Top 15 Historical TV Shows Like Bridgerton (Or, Even Better)

Bridgerton won hearts far and wide. If you’ve finished watching it and are looking for something else to watch, here’s a list you’re going to love.

Full disclosure: all the dramas on this list are historical pieces, but a good number of them are much more political than Bridgerton. Nevertheless, they are still super good and very much worth watching.

That being said, there is a very solid romantic storyline, but many of them also address heavier topics and several do not have multiple seasons following a particular family.

You’re probably aware that Bridgerton is based on a bestselling historical romance book series, and the same applies to the other dramas on this list.

1. Victoria

This lovely piece follows the early life of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne at a young age through her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.

2. The Tudors

The Tudors dramatizes the reign and personal life of King Henry VIII of England, and it focuses on his marriages, political alliances, and religious conflicts.

3. Versailles

Set during the reign of King Louis XIV of France, this lovely historical show like Bridgerton follows the construction of the Palace of Versailles and the intrigue of his court.

4. The White Queen

Based on Philippa Gregory’s historical novels, this show follows the War of the Roses in England and the women involved in the power struggle.

5. Wolf Hall

Adapted from Hilary Mantel’s novels, it portrays the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of King Henry VIII and also shows a good deal of what went down in Tudor politics.

6. Medici: Masters of Florence

This show chronicles the rise of the Medici family in Florence during the Italian Renaissance, with a special focus on their banking empire and political maneuvering.

7. Rome

Rome shows the rise and fall of ancient Rome, especially showing the roles played by key figures like Julius Caesar and Octavian.

8. The Last Kingdom

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s novels, The Last Kingdom follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg during the Viking invasions of England in the 9th century.

9. The Borgias

Set during the Renaissance, this show that’s just like Bridgerton shows the infamous Borgia family’s rise to power in Italy and it’s led by Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI).

10. The Spanish Princess

Just like Bridgerton, this historical drama is based on Philippa Gregory’s novels and it tells the story of Catherine of Aragon – from her arrival in England to her marriage to Prince Arthur and beyond.

11. Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a British drama set in the early 20th century, and the entire drama revolves around the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.   

12. The Crown

This series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and it’s  simply the most perfect blend of historical events and personal dramas of the royal family.  

13. Outlander

Outlander melds historical fiction, romance, and time travel into the delightful story of a World War II nurse who finds herself in 18th-century Scotland. 

14. Poldark

Set in 18th-century Cornwall, it follows Ross Poldark as he returns from the American War of Independence to rebuild his life.  

15. Peaky Blinders

While not strictly historical (especially in the Bridgerton fashion), it’s set in post-World War I England and offers a gritty look at a gangster family in Birmingham.


These are just a few of the best romantic historical TV shows like Bridgerton that I feel everyone needs to watch, but there are lots more. Let me know which ones I missed in the comment section below.

The related post that follows directly after this paragraph has even more recommendations, so make sure you check those out and let me know what you think.

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