Step Back in Time: 5 Period Dramas to Add to Your Watchlist

In the frenzy of modern life, it’s tempting to escape into the lavish and romanticized life of period dramas. The exquisite costumes, historical settings, eloquent language, old-fashioned culture, and intriguing plots, along with amazing cinematography, make period dramas an ideal choice for the ultimate viewing experience. If you are ready to dive into some fantastic entertainment, here’s a list of some gripping period dramas that you wouldn’t want to miss:

The Great (2020 – present)

The Great is a satire and a dark comedy, loosely based on the life of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning female empress in the history of Russia. This series is highly fictionalized with the onscreen title being “The Great: An Almost Entirely True Story”. When the young, naive, and highly educated Catherine is married to the emperor Peter of Russia, her hopes are shattered after discovering Peter’s cruel nature.

When she observes the condition of Russian citizens, she is determined to make a difference. She overthrows her husband, assumes the throne, and embarks on a journey to revolutionize Russia. But things become more complicated, as she and Peter develop feelings for each other. The series delves into themes of political intrigue, social inequality, personal ambition, and romance through comedy and bold storytelling. Elle Fannings and Nicholas Hoult’s performances are top-notch.

To watch the trailer, click here.

Downton Abbey (2010 – 2016)

Downton Abbey is a British period drama series, set in 20th-century England. It revolves around the lives of inhabitants of the grand estate of Downton Abbey, including the Crawley family and their servants. The series skillfully blends their lives with the shifting social and political norms of the time. It begins when the heir of Downton Abbey dies by drowning in Titanic, and the estate is entailed to another unknown male heir. At the heart of the drama are three sisters – Mary, Sybil, and Edith.

The costumes and settings of this series are historically accurate, vividly bringing the era to life. All the actors remarkably bring the characters to life, making you deeply sympathize and care about each character. The series explores the themes of class system, romance, duty, scandal, and familial love in a deeply engaging manner. This series is emotional, humorous, dramatic, and joyful all at once. This masterpiece is a must-watch for period drama lovers.

Cable Girls (2017-2020)

This is a Spanish period drama that revolves around the life of four women, working at a telecommunications company, Cable Girls, one of the few places that allows modernity and independence to women in the male-dominated society of 1920s Madrid. We follow the journey of four women with strong and vibrant personalities from completely different backgrounds, as they navigate the challenges and struggles in both personal and work lives.

One of the main characters, Lidia begins working at the company on a secret mission to escape from her past, but things become more complicated when her past continues to haunt her, as she encounters an ex-lover at the company. This series highlights the importance of female solidarity and touches upon themes of secrets, deception, betrayal, and complex romantic relationships.

Pride And Prejudice (1995)

Although the most widely watched adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the 2005 movie, starring Keira Knightley, a more accurate and faithful depiction of the source material is the 1995 BBC adaptation. The series centers on the life of Elizabeth Bennet, a charming and headstrong woman as she encounters the most eligible bachelor, Mr. Darcy, who she finds extremely proud. Disliking each other at first, they go through a change of heart as the story progresses.

This is a timeless story with witty dialogues, retaining Jane Austen’s original writing and historically appropriate costumes correctly portraying the Regency era.  This is a miniseries, making it easier to binge-watch in a day and an essential watch in the world of period dramas.

Wuthering Heights (2009)

Adapted from one of the most celebrated works of literature, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, this series explores the destructive romance of Catherine and Heathcliff. When Heathcliff perceives himself wronged by the people in his life, he seeks to take an elaborate vengeance on them, destroying everyone and himself in the process. Set in the desolate moors of Yorkshire moors, accompanied by stormy weather, the series perfectly portrays the gothic atmosphere.

With an intriguing storyline and complex characters, the story delves into the themes of, hatred, revenge, love, and obsession. Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley’s performances as Heathcliff and Catherine are outstanding.

This series is also available to watch for free here.

For the perfect binge-watching experience, check out more recommendations in these articles: 5 Atmospheric And Gloomy Movies To Watch This Rainy Season. For lighthearted and cozy indulgence, go for Rom-Com Nostalgia: Revisiting the Best Movies of the 90s and 2000s.