Historical drama series are rapidly gaining popularity and traction with a wide variety of audiences. Ranging from older, well-known shows like “Downton Abbey” to newer series catered to binge-watching such as “Bridgerton,” television period pieces reflect viewers’ desire for escapism and fascination with the lives of historical figures.
While some are rooted in true events and others are highly fictionalized, these shows are entertaining nonetheless. Available on a variety of streaming platforms, here are some of the best historical drama series to watch right now, ranging from romantic to comedic and everything in between.
The most historically comprehensive: “The Crown”
Chronicling the lives of members of the British monarchy across several decades, “The Crown” is a fascinating historical drama series that is well worth the watch. Created by Peter Morgan, the show premiered in 2016, beginning with the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and continuing through the 1990s.
Though not as fast-paced as other series on this list, the show’s phenomenal performances, costumes and set design reflect deep appreciation for its subject matter. The newest season, starring Emma Corrin as Princess Diana and Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher, contains some of the most compelling episodes in the series that have earned it several awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys.
“The Crown” is a longer time commitment, composed of four seasons with 10, hour-long episodes each. If you have the time and dedication to dig into a historically immersive series, this is the one for you.
“The Crown” is available to watch on Netflix, and the highly-anticipated fifth season is set to arrive this November.
The most creative: “Dickinson”
By far the most original television series on this list is “Dickinson,” a peculiar, delightful adventure of a show. Created by Alena Smith, “Dickinson” premiered in 2019 and stars Hailee Steinfeld as the titular, mysterious poet. The series merges Emily Dickinson’s writing with modern music, dialogue and themes, which makes for an enjoyable combination of old and new.
Set in the 1860s at the beginning of the Civil War, “Dickinson” masterfully modernizes the life of a legendary writer. Each character is wonderfully cast, and the show’s writing and plot remain nuanced and compelling throughout. Complete with romance, humor and a litany of hilarious literary guest appearances (think Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott and more), “Dickinson” keeps audiences on their toes.
The series is composed of three seasons with 10, half-hour long episodes each, so it is a relatively fast-paced, engaging watch, and a perfect show for poetry lovers. “Dickinson” is available to stream on Apple TV+.
The best binge-watch: “Bridgerton”
One of the most talked about series in this genre, “Bridgerton” is nothing short of entertaining. Created by Chris Van Dusen, the show follows the lives of prominent families in Regency-era England during debutante season.
Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), newly-eligible daughter of the upper-class Bridgerton family, becomes involved with the elusive Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), the Duke of Hastings. The pair concoct a plan to pretend-date to avoid being courted by other suitors, but they end up actually falling for each other in the process.
“Bridgerton” is the ultimate television binge-watch, complete with elaborate 1800s costumes, dramatic family rivalries and familiar romance tropes. “Bridgerton” is not a family-friendly series, but viewers will find themselves racing through the first season’s eight, hour-long episodes in no time.
“Bridgerton” is available to stream on Netflix, and the second season of the show arrives on March 25.
The wittiest writing: “The Great”
While Catherine the Great of Russia actually threw a coup and took the throne from her husband Peter III, it didn’t happen exactly as Tony McNamara’s dark comedy series “The Great” suggests. “The Great,” which labels itself as “an occasionally true story,” is about the unconventional life of Catherine II as she navigates empresshood in 18th-century Russia.
Elle Fanning plays sharp-witted, conniving Catherine, who conspires with members of her husband Peter’s (Nicholas Hoult) inner circle to overthrow the cruel, immature emperor. “The Great” is very much a royal revenge tale; Catherine’s subjugation by men in power leads the empress to take matters into her own hands in hopes of a better Russia.
While the show is based on some historical truth, it is largely fictionalized. Satirical, suggestive and, at times, gruesome, “The Great” is not for everyone. However, fans of dark comedy will enjoy this show for its sharp writing and clever storylines.
“The Great” is a slightly longer watch; there are two seasons with 10, hour-long episodes each. The show was recently renewed for a third season and is available to watch with a standard Hulu subscription.
The underrated gem: “Mrs. America”
A well-acted, fascinating series about a tumultuous period in American history, “Mrs. America” follows the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and the ultimately detrimental movement that defeated it. Created by Dahvi Waller, the series focuses on conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly’s battle to stop the ERA from ratification.
Schlafly, played by a wry, sinister Cate Blanchett, mobilizes a growing group of women in protest of the amendment. The series gives an in-depth analysis of Schlafly’s opposition to the feminist movement, as well as her actions that led to the downfall of the ERA.
“Mrs. America” does an excellent job encapsulating the political turmoil of the 1970s. Each episode focuses on a different activist or politician of the time period and their impact on second-wave feminism, including Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne), Betty Friedan (Tracey Ullman) and Shirley Chisholm (Uzo Aduba), to name a few.
The show’s brilliant writing, character development and retro soundtrack make it an engrossing, relevant watch. With fantastic performances from Blanchett, Aduba and others, “Mrs. America” is the perfect show for those who are interested in learning more about a pivotal moment in American history.
“Mrs. America” has one season with 10, hour-long episodes and is available to watch on watch with a standard Hulu subscription.
Honorable mentions: “Downton Abbey,” “Anne with an E,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Edited by Lucy Valeski | lvaleski@themaneater.com
