10 Period Dramas to Watch After ‘Downton Abbey’
Downton Abbey hooked millions with its mix of fancy British life, family secrets, and servant gossip. The show, set in the early 1900s, showed how rich families and their workers lived through big changes like wars and new inventions. If you miss the Crawleys’ big house and drama, other shows can fill that gap. They have similar vibes with old-time settings, romance, and class struggles.
Via The Sydney Morning Herald
These shows often focus on how people deal with strict society rules while chasing love or power. They have beautiful costumes and grand homes, just like Downton. Whether it’s England or America, these stories pull you into a world where every choice matters. Let’s dive into some great options that match Downton’s charm.
The Gilded Age – New York’s Rich Rivalries
The Gilded Age takes you to 1880s New York, where old rich families clash with new money-makers. Created by Julian Fellowes, who made Downton Abbey, it feels familiar with its focus on wealth and status. Marian Brook, a young woman, moves to the city after her dad dies.
Via TV Insider
She lives with her aunts, who are part of the old elite, and meets their neighbors, the Russells, who earned their fortune through business. The Russells want to fit into high society, but face snubs from families like the Astors.
The show mixes fancy parties with personal dramas, like secret loves and betrayals. It also shows life for workers and Black families at that time. With three seasons out and a fourth coming, it’s a great pick for Downton fans who love big houses and juicy plots.
Via The Daily Beast
Belgravia – Secrets in London’s Elite
Belgravia, another Julian Fellowes creation, starts with a grand ball in 1815 before a big battle. The Trenchard family, traders who’ve climbed the social ladder, hides a secret that shakes their lives years later in 1840s London. Their hidden grandson, Charles Pope, sparks drama when his story leaks.
The show dives into lies, love affairs, and family fights in a rich neighborhood. Like Downton Abbey, Belgravia shows the gap between the upper and lower classes. It has sneaky plots and strong women, like Anne Trenchard, who stirs things up. A sequel series, Belgravia – The Next Chapter, came out in 2024, adding more twists.
Via ELLE
Fans love the fancy settings and soapy stories that keep you guessing. The show aired as a miniseries in 2020, perfect for a quick binge. It’s got the same mix of romance and secrets that made Downton special. If you want drama with old-time charm, this one’s a must-watch.
Upstairs, Downstairs – The Original Class Drama
Upstairs, Downstairs is a 1970s classic that inspired Downton Abbey. Set in a London house from 1903 to 1930, it follows the Bellamy family and their servants. The show covers huge events like the Titanic sinking and World War I, showing how they affect everyone.
Via Willow and Thatch
The upstairs family deals with politics and love, while downstairs, the butler Hudson keeps order. The series feels like Downton with its focus on both rich and poor lives. It shows maids and footmen with their own dreams and struggles, just like Carson and Anna. A 2010 revival ran for two seasons, updating the story.
Both versions are loved for their real look at history and heartfelt characters. If you want a show that feels like Downton’s older cousin, this is it. The original won awards and still holds up for its deep storytelling. You’ll see where Downton got its ideas from.
Via The Hollywood Reporter
The Crown – A Royal Family Saga
The Crown dives into Queen Elizabeth II’s life, starting with her young years in the 1940s. Over six seasons, it shows her marriage, her role as queen, and family troubles. You’ll see real events like her meetings with leaders and the drama of Princess Diana’s life.
The actors change as characters age, keeping things fresh. Like Downton Abbey, it blends personal stories with history. The royal palaces and fancy events feel like the Crawleys’ world, but with real people. It tackles love, duty, and scandals, making it gripping.
Via NPR
The show won tons of awards for its acting and writing. If you love Downton’s mix of elegance and emotion, The Crown delivers. It’s perfect for fans who want true stories with a royal twist. Every season brings new drama, keeping you hooked.
The Buccaneers – American Girls in London
The Buccaneers, based on Edith Wharton’s book, follows five American girls in the 1870s who go to London to find husbands. These daughters of new rich families shake up British society with their bold ways. Nan St. George, the main girl, faces a love triangle, while her sister Jinny deals with a bad marriage. The show has two seasons, with a big cliffhanger in 2025.
Via The Hollywood Reporter
It’s like Downton Abbey for its old-time setting and romance. The girls’ friendships and fights with society rules add fun drama. The colorful costumes and grand houses match Downton’s style. Fans enjoy the fresh take on young women finding their way. This show brings a lively, modern feel to period drama.
