7 New-Ish British Period Dramas to Binge Instead of Bridgerton

Bridgerton is amazing, largely due to its attention to detail for the time period it is set in. But if you've caught up with Bridgerton's latest season and are looking for more period dramas to binge, then read on.

Because here are seven truly amazing and binge-worthy British period dramas.

1. Tom Jones

Who doesn't love a handsome, roguish hero? That's right. Tom Jones is a lot of fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. While the period detail is brilliant, it is not quite as formal as many other shows set in the same era. Tom is funny and charismatic, and always finds himself in tricky situations that require a ton of his charm to deal with. Based on the novel by Henry Fielding, it is a faithful and enjoyable adaptation of this classic story.

2. The Confessions of Frannie Langton

This show is dark, but Frannie is such an incredible character that you cannot help but love her and become drawn into her tale. A housemaid survives slavery only to be accused of murdering her wealthy white employers. As the show progresses, Frannie's character becomes more and more complex, and the story has so many twists and turns you simply cannot stop watching.

3. Around the World in 80 Days

Jules Vern's timeless classic is given a breath of fresh air in this charming adaptation. David Tennant plays gentleman traveler Phileas Fogg to utter perfection. Adventure abounds and you are in for some stunning costuming and scenery with this one. All elements of this show combine to create a thrilling and beautiful viewing experience.

4. Sanditon

Based on an unfinished novel by Jane Austen, and set in the same time period as Bridgerton, Sanditon's beachside setting makes it feel very different. While there is an air of formality, as you would expect from a drama set in the Regency era, the location offsets this somewhat, creating a casual and almost playful vibe. Well worth a watch for the complex relationships and ingenious mysteries that abound.

5. The Great

If you fancy a laugh with your period dramas, this one's for you. Very, very loosely based on the life of Russian Empress Catherine the Great, this one makes no attempt to pretend to be realistic. Yet, in doing so, it provides us with a unique and hilarious insight into how women were treated at that time. And it reminds us that Catherine was not a woman to take it meekly. One of the many reasons why she would later be known as Great.

6. Gentleman Jack

Another female lead, and one that refused to comply with the conventions of her time. This show explores business ventures, sexuality and all through the seemingly fearless lens of our heroine, Anne Lister. Based on the real-life Lister's secret diaries, it is well worth a watch.

7. Les Miserables

This timeless classic demands a watch. Victor Hugo's story will still capture your imagination and break your heart, and told through this uniquely British lens, we get a respectful and profound interpretation. Heartbreak, pain, loss, and misery abound, and we defy anyone to watch without shedding more than a few tears.