All caught up on Bridgerton season 2? Can’t wait for season 3? Us either! It might be difficult to wait patiently for our favourite faces to grace us on the big screen again, so in the meantime here are some timely & romantic shows like Bridgerton.
We hope some of these will satisfy your historical high-class drama needs, if not – let us know what we’re missing!
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If you want to find some shows like Bridgerton to fill the gap between seasons, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered our favorite shows like Bridgerton. We’ll go over the following shows in detail:
- Gossip Girl
- Outlander
- Harlots
- Gentleman Jack
- Victoria
- Vanity Fair
- Dickinson
- Poldark
- Downton Abbey
- Reign
- Versailles
- The Crown
- The Pursuit of Love
- Sanditon
- The Gilded Age
- Medici
- The Royals
- The Great
- The Young Royals
- The Spanish Princess
- Belgravia
So be sure to keep reading!
Shows Like Bridgerton
Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
Starring: Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Penn Badgley
High school is over for the privileged former students at an exclusive prep school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, but Gossip Girl still shares text-messaged scoops on scandals and heartache. As the graduates embark on their futures, with some attending college and others focusing on burgeoning careers, Gossip Girl continues to stir the pot and feed any potential scandals. And still the identity of Gossip Girl remains a mystery.
With rampant luxury and endless drama, this will surely appeal to the Bridgerton fans who revel in a good story.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Harlots (2017 – 2019)
Starring: Lesley Manville, Kate Fleetwood, Holli Dempsey, Eloise Smyth, Bronwyn James, Pipp Bennett-Warner
In this drama set in 18th century London, Samantha Morton stars as Margaret Wells, a brothel owner and mother to two daughters, Charlotte and Lucy. When Margaret’s business is attacked by Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), a ruthless rival madam, a war breaks out over the city’s most profitable commercial activity — sex.
If the historical atmosphere was what drew you to Bridgerton, then this is definitely one for the list.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
Starring: Suranne Jones, Sophie Rundle
It’s 1832 in West Yorkshire, England — the cradle of the evolving Industrial Revolution — where landowner Anne Lister is determined to save her faded ancestral home, Shibden Hall, even if it means bucking society’s expectations. In addition to reopening the coal mines, a part of Lister’s plan to help her family is to marry well. But the charismatic, single-minded Lister — who dresses head-to-toe in black and charms her way into high society — has no intention of marrying a man.
Although the romance is a little different, the look into the society of old-timey England is one of the reasons this show is a show like Bridgerton.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Victoria (2016 – 2019)
Starring: Jenna Coleman, Rufus Sewell, Ferdinand Kingsley, Edwin Thomas
The monarch’s life is chronicled as the story begins with the death of King William IV in 1837, her accession to the throne at the tender age of 18 and her relationships with the influential forces around her. With the advice of the prime minister Lord Melbourne and the support of her husband Prince Albert the young queen flourishes and establishes herself in her newfound role.
If you’re looking to lean further into the royalty and well-to-do aspect of Bridgerton, this is one of the shows like Bridgerton in the sense of class and elegance!
Where to Watch: Amazon
Vanity Fair (2018)
Starring: Olivia Cooke, Claudia Jessie, Martin Clunes, Sian Clifford
Based on the novel of the same name,”Vanity Fair” follows poverty-stricken Becky Sharp as she attempts to claw her way out of the dregs of society and to scale the heights of English society in the years following the defeat of Napoleon. Set against the Napoleonic Wars, Sharp strives to rise above her station with little regard for the consequences. In her efforts to advance herself, her manipulation, merriment, forbidden romances, fighting, and dancing catapults her into the court of King George IV while breaking hearts and losing fortunes along the way.
With similar timeframes and a similar focus on class and prestige (even if framed a little differently), it’s easy to see why this is one of the shows like Bridgerton.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Dickinson (2019 – 2021)
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Adrian Blake Enscoe, Ella Hunt, Wiz Khalifa
Emily Dickinson, poet, daughter, and total rebel; in this coming-of-age story, Emily is determined to become the world’s greatest poet.
