Best Romantic Shows Like 'Bridgerton' That Will Make Your Heart Flutter

Since its first season, Shonda Rhimes's "Bridgerton" has captivated millions of viewers. And thanks to TV shows like "Bridgerton," period drama lovers can continue escaping to a world of elaborate costumes and scandalous storylines.

For years, period drama fanatics have had numerous options to binge-watch — from the iconic series "Downtown Abbey" to the multi-award-winning show "The Crown." However, the release of Shonda Rhimes's hit show has triggered a resurgence of period dramas and shows like "Bridgerton."

So whether you enjoy admiring the details in the lavish costumes, following a steamy romance, or just want an escape from reality, this list of shows like "Bridgerton" is sure to have a little something for everyone.

Why Are Period Dramas and Shows Like 'Bridgerton' Having a Resurgence?

While period dramas and shows set in the Victorian ages have been around for years, "Bridgerton" has appealed more to a younger audience than its predecessors, making it and similar shows more fashionable.

While the Netflix show is well-known for its' steamy sex scenes, its modern touches have also made it a fan favorite, something "Bridgeton" shares with similar shows such as "The Pursuit of Love" and "Dickinson." Also, unlike older shows, "Bridgerton" is not centered around the male gaze, adding a refreshing aspect for female viewers.

However, Dr. Emma Butcher, a Lecturer in 19th-Century Literature at King's College London, noted that period dramas and shows like "Bridgerton" would not have seen such a resurgence if the pandemic had not left viewers yearning for an escape. She said:

"This allows new audiences to be pulled into a fantasy, with the history acting as a backdrop for a new age of fandoms and sexy/strong/lead icons."

The Great

First on the list of the best romantic dramas and shows like "Bridgerton" is "The Great." Starring Elle Fanning as Russia's Catherine the Great and Nicholas Hoult as Peter III, this show is loosely based on the rise of the real Catherine the Great.

After sacrificing her own happiness for the greater good of Russia, Catherine goes from rags to riches but slowly begins to plot the death of her Emperor husband after she is overcome with ambitions to rule Russia.

Downton Abbey

Since its premiere in 2010, "Downton Abbey" has earned the title of a period drama classic. The British show is set in a Yorkshire country estate just before World War I and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family, played by Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and more.

Like "Bridgerton," "Downton Abbey" captures the everchanging British social hierarchy, and its portrayal of love, heartbreak, and scandal rightfully earns it a spot on this list of shows that will leave you glued to the screen, like "Bridgerton."

The Crown

Since its release, "The Crown" has earned over 20 Emmys and seven Golden Globes and has become renowned for its storytelling and acting. "The Crown" is inspired by England's royal family and follows the reign of a newly married Queen Elizabeth II, played by Clair Foy.

However, over its numerous season, "The Crown"s cast has grown to include Olivia Colman, Matt Smith, Dominic West, and more, portraying numerous royals, including Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Marie Antoinette

"Marie Antoinette" follows the life of the Austrian-born princess the show is named after and her journey to becoming the Queen of France. Starring Emilia Schüle and Louis Cunningham, the show follows the late queen's troubled marriage, which was plagued with infidelities, while shedding light on the life of the infamous teenager. The show's writer Deborah Davis said:

"Marie Antoinette arrived as a 14½-year-old like a stunned rabbit… and they all stared at her like, 'Who is this revolting little Austrian archduchess?' She didn't stand a chance. But Marie Antoinette comes from a very long line of extremely strong-willed, spirited women, and she took them on."

Belgravia

"Belgravia" is a series starring Alice Eve, Richard Goulding, and Saskia Reeves and is set in the 1800s in London. The show focuses on The Trenchard family, who find themselves rubbing shoulders with London's elite following their new-found wealth.

In light of their riches, the Trenchard family hosts a ball right before the Battle of Waterloo, which centers the series. However, viewers watch as secrets from the past threaten to ruin the Trenchard family.

Sanditon

After Charlotte Heywood, a spirited and impulsive woman played by Rose Williams, relocates from her rural home to Sanditon, a seaside resort, in an attempt to reinvent herself, she becomes wrapped up in a swoon-worthy romance with Theo James' character.

The series is based on Jane Austen's final and incomplete novel and features the late novelist's only black character, Georgiana Lambe, a West Indian heiress played by Crystal Clarke.

Dickinson

Hailee Steinfeld stars as the late Emily Dickinson in this quirky series, which offers a fictionalized portrayal of the late writer and poet's life. In this show, Dickinson is raised in a world of sense and sensibility, which she is determined to rebel against.

Steinfeld's character may remind viewers of Eloise Bridgerton — played by Claudia Jessie — from "Bridgerton," as both female leads set out to make their voices heard through the art of writing and attempt to break away from their strict backgrounds.

The Gilded Age

In "The Gilded Age" — co-starring Morgan Spector, Carrie Coon, and Cynthia Nixon — we leave the charming countrysides and overwhelming estates of England most period dramas are filmed in and follow the lives of the rich in 1880s New York City.

When a young woman leaves her home to join her traditional aunts on East 61st Street, she is caught up in a world of war between old and new money in the lavish streets of Manhattan.

Cable Girls

If you're looking for another period drama set on an international stage, "Cable Girls" is a Spanish series set in Spain in the 1920s and follows the lives of four women balancing their careers and personal lives.

Like "Bridgerton," "Cable Girls" will keep you hooked with its captivating love stories and love-making scenes. And those familiar with the Spanish acting scene will recognize Blanca Suárez, Yon González, and Martiño Rivas' famous faces in the cast.

Miss Scarlet and the Duke

This British-Irish crime drama is set in 19th-century London and follows the story of Eliza — played by Kate Phillips — Victorian London's first female detective. And in the show, the pioneer detective teams up with a Scotland Yard Inspector to solve crimes.

However, their constant bickering teases a possible romance between the two stars, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. In 2021, "Miss Scarlet and the Duke" was nominated for and won the IMDbPro Top 200 Most Popular TV Titles 2020-2021 award.

The Tudors

In this period drama, Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays King Henry VIII, the ruler of England's Renaissance dynasty who desperately needs an heir. This saw King Henry VIII enter into six marriages.

In this show, which ran for four seasons and documents King Henry VIII's occasional vicious reign, Meyers shared the small screen with Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer, and more.

Harlots

While viewers have become used to watching the lives of the rich and elite in period dramas, "Harlots" offers a refreshing take on 18th-century London as it narrates the life and struggles of brothel owner Margaret Wells, played by Samantha Morton.

Wells is not only a businesswoman but also a mother who fiercely fights for a better life for her daughters. However, the "Harlots" star risks losing it after a ruthless rival attacks her brothel.