10 Regency Era Shows to Binge-Watch After Bridgerton
Some of these are lesser-known series that deserve way more attention, and some are total hits – just like Bridgerton.
1. The Crimson Petal and the White
The show, available on Amazon Prime in September 2023, invites you into the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, with a tale centered on Sugar, a young prostitute, and her complex relationship with a wealthy businessman named Rackham. It's a rollercoaster of class struggles, power dynamics, and personal ambitions. The show doesn't shy away from the raw realities of the era. When Sugar gets a taste of the high life and the strings attached, it's a revelation.
2. Death Comes to Pemberley
Based on P.D. James's novel of the same name, this one's for all the Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts. Imagine Darcy and Elizabeth, six years into marriage, suddenly thrust into a murder mystery! When Lydia Bennet screams that her husband Wickham has been killed, it's a wild race to figure out what's up. If you've ever thought, "Hey, Jane Austen's great, but could use more crime-solving", here's your treat.
3. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Magic in the Regency era? Yes, please! The plot whirls around two English magicians, the scholarly Norrell and the ambitious Strange, looking to restore English magic. But as they delve deeper, there are consequences, with a sinister fairy gentleman complicating matters. And remember that iconic scene with the sand horses? It was like taking a dash of Harry Potter and sprinkling it over a Jane Austen dinner party.
4. Harlots
_19618.webp)
Now, this one's spicy! It's the 1760s, and we're smack in the middle of London's bustling brothels. Margaret Wells is trying to move up in the world, from brothel owner to something... grander. However, when a rival madam steps into the picture, things heat up. It's less ballrooms and more back alleys. If you've ever wondered about the side of Regency not shown in the usual period dramas, Harlots gives you the nitty-gritty.
5. Miss Scarlet and The Duke
Eliza Scarlet, Victorian England's first-ever female detective, is on the case! When her father dies, leaving her penniless, she decides to continue his legacy. Using her smarts and charm, she solves crimes, with the skeptical (and hunky) Detective Inspector Wellington, aka The Duke, often in tow. Think Sherlock Holmes, but if Watson was a strong-willed, independent lady in a bonnet.
6. Becoming Jane
Ever thought about who inspired Jane Austen's romantic tales? This film suggests it might have been a roguish Irishman, Tom Lefroy. Becoming Jane gives us a fictionalized account of young Austen's love life, hinting that Lefroy might've been the template for Mr. Darcy. Anne Hathaway as Jane and James McAvoy as Tom make it a visual treat. When they danced at that ball? Classic Regency sparks flying!
7. The Duchess
Based on a true story, The Duchess portrays the life of Georgiana Cavendish, an 18th-century English aristocrat. Married to the Duke of Devonshire, her life isn't all roses as she grapples with love affairs and personal struggles amidst political changes. Keira Knightley shines as Georgiana, bringing all the intricate layers of her character to the fore. Oh, and that scene where she confronts the Duke about his affairs? Goosebumps!
8. Belgravia
From the creator of Downton Abbey, Belgravia centers around a secret that unravels over decades. The Trenchards, a rising middle-class family, get involved with the aristocratic Brockenhursts during a ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. This connection holds repercussions for generations. That time when Lady Maria and Charles Pope's paths cross? It's a masterclass in intertwining destinies.
9. Banished
Ever wondered about the British convicts sent to Australia in the 18th century? Banished explores this very theme. The show captures the lives of these convicts and their British overlords, adjusting to their new lives in this strange and unforgiving land. The drama, tensions, and the will to survive make this a gripping watch. And who could forget the riveting dynamics between Elizabeth and Tommy?
10. Poldark
Missed out on Bridgerton's romance and drama? Try Poldark on for size! Set a smidge earlier, in the late 18th century, it follows Ross Poldark who returns from the American War of Independence to his beloved Cornwall, only to find his estate in shambles and his lover Elizabeth engaged to his cousin. The show is packed with rivalries, love triangles, and the occasional shirtless farming scene. Remember when Ross opened an old tin mine?