This follows some similar themes as Bridgerton, but for a younger target audience. This may be more suitable to young teens who want to watch a show like Bridgerton.
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Poldark (2015 – 2019)
Starring: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed, Jack Farthing
Ross Poldark, a redcoat returning to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War, only to find his father dead and his true love about to marry someone else. A Mammoth Screen production, the series is packed with action, adventure and romance. Also featured are Eleanor Tomlinson as servant Demelza, Warren Clarke as Uncle Charles, and Heida Reed as Elizabeth Chenoweth. Robin Ellis, who portrayed Ross Poldark in the original adaptation 40 years ago, appears here as Reverend Halse.
Similar historical setting, but a much darker and gritty setting. Ideal for those who want to mix it up a little following Bridgerton.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015)
Starring: Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith
The series begins with the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, which leaves Downton Abbey’s future in jeopardy, since the presumptive heirs of Robert, Earl of Grantham — his cousin James, and James’ son, Patrick — die in the catastrophe, leaving the family without a male offspring to take over Downton when the current lord dies. The point is important since Lord Grantham’s children are daughters — Ladies Mary, Edith and Sybil, but the facets of their lives and of those of the below-stairs staff — also a highly regimented world — have fascinating story lines.
One of the most popular historical dramas of all time, this will surely appeal to fans of Bridgerton.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Reign (2013 – 2017)
Starring: Adelaide Kane, Toby Regbo, Torrance Coombs
Queen of Scotland Mary Stuart travels to France with four ladies-in-waiting to secure her politically strategic engagement to the king’s son, Prince Francis. Mary and Francis share a mutual attraction, even though he has reservations about the wisdom of an alliance with Scotland. Complicating issues is Bash, Francis’ illegitimate half-brother whom Mary finds herself drawn to in spite of herself. The French Court is also full of less romantic challenges for Mary, who finds her engagement — and life — threatened until she finds an ally in a mysterious shrouded guide.
With its heavy focus on family politics of the upper class, this show is an understated gem, even amongst our shows like Bridgerton.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Versailles (2015 – 2018)
Starring: Alexander Vlahos, George Blagden, Evan Williams, Anna Brewster
It’s 1667 and 28-year-old King Louis XIV has finally taken over sole command of France. When he commissions Versailles, Europe’s most beautiful palace, the nobles seek entry into the lavish residence, which they do not realize is meant to imprison and control them. Among the ruler’s prime targets is his younger brother, Monsieur. There’s also romance in King Louis’ life, as his queen, Marie Theresa, tries to tame his wandering eyes and win his heart back from his mistress, the English king’s sister.
On our list of shows like Bridgerton, this leans more into the dark underbelly that Bridgerton hardly touches upon.
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Crown (2016 – present)
Starring: Claire Foy, Olivia Coleman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, Elizabeth Debicki
The series begins with an inside look at the early reign of the queen, who ascended the throne at age 25 after the death of her father, King George VI. As the decades pass, personal intrigues, romances, and political rivalries are revealed that played a big role in events that shaped the later years of the 20th century.
This may be the current leader in historical dramas. In regards to shows like Bridgerton, this is by far the most popular.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Outlander (2014 – Present)
Starring: Catriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin
After serving as a British Army nurse in World War II, Claire Randall is enjoying a second honeymoon in Scotland with husband Frank, an MI6 officer looking forward to a new career as an Oxford historian. Suddenly, Claire is transported to 1743 and into a mysterious world where her freedom and life are threatened. To survive, she marries Jamie Fraser, a strapping Scots warrior with a complicated past and a disarming sense of humor. A passionate relationship ensues, and Claire is caught between two vastly different men in two inharmonious lives.
Historical drama? Check. Romance? Check. Politics and conflict? Check. A different timezone setting to take fans of Bridgerton out of their comfort zone.
Where to Watch: Starz
The Pursuit of Love (2021)
Starring: Emily Beecham, Andrew Scott, Lily James
Longing for love and obsessed with sex, Linda is on the hunt for the perfect lover, but finding Mr. Right is much harder than she thought.
