We’ve already established that we love Bridgerton and it’s that love that has us burning with these questions. Why are there only 8 episodes? And why are we served the commoner’s ration of 1 season per year. Like Oliver Twist, we do want some more but, until Netflix decides to have mercy on our poor romantic souls here are 7 shows you can watch to tame your Bridgerton hangover. You won’t find the Duke of Hastings here and there might be none other like Kate Sharma. But toe gripping classist romance in the regency era? Hell yeah, sign me up!
The Great
Synopsis: A genre-bending, anti-historical ride through 18th-century Russia following the wildly comedic rise of Catherine the Nothing to Catherine the Great
Promising Review: I put this show on not knowing anything about it and was surprised by how much I ended up loving it! If profanity, sex, and a bit of gore offend you, this definitely isn’t the show for you. As for the historical accuracy, the title sequence of every episode literally says “an occasionally true story”, so it makes no claims to be true to history. It’s a raunchy historical satire and to me, it’s hilarious! The production quality is high and the cast is good all around. It’s a good mix of ridiculous comedy and dark humor with a sprinkling of genuine, serious moments. It’s definitely worth checking out! – Natalie
Where to Watch
USA: Watch on Hulu
UK: Watch on Starz
Worldwide: Buy on Amazon Prime or Watch Free on Solarmovie
Reign
Synopsis: This show follows the rise to power of Mary Queen of Scots (Kane) when she arrives in France as a 15-year-old, betrothed to Prince Francis, and with her four best friends as ladies-in-waiting. It details the secret history of survival at French Court amidst fierce foes, dark forces, and a world of sexual intrigue.
Promising Review: I love period dramas but this one was filled with romance, really great to fall into! It doesn’t follow the true history of Mary but they got some things thrown in there that were true, not many though. It was a wonderful fiction tale and having the characters based on real people made it seem so real, tugged at my heart a lot. I just couldn’t stop watching episode after episode. This is a “don’t miss me” or “a must see” because you will take a ride with this one! – Tammie
Where to Watch
Emma
Synopsis: Following the antics of a young woman, Emma Woodhouse, who lives in Georgian- and Regency-era England and occupies herself with matchmaking – in sometimes misguided, often meddlesome fashion- in the lives of her friends and family.
Promising Review: Adore, adore, adore this film. I have watched it numerous times. Suffice to say, I am a Jane Austen fan (how can one not be?) and had seen the 1996 Emma film starring Gwyneth Paltrow numerous times as well. This newer version of the romantic period comedy is true to the original story, but modernizes it as well. The cinematography is lovely, the costumes capture the characters and provide the right contrast of color to distract the eye, the actors play their parts to delightful perfection – Dorena
Where to Watch
Watch on Netflix (Not available for Netflix US)
The English Game
Synopsis: Two 19th-century footballers on opposing sides of a class divide face personal and professional turmoil to change the game, and England, forever.
Promising Review: I absolutely love the show! It is seriously the best thing on TV right now. I hope and pray that more shows like this will continue to happen. It’s got a really strong cast with a riveting story. Fellows is outstanding. I love that there isn’t any pornography or extreme violence or foul language it’s really not needed when it’s such a good story. I’m recommending this show to everyone I know. – Lucy
Where to Watch
Downtown Abbey
Synopsis: 1912 sinking of the Titanic, which leaves Downton Abbey’s future in jeopardy, as Lord Grantham’s presumptive heir — his cousin James — and his son, Patrick, die aboard the ship, leaving him without a male offspring to take over the throne upon his death. As a result, Lord Grantham must search for a new heir
Promising Review: Absolutely addictive! It is like finding your favorite new author has written a series of books about the same family and the same area, thru several years. Excellent characters, plots, and I found myself so drawn into the story and the family that I was unable to stop watching! I literally binge watched all six seasons in two weeks – in between working full time and spending time with my husband. One night I could not stop until 3 am – because I just HAD to know what happened! It is easily the most compelling and entrancing series I have ever watched. – Merry
Where to Watch
Bonfire of Destiny
Synopsis: Amid a devastating fire in 1897 Paris, three women see their destinies turned upside down by forbidden love, identity theft, betrayal and emancipation.
Promising Review: Brilliant, what an epic story – better than Les Miserables! Great characters amazing story all tied up lovely and just the way it should do at the end but, my word, getting there was a rollercoaster ride and a half! Phew! Am sitting here at the end of the last episode tears streaming down my face wishing for just one more episode so I can see all the glorious characters again it’s like wanting your favourite band to do an encore. – Deborah
Where to Watch
Cable Girls
Synopsis: In 1920s Madrid, four women at the National Telephone Company ring in revolution as they manage romance, friendship and the modern workplace.
Promising Review: Absolutely amazing! I watched the original Spanish and this show is impeccable. The character are so well developed, complex and unique. The plot is incredibly impressive, compelling and clever. I cried and I laughed, I fell in love with every character on this show. Not only that, but the representation is exceptional. Gender equality, abuse, sexuality, gender identity are all thoroughly discussed throughout. Not to mention the style is stunning! I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves drama and romance and cannot wait to watch the rest of Season 5 when it comes out! – Amina