Brideshead Revisited – Love and Faith
Brideshead Revisited, from a 1981 novel adaptation, follows Charles Ryder, who looks back on his 1920s college days. He meets Sebastian Flyte, a rich student, and visits his huge home, Brideshead Castle. Charles gets tangled with Sebastian’s family, including his sister Julia, but their Catholic faith causes conflicts.
Via Frieze
The show feels like Downton Abbey with its big estate and deep emotions. It explores love, friendship, and family ties over the years. The 1980s series is praised for its acting and beautiful scenes. It won awards for showing a complex, heartfelt story. If you like Downton’s focus on rich families and personal struggles, this is a great pick. It’s slower but rich with meaning.
Sanditon – A Seaside Adventure
Sanditon, based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, follows Charlotte Heywood moving to a growing seaside town. She meets the Parker brothers, who want to make Sanditon a hot spot. Charlotte navigates love and town secrets over three seasons, ending in 2023. The show mixes romance with stories about money and women’s roles.
Via Collider
Like Downton Abbey, it has a period setting with pretty dresses and big dreams. It shows class differences and strong characters, like Charlotte, who’s smart and brave. Fans love the happy endings and coastal vibes. This show is perfect for Downton fans who want a lighter, romantic story. It feels like Austen’s books with a modern twist.
Victoria – A Young Queen’s Journey
Victoria follows Queen Victoria’s early years, starting when she became queen at 18 in 1837. The show covers her marriage to Prince Albert and her struggles ruling England. It ran for three seasons, showing her growth and challenges. Jenna Coleman shines as the young queen. It’s like Downton Abbey for its royal drama and historical events.
Via The New York Times
You’ll see fancy palaces and personal fights, like Victoria’s clashes with her mom. The show mixes real history with love stories, making it fun and emotional. If you enjoy Downton’s elegant settings and strong characters, Victoria fits perfectly. It’s great for fans of royal tales and romance. The three seasons give you plenty to watch.
Bridgerton – Regency Romance with a Twist
Bridgerton, set in 1810s London, follows the Bridgerton siblings finding love in high society. A mystery gossip writer, Lady Whistledown, spills their secrets. Each season focuses on one sibling’s romance, with three out and more coming by 2026. The show uses modern music and diverse actors for a fresh feel.
Via Vox
Like Downton Abbey, it has fancy balls, family drama, and class rules. The colorful costumes and love stories keep you glued. It also has a prequel about Queen Charlotte. Fans love the spicy plots and big reveals. This show is great for Downton fans who want fun, romantic drama. It’s less serious but full of heart. The ongoing seasons mean there’s always more to enjoy.
A Place to Call Home – Australia’s Downton
A Place to Call Home is set in 1950s Australia. Sarah Adams, a nurse, returns after years in Europe and works for the rich Bligh family. Her past, including her Jewish faith, causes trouble. The show ran six seasons, mixing love, secrets, and social changes after World War II.
Via Mediaweek
It feels like Downton Abbey with its big estate and class stories. Sarah’s romance with George Bligh mirrors Downton’s love plots. Fans call it the “Down Under Downton” for its similar vibe and strong characters. If you love Downton’s mix of history and family drama, this is a great choice. It’s emotional and full of twists. The six seasons give you a long, satisfying story.
Discover 10 Shows for ‘Downton Abbey’ Withdrawal
If you’re missing Downton Abbey’s mix of elegance, drama, and history, these ten period dramas offer something special to fill the void. From The Gilded Age’s New York rivalries to Belgravia’s London secrets, each show brings grand houses, tangled romances, and class struggles that echo Downton’s charm.
Via Dear Media
Upstairs, Downstairs and The Crown dive into British life with rich storytelling, while The Buccaneers and Bridgerton add fresh, modern twists to old-time settings. Brideshead Revisited and Sanditon deliver emotional depth, and Victoria and A Place to Call Home blend royal and family tales with heart.
Whether you want royal intrigue, seaside adventures, or Australian estates, there’s a show here for you. Grab a cozy seat, dive into these worlds, and let their stories sweep you away. You’ll find new characters to love and dramas to savor, keeping the spirit of Downton Abbey alive.
