firth, who starred as a brooding Mr. Darcy, a household name.