If Regency-era drama Bridgerton has left a Duke of Hastings-shaped hole in your life, then fear not, because we have put together this handy guide with all the shows you can binge on as you wait for Bridgerton season 2 of the Netflix hit to arrive. Here's what to watch after Bridgerton.
The first season of Bridgerton saw Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and the rakish Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) tie the knot after a bumpy ride to the altar and attention will soon turn to Julia Quinn's second Bridgerton novel (The Viscount Who Loved Me) which follows Daphne’s older brother, Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey)
With filming underway, it seems we won't have to wait too long for the next installment of Bridgerton. While a Christmas launch (as with season 1) seems unlikely, it is hoped that we won't have to wait too far into 2022 to see the new season arrive on Netflix.
But while we're waiting for the corsets and carriages to return to our screens, here are some other brilliant period dramas to pass the time.
What to watch after Bridgerton...
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey was such a huge hit that it seems unlikely there is any period drama fan out there who hasn't seen an episode. However, if the show has completely passed you by, or you'd like to relive the trials and tribulations of the Crawley family once again, then look no further. The drama, set on a fictional Yorkshire country estate between 1912 (just after the sinking of the Titanic) and 1926, follows the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), his American wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), and their family as they're served by their loyal house staff.
Since season 6 aired, two films have also been made. The first was released in 2019 and the second, Downton Abbey: A New Era is due to hit cinemas on March 18, 2022.
Number of seasons: 6, plus one feature film with another on the way
Episodes: 52
Average episode length: 48 - 66 minutes
Where to watch: UK: BritBox and Netflix US: Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Netflix
Sanditon
Sanditon was a big hit in both the UK and the US when it first aired, and now there is a second season due to be released next year. The period drama, set in the Regency era, just like our beloved Bridgerton, was adapted from an unfinished Jane Austen novel and follows main character Charlotte as she arrives in the coastal town of Sanditon and is soon shocked by the secrets that the area's inhabitants all share.
Number of seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Average episode length: 60 minutes
Where to watch: UK: Britbox US: Amazon Prime
Pride and Prejudice
While there have been many adaptations of this Jane Austen novel, the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice from 1995 is renowned to be one of the best. Not only does it follow the novel in more detail than others, but it also features Colin Firth diving fully clothed into a lake, which alone surely makes the series well worth a watch!
Number of seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
Average episode length: 54 minutes
Where to watch: UK: Netflix, Amazon Prime, BritBox US: Hulu, Amazon Prime, BritBox (remastered to 4K for the 25th Anniversary of the series).
'The Crown'
The Crown follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh until the early 21st century, with each stage in her life being portrayed by a different actress. Claire Foy played the Queen in seasons 1 and 2, with Olivia Colman taking the reins for seasons 3 and 4. Imelda Staunton has taken over the role for the forthcoming season 5 which airs in November 2022.
Number of seasons: 4
Episodes: 40
Average episode length: 47 - 61 minutes
Where to watch: UK and US: Netflix
Victoria
Doctor Who and The Serpent star Jenna Coleman stars as the legendary monarch as she ascends the throne aged just 18, following Queen Victoria's life as she marries Prince Albert and welcomes her first child into the world. Soon we see Victoria’s marriage struggle as she juggles family life and Royal duty, while real-life historical events are also featured, including the Anglo-Afghan War and the Irish Famine of 1840.
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 25
Average episode length: 45 minutes
Where to watch: US: PBS Masterpiece; UK: Britbox.
Gentleman Jack
This historical drama is set in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1832, with ex Coronation Street favourite Suranne Jones starring as endearing landowner and industrialist, Anne Lister.
The series, which sees Anne return to her hometown to restore her uncle's estate, is based on a collection of diaries written by Lister, which document a lifetime of romances with other women, mainly written in a secret code. Gentleman Jack season 2 is currently in production and is expected to air in late 2021 or early 2022.
Number of seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Average episode length: 58 minutes
Where to watch: UK: BBC iPlayer and BritBox US: HBO
Vanity Fair
This opulent period drama series, which first aired in 2018, is adapted from William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel. Olivia Cooke wows as heroine Becky Sharp as she attempts to claw her way out of poverty and scale the heady heights of English society all against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
Number of seasons: 1
Episodes: 7
Average episode length: 60 minutes
Where to watch: UK: ITV Hub US: Amazon Prime
Dickinson
Hailee Steinfeld stars as American poet Emily Dickinson who resists her parent's attempts to find her a suitor in order to follow her dream of becoming a poet.
With modern dialogue and period-accurate costumes, the show plays fast and loose with the usual conventions and is an entertaining drama that sees Hailee Steinfeld performing at her very best.
The third and final season arrives on Apple TV+ later this year. Season 3 will be set at the breakout of the American Civil War, all while another battle starts to divide Emily's own family.
Number of seasons: 2
Episodes: 20
Average episode length: 26-34 minutes
Where to watch: UK & US: Apple TV+
The Pursuit of Love
Set in Europe between the two World Wars, this romantic drama follows the adventures of fearless Linda Radlett (Cinderella and Downton Abbey star Lily James) and her best friend and cousin Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham).
Obsessed with love and marriage, the pair are on the hunt for their ideal husband. But their friendship is rocked as Fanny decides to settle down and get married while Linda, who is full of spark and passion opts to follow her heart - leading her down an increasingly wild path.
Number of seasons: 1
Episodes: 3
Average episode length: 59 minutes
Where to watch: UK: BBC iPlayer US: Amazon Prime
