Shows to Watch if You Love Bridgerton
If you have finished the latest season and find yourself missing Bridgerton already, this guide is for you! Here, I am sharing the best shows like Bridgerton that you are sure to love, with great costume dramas like Outlander and The Empress and heartfelt comedies like Derry Girls and The Durrells in Corfu. Read on for the best shows to watch if you love Bridgerton:
Image Credit: Netflix
P.S. If you loved the Netflix Bridgerton series but haven’t read the books, be sure to check them out! I have a full reader’s guide to the Bridgerton book series here — I think you’re going to love them!
Table of Contents:
Shows Like Bridgerton to Watch Next
Queen Charlotte
Ok, this might be an obvious suggestion, and forgive me if you have already seen it, but there is technically another Bridgerton series out there for us to enjoy! The Queen Charlotte prequel is a robust spin-off season covering the eponymous queen and her love affair with King George. It is moving and well worth a watch, especially because it gives glimpses of the elder members of the Ton in their youth. Plus, it has all the grandeur that we know and love from the core Bridgerton seasons.
Image Credit: Netflix
My Lady Jane
A fast-paces alternate history period drama, My Lady Jane is a new series on Prime that is full of drama, comedy, and romance. This show tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, who we know as the doomed nine-day (some argue thirteen-day) queen of England. Only, in this rendition, there is magic and shape shifting and history is turned a little on its head. The series is based on a book by the same name, part of a series that covers a variety of historical women, breathing new life into their stories. I read the Mary Stuart book and loved it, so I’m looking forward to picking up My Lady Jane and the other books in the series!
Image Credit: Prime
The Paradise
A BBC Masterpiece production, The Paradise is a two-season period drama based on Au Bonheur des Dames by Émile Zola. As far as shows like Bridgerton, this series has a lot of overlaps, both in terms of style and emotional energy. The show follows the workers and patrons of the first English department store, The Paradise, owned by a an entrepreneurial widower, John Moray. The story focuses on Denise Lovett, a shopgirl from Peebles, and the inner politics of the shop staff. Romance and gorgeous costumes ensue.
Image Credit: PBS Masterpiece
The Gilded Age
From the creators of Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age is a sweeping period drama set in 1880’s New York City. The show illustrates the conflict between old money and new, along with the upper and lower classes, and all the intersections of those stratum. With a master class cast, this series is impeccably designed, directed, and acted. You’ll see many familiar faces in this show, and it is well worth re-watching to catch all the details once you catch up!
Image Credit: HBO Max
The Empress
A German historical drama surrounding Empress Elisabeth of Austria, The Empress is a gorgeous period drama with gowns that surpass even Bridgerton luxury. It is dubbed in English and very easy to follow. This series is fascinating to me because it’s based on a real person, following Bavarian Duchess Elisabeth “Sisi” von Wittlesbach as she falls for her sister’s intended fiancé, the Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph. Sisi is a legendary (if infamous) beauty with a fascinating story. I can’t wait for the next season!
Image Credit: Netflix
The Crown
For British royalty lovers, we cannot overlook the appeal of The Crown, the six-season series following the rule of Queen Elizabeth II. The show features three actresses playing Queen Elizabeth II throughout her life: Claire Foy (seasons 1-2), Olivia Coleman (seasons 3-4), and Imelda Staunton (seasons 5-6). Foy and Coleman’s seasons are my favorites, but Staunton did a fantastic job portraying the Queen as well.
Image Credit: Netflix
Derry Girls
I’ll use any excuse to suggest Derry Girls, and the fact that the indomitable Lady Whistledown herself is in the show makes it the perfect suggestion. Set in the late ’90s in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Derry Girls was inspired by creator Lisa McGee’s experiences growing up during the final years of the Troubles. The show follows the five “Derry Girls” — four girls from Derry, including Nicola Coughlan, and “the wee English fella” James, who is grouped in with the girls — as they attend secondary school at a girls’ Catholic academy.
Image Credit: Netflix
P.S. I have a round up of some of the best quotes from Derry Girls here!
Outlander
While it’s not Regency-inspired England, Outlander offers it’s own transportive viewing experience through it’s time travel to the 18th century Scottish Highlands. Like Bridgerton, this show is based on a book series: the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon. The first book in the series — Outlander — was published in June 1992; the latest (ninth) book was published in 2021.
Image Credit: Starz
The Great
If you enjoy the costumes and set design of Bridgerton, you’re going to love the opulence of The Great. Hulu’s The Great takes on Russian history through a novel lens: overt and colorful comedy. Elle Fanning plays young Catherine the Great, Russia’s longest-ruling female empress. Catherine arrives in Russia to marry Emperor Peter, played by Nicholas Hoult. Comedy and drama ensues, with plenty of gorgeous costuming and set design along the way.
Image Credit: Hulu
Poldark
The 2015 version of Poldark had been on my to-watch list for a while. It’s often recommended for fans of Outlander, and the historical setting makes it suitable for Bridgerton fans, as well. Based on Winston Graham’s novels, this series follows Ross Poldark as he returns to Cornwall after fighting for the British in the American Revolutionary War. There is class conflict, romantic drama, and great costuming — definitely fills the Bridgerton-sized hole in any streaming schedule!
Image Credit: Mike Hogan/BBC
Victoria
Masterpiece Classics’ Victoria follows the rise of Queen Victoria, starting with her 1837 accession to the throne. Jenna Coleman is a charming young queen, surrounded by a strong cast (including, again, David Oakes). The show does a great job blending political and social history with the gratuitous sets and costumes one expects in a period production. Victoria looks at the eponymous era both at a macro level, analyzing society at large, as well as the micro level, delving into intimate emotions of one of the most famous rulers in history.
Image Credit: PBS Masterpiece
The Durrells in Corfu
As far as shows like Bridgerton, this is a bit of a stretch, but the comedy and energy overlap enough that I think most fans of Bridgerton will enjoy The Durrells in Corfu as well. If you’re looking for a heartwarming post-war family tale featuring comical teenage angst, animals, and a welcome dose of whimsy, then The Durrells in Corfu is a great option. This show follows the Durrells — Louisa, the widowed mother, and her four children (three sons, one daughter) — a British family who moves to Corfu, Greece after World War I. Unsurprisingly, comedy and chaos ensues, since the Durrell children had varying levels of interest in moving and no one speaks the language once they get there.
Image Credit: PBS Masterpiece
Little Luxuries for Cozy TV Watching
Make your binge sessions even better with these cozy essentials. Everything you need for the perfect night in!
Are you in love with the Bridgerton aesthetic? Because I sure am.
Click here for my Bridgerton style home decor guide, featuring beautiful Regency inspired accents and Bridgerton aesthetic finds!
*This post was originally published in July 2024. It was most recently updated on March 9, 2026.