Maintaining the colourful romance vibe? This 1 season drama is perfect for those wanting a show like Bridgerton that matches the vibes more than the genre.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Sanditon (2019 – present)
Starring: Crystal Clarke, Rose Williams, Theo James, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Alexander Vlahos
An eight-part period-drama adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel, written only months before her death in 1817. Rose Williams and Theo James play the lead characters of Charlotte Heywood and Sidney Parker. The story follows Charlotte as she moves to the quiet fishing village of Sanditon for a fresh start, only to meet Sidney, a charming man who has ambitions to turn the tranquil seaside residence into a luxury resort.
If you’re missing Bridgerton desperately, this 1-season show is the perfect binge to keep yourself holding on until the next season.
Where to Watch: Amazon
The Gilded Age (2022 – present)
Starring: Carrie Coon, Christine Baranksi, Louisa Jacobson
In 1882, young Marian Brook moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell.
With its focus on drama, upper-class conflict of 19th-centuray England, we cans ee how this is a show like Bridgerton that fans will love.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Medici (2016 – 2019)
Starring: Annabel Scholey, Daniel Sharman, Richard Madden, Bradley James
A young man finds himself thrust into a leading role in his wealthy family when his father dies.
With some popular actors from Teen Wolf and BBC’s Merlin, it promises to be a good show. With royalty and drama amongst the defining themes, fans of Bridgerton may like this darker tale.
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Royals (2015 – 2018)
Starring: Alexandra Park, Tom Austen, Willaim Moseley, Elizabeth Hurley
Power is everything, there are no limits, and trust is nonexistent for the royal family featured in this drama series. Queen Helena and King Simon try to present an aura of class and grace to the public, but the truth of the family’s life is much different, as tainted politics and family issues threaten to cause chaos and turmoil for the royals. The monarchs’ rebellious daughter, Princess Eleanor, provides lots of fodder for the tabloids with a life full of activities that include sex, drugs, and even hung-over helicopter rides.
Bridgerton is fun, but what if we took it a step further? A comedy with outrageous characters, this may be ideal for people wanting a break from the complicated plot and heavy storylines.
Where to Watch: Amazon
The Great (2020 – present)
Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Gillian Anderson
A young Catherine the Great comes to Russia to get married to Peter III of Russia but finds herself embroiled in a world of dogmatic beliefs and customs, which she tries to alter.
An understated gem in the royalty-genre, this black comedy may be a favourite for all the family.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Young Royals (2021 – present)
Starring: Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Malte Gårdinger , Frida Argento, Nikita Uggla
Prince Wilhelm adjusts to life at his prestigious new boarding school, Hillerska, but following his heart proves more challenging than anticipated.
If your favorite part of Bridgerton is its freshness and youthful lens, then Young Royals should be right up your street, with a modern-day twist!
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Spanish Princess
Starring: Charlotte Hope, Ruairi O’Connor, Aaron Cobham, Stephanie Levi-John
Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon navigates the royal lineage of England with an eye on the throne.
Our second Starz show on this list of shows like Bridgerton. Starz are known for their internationally revered drama Outlander, so we can only implore you to give The Spanish Princess a chance, too!
Where to Watch: Starz
Belgravia (2020)
Starring: Tamsin Greig, Harriet Walter, Ella Purnell, Alice Eve
Follows events when the emerging nouveau riche, including the Trenchard family, rub shoulders with London’s established upper classes and when secrets from the past threaten to emerge.
With its focus on drama, upper-class conflict of 19th-century England, we can see how this is a show like Bridgerton that fans will love.
Where to Watch: Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I watch after Bridgerton?
The following list of shows are some series that are most like Bridgerton that are amongst our favorites.
- Outlander
- The Crown
- The Spanish Princess
- Gentleman Jack
- Dickinson
What should I watch if I like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton?
It sounds like the historical setting is what appeals the most! We’d suggest
- The Crown
- Victoria
- Harlots
- Belgravia
- Outlander
Why was Bridgerton Cancelled?
You’ll be happy to hear that Bridgerton is not cancelled! A musical which was illegally based off the Netflix show was threatened by cy legal action from Netflix and has since been cancelled.
