My favorite thing about period dramas, in addition to the costumes of course, is seeing what kinds of relationships blossom. Romance within a different genre always ends up being the best because it feels like there’s less pressure for the love story to be the central vehicle for storytelling. That’s why the relationships in these period drama romance shows are some of my favorites.
Here are the best period drama romance shows to binge watch this weekend.
The Other Bennet Sister — Watch on BritBox
James Pardon/BritBox
This Pride and Prejudice sequel series follows outcast Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri) as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery in London…and might just fall in love along the way. With a handsome stranger and herself! The best news is there’s a Christmas special coming oh so soon.
The Forsytes — Watch on PBS
PBS
This family drama follows multiple generations of the Forsyte family, who lives in Victorian London. They work in the world of stocks and investments, and as the world changes around them, their lives are also changing as they begin fall in love.
The Buccaneers — Watch on Apple TV
Apple TV
We’re hopping across the pond for The Buccaneers, which finds a group of American girls infiltrating British high society. It’s fun, it’s edgy, and they’re adding The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley to the cast! Plus there are some killer love triangles.
Bridgerton — Watch on Netflix
Netflix
Bridgerton might as well be the blueprint for contemporary period drama romance shows, and before long we’ll finally get season 5! Every season follows a different child in the Bridgerton family as they fall in love in Regency England.
Downton Abbey — Watch on BritBox
PBS/Masterpiece
Downton Abbey takes the same family drama approach that a lot of these period dramas do, and it opens when the heir to the Crawford family dies on the Titanic, and distant cousin Matthew (Dan Stevens) comes in to save the day — and maybe sweep eldest daughter Mary (Michelle Dockery) off her feet.
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