6 Shows to Watch that are like 'Bridgerton'

Kreskin Sugay
Onedio Member
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Season two of Bridgeton came and went just like that, and if you can’t get enough of these scandal-filled period shows, don’t fret. There are several just like it if you know where to look.

This Netflix series is fast becoming a classic and is bound to be etched in the memory of this generation. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, it’s easy to see why it has been so successful. It has all the ingredients of a successful series- a compelling plot, good looking cast members, and lots of scandal and intrigue. All of this set with orchestral versions of Billie Eilish songs, giving the series a modern twist despite being a period drama. 

As season two just recently wrapped, it's going to take some time for season three to air. So, without further ado, here’s a list of more period dramas to fill the void while waiting for Bridgerton’s third installment.

Sanditon

The Sanditon series was based on the unfinished, final Jane Austen novel. This drama-infused series has all the Bridgerton feels but with a little less steamy romance. The series features Rose Williams who plays the role of the lead heroine, Charlotte. Charlotte moves to the picturesque seaside town of Sanditon and finds herself in a love-hate relationship with the ambitious entrepreneur Sidney who is played by Theo James. 

Sidney is committed to building tourist attractions in Charlotte’s seaside reprieve, clashing with her until an accident forces them to reappraise their inital impressions.

Period film fans can watch this eight part drama series on Amazon Prime and PBS.

Harlots

If you like the steam and scandal that Bridgerton offers, then Harlots will not disappoint. In fact, Harlots offers you more of it! The story tracks the story of two rival madams who are engaged in servicing the secret appetites of the affluent men in London.

Margaret Wells, portrayed by Samantha Morton, is determined to have an “elite brothel,” a far cry from where they started off in season one. 

Considering this main narrative, the sex scenes are more common than not, but they do not take away from the plot which is thick with unexpected twists and turns. 

You can still catch the three seasons of this controversial series on Hulu.

You can tune in to Amazon to watch the limited three part series, “The Pursuit of Love.” This is less steamier than Bridgerton, but the story line is just as developed. It chronicles the coming of age of best friends Linda Radlett and Fanny Logan, played by Lily James and Emily Beecham.

No stranger to period films, Lily James played the role of Lady Rose Aldrige in Downton Abbey. Emily Beechman, on the other hand, was awarded Best Actress by the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Little Joe.

This is a timeless story based on the 1945 novel of the same name penned by Nancy Mitford. It was first made into a TV series in the 1980s entitled Love in a Cold Climate, and again in 2001.

The 2021 version though, very much like Bridgerton, is very easy for the new generation to like and features an updated soundtrack featuring New Order, T. Rex and more.

Of all the shows on this list, the Spanish series, The Cook of Castamar, is most akin to Bridgerton. For one, you can still catch it on Netflix, plus it has the same glamor as Bridgerton, as it is set during the golden age of Spain in the 18th century.  

Like Bridgerton, the Cook of Castamar is also inspired by a novel, but the plot centers around a recluse cook and a woman of a  higher class. 

This highly successful series has had previous nominations and won 10 awards for its brilliant cast and production value.

The Great

What The Great lacks in titillating scenes, it more than makes up for in its wit and compelling dialogue. It’s as funny as can be, written by Oscar-nominated writer Tony McNamara.

Falling under the historical fiction genre, The Great focuses on the epic story of Catherine the Great and the attempt to murder her husband, Peter III, Emperor of Russia.

American actress Elle Fanning plays the lead, and if she looks familiar, it’s because she has been acting since 2001, with her most popular role being Princess Aurora in Maleficent. An accomplished actress, she became the youngest jury member at the prestigious Cannes Festival.

Playing opposite Elle is Nicholas Hoult, who is every bit as accomplished with acting nominations from the British Academy, Golden Globe and the Screen Actors Guild. One of his more prominent roles is as the Beast in the film version of X-Men. 

You can still watch The Great on Hulu.

Outlander

Next on our list is Netflix’s Outlander (also available on Starz), and is definitely in the same league as Bridgerton in terms of steaminess and raunchiness.

The Outlander is taken from the series of novels by Diana Gabaldon and features a Scottish Highlander who weaves in and out of time, seeking the affections of a World War II nurse, making for a sexy sci-fi romance. 

This highly successful series is about to wrap up its 8th season, featuring the acting prowess of Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser, Sam Heughan as James 'Jamie' Fraser and Tobias Menzies as Frank Randall.

If Tobias looks familiar to you it’s because he played the role of Prince Charles in the Netflix hit, The Crown, as well as a prominent role (although short lived) in The Game of Thrones.

Caitriona on the other hand, was the face that launched hundreds of campaigns from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and many more, before she decided to focus on a career as an actress.

Sam though has had an amazing run as the male lead of The Outlander, and has won the People's Choice Award and the Saturn Award and was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award.