7 Lesser-Known British Period Dramas to Watch While Waiting for Bridgerton S3

October is upon us, and we're still waiting for news from Netflix regarding the third season of Bridgerton. The filming wrapped up in March 2023, before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, so we shouldn't anticipate any major delays. However, the timeline for releasing the new chapter in the story of the titular family, whether it will be in early 2024, spring 2024, or later, remains uncertain.

While we wait, it's an excellent opportunity to divert our attention from the romantic drama of the Regency era and explore other equally intriguing (and equally complex) periods of British history. Here's a list of the best lesser-known British period dramas to keep you entertained while waiting for Bridgerton Season 3.

7. Gosford Park (2001)

Gosford Park isn't your typical period drama but rather a satirical mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie novels that delves into the aristocracy and bourgeoisie's reliance on the servant class.

6. Wolf Hall (2015, miniseries)

This miniseries takes place in the early 16th century. It's a suspenseful tale of Thomas Cromwell's rise to power and his clash with Anne Boleyn. Everything about this drama is exquisite, from the costumes to the historical accuracy.

5. Hornblower (1998, miniseries)

Based on the novels and stories of C. S. Forester, a pioneer in the naval historical novel genre, this miniseries chronicles the adventures of British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

4. Wives and Daughters (1999, miniseries)

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell, this series (developed by the creator of 1995's Pride and Prejudice, Andrew Davies) narrates the story of a town doctor's daughter, whose life takes a dramatic turn when an eccentric stepmother enters the family.

3. Howards End (1992)

Based on the novel by E. M. Forster, Howards End is a tale about the rapidly changing economic and social landscape of Edwardian Britain, with two affluent families at the heart of the story and a third working-class family caught in between.

2. North & South (2004, miniseries)

This show follows a young woman who relocates to gentrified and industrialized Northern England with her father. North & South delves into the themes of class stratification, empathizing with disadvantaged workers.

1. The Remains of the Day (1993)

If Bridgerton showcases the golden age of the British aristocracy, this movie depicts its downfall. The plot, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, revolves around an aging butler (Anthony Hopkins) who reflects on his years of service to a now-deceased lord.