10 Shows Like Bridgerton to Watch Next
While we patiently wait for more Bridgerton, check out these binge-worthy period dramas.
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Earlier this month, part two of Bridgerton's season three dropped on Netflix, and it quickly became one of the most-watched shows of all time on the steamer. "When the show first came out, we couldn't have fathom that kind of response and the hundreds of millions of viewers globally," star Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope, told Town & Country. "Sometimes the world and the audiences in the world will tell you what they need—and the world can be a dark, scary, difficult place, and this show just celebrates joy in such an unashamed, beautiful way."
Bridgerton is unique because it ushered in a new, diverse period drama, where the soundtrack contains instrumental versions of the likes of Taylor Swift and Pitbull. Now that season three has concluded, and we must wait patiently for Bridgerton season four, try these 10 shows:
The Buccaneers
Not enough female friendship in Bridgerton for you? Tired of the British accent? If so, The Buccaneers should be first on your list to watch next. This historical drama series follows the lives of five American women who, upon finding the high-society life of New York closed to their 'new money,' venture to London, where aristocrats are reluctantly willing to trade money for title. The show stars Kristine Froseth as Nan, Guy Remmers as Theo, Alisha Boe as Conchita, Matthew Broome as Guy, and many more exciting young actors.
Season one is currently streaming on Apple TV+, and there's a season two in the works.
The Great
The Great is a more violent, more sensual version of Bridgerton. The story, loosely inspired by Russia's Empress, Catherine the Great, follows the marriage between Catherine (played by Elle Fanning) and Peter III (played by Nicholas Hoult).
Although Catherine arrives in Russia as an innocent young woman, she quickly adapts to the craziness of Peter's rule and attitude. Eventually, Catherine wishes to kill her deranged husband, making the story a delightfully dynamic course of ups and downs.
All three seasons are now streaming on Hulu.
Reign
If you like tense romantic situations filled with betrayal, secrets, and the battle between passion and duty, then Reign is for you. Reign retells the story of the Queen of Scotland, Mary Stuart, who travels to France to secure an alliance with the country by marrying its prince, Francis.
Played by Adelaide Kane, Mary survives assassination attempts, friendship complications, and even lust for her fiancée's brother, Bash. Will she successfully become France's Queen? Filled with angst and schemes, Reign is an entertaining, on-the-edge-of-your-seat type of show.
All four seasons are now streaming on Amazon Prime.
The Serpent Queen
On the same historical figure as the Reign's Catherine, The Serpent Queen, tells the story of King Francis' mother, Catherine de' Medici, and her vicious yet intelligent rule. Played by Samantha Morton, Catherine learns that being feared is the best way to maintain control, choosing to portray herself in a negative light rather than be played. If you like the mystery and the thrilling aspects of Bridgerton, then The Serpent Queen should be your next watch.
The second season is set to premiere on July 12, with Minnie Driver joining the cast as Queen Elizabeth I. Watch the first season on Hulu now, and continue the story throughout the summer on Starz.
Harlots
Harlots is the scandalous version of Bridgerton—as if Bridgerton wasn't scandalous enough. The story focuses on Margaret Well (played by The Serpent Queen's Samantha Morton) who owns a brothel. A mother of two, Charlotte and Lucy, Margaret tries to secure their future and, in doing so, rivals with the ruthless Lydia Quigley. A thrilling series filled with intrigue, Harlots will definitely keep you on your toes.
Watch the three seasons on Hulu now.
The Gilded Age
From the creator of Downtown Abbey, The Gilded Age tells the story of Marian Brook, a young woman who, after her father dies, moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City to live with her aunt, played by Christine Baranski. In a changing city, Marian must navigate the social tensions caused by new-money socialites and old-money aristocrats, to which her aunt pertains.
If you're most interested in Bridgerton musings on wealth and status, The Gilded Age is for you. And not to worry, more Gilded Age is on the way: season three is in the works and expected to premiere next year. Seasons one and two are currently streaming on Max.
Mary & George
This historical psychodrama, starring Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore as Mary and Nicholas Galitzine as George, is inspired by the audacious true story of Englishwoman Mary Villiers, who used her son, George, to climb the social ranking by arranging George's intimate relationship with King James I. Set in the Jacobean era, this series is jarring yet playful—it has more of an edge than Bridgerton.
It's a limited series, so all seven episodes are currently streaming on Hulu.
The Empress
The only German historical drama on this list, The Empress, explores the life of Duchess Elisabeth of Bavaria, a real-life Austrian Empress who led a tumultuous life before being assassinated in 1898. In the Netflix series, Elisabeth, played by Devrim Lingnau, falls in love with Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, the intended fiancée of her older sister, and thus begins a chapter of stirring action and gossip.
More intense than Bridgerton, The Empress makes you want to participate in the Austrian court's thrilling yet frightening game. Watch season one now on Netflix (season two is currently in the works).
Vanity Fair
An Amazon Prime original, the 2018 TV show Vanity Fair, not to be confused with the 1998 version, is a strong runner-up to Bridgerton, similarly set in the Regency era. Vanity Fair recounts the story of Becky Sharp (played by House of the Dragon's Olivia Cooke), a poverty-stricken commoner who tries to move up the English social ladder. She manages to secure a marriage with Lord Crawley, and yet her turbulent story does not end there.
And for an even better match, the cast includes Bridgerton's Eloise (or Claudia Jessie)! Watch season one on Amazon Prime.
Victoria
Victoria, a short British TV series, follows the true story of Victoria's early life, who later became the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. Played by Jenna Coleman, Victoria recounts the princess' turmoils and adventures as she becomes queen at 18, falls in love with her favorite advisor, Lord Melbourne, and then marries Prince Albert of Germany. Filled with intense romance, Victoria is a fantastic show to watch after Bridgerton.
Watch all three seasons on Amazon Prime.
Sofia Yadigaroglu is the Digital Editorial Intern for Town & Country where she covers fashion, culture, entertainment, and other life ‘essentials.’ A student at Amherst College, she studies English and Art History, loves to paint, and speaks four languages. Follow her at @sofiayadigaroglu on Instagram.
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