Historical dramas, or period dramas as they are more commonly known, have been a popular genre of film and television for decades. Recently, period dramas on television have expanded significantly, with increased budgets to effectively communicate the time period through costume and set design.
If you’re an avid watcher of historical dramas, you may be familiar with a few of these shows. However, if you think period dramas won’t be your thing, or your only perception of historical dramas is Bridgerton, these options may change your mind about the genre!
Harlots
Setting: (1760s, London)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Most period pieces’ depiction of women tends to be through the romantic lens, with modest ladies marrying lords after an agonizing build-up. Realistically in the past, marriage was more of a financial transaction for women of the upper classes rather than them finding true love. Period dramas love to portray female characters this way, always ending up married as the natural conclusion to their stories. Harlots turn these tropes on their heads by focusing on London mistresses operating in the 18th century.
With a female-led cast, this series focuses on women working as prostitutes in Georgian society and their quest for social advancement. The show has three seasons and stars Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville as brothel owners with entrepreneurial intentions. Harlots’ sumptuous 18th-century costumes and risque premise make it well worth the watch for any historical fanatic-particularly those who like to see a cast of strong female characters.
Mad Men
Setting: (1960-1970, USA)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
If you look at any article listing the best tv shows of all time, there you will find Mad Men. This masterpiece of a television drama spans seven seasons, following the lives of individuals within an ad agency from 1960-1970. Everyone recognises the face of the show Don Draper, Creative Director at Sterling Cooper ad agency, the original lady’s man.
However, the magic behind Mad Men is how its female characters evolve and grow as the series progresses, whilst the men remain stagnant and emotionally stuck. The series masterfully portrays various important themes while boasting fantastic costumes and set design. Rest assured that every aspect of your life will transform into a 1960s time capsule once you watch Mad Men!
The Last Kingdom
Setting: (Saxon, England)
Where to Watch: Netflix
For the Viking enthusiasts amongst you, The Last Kingdom is a must-watch. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, the conflict between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons is brought to life in this expertly produced drama.
The show follows the story of Uhtred, a Saxon-born man raised by the Vikings, coming to terms with his split identity and need for retribution. If you think Game of Thrones is dramatic in its plot, The Last Kingdom offers an equal shock factor, with major deaths and twists, left, right and centre.
The Woman in White
Setting: (1849-1850, England)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Based on the classic novel of the same name by Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White is a gothic mystery with feminist undertones. Protagonist and artist Walter Hartright tutors the nieces of a wealthy gentleman at Limmeridge House. Shortly before he departs towards his vocation, he meets a ghostly woman dressed in white, who claims she used to live at the same hall, later dismissed by others as being deranged.
Soon Walter’s character is usurped by the more intriguing female characters, half-sisters Laura and Marian. Her impending marriage and the oppression from this union dull Laura’s bright and beautiful demeanour. Alternatively, Marian is bold, brash and ahead of her time, seeking to rescue her sister from a terrible fate.
The Woman in White is perfect for anybody who loves a Victorian gothic drama with intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
11.22.63
Setting: (1960-1963, USA)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
11.22.63. is the perfect adaptation to the juggernaut Steven King novel. It is emotional and thrilling, immersing you entirely in the 1960s! Jake Epping, played by James Franco, is a divorced English teacher from Lisbon, Maine, who regularly eats at his friend Al’s diner. The story begins when Al shares an impossible secret with Jake. The diner has a portal that takes you back to 1960!
Tasked with hurtling back in time to stop the assassination of JFK to try and make the world a better place, Jake constantly battles against the past whilst trying to figure out if Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK.
As an interpretation of the consequences of time travel, this show hits the nail on the head, offering an exciting yet frightening interpretation of the repercussions of meddling with the past. Not for the fainthearted and typically Stephen King, the show includes some horror elements, but all are well placed and contribute towards the tension of this perfect show.