10 Best TV Period Dramas to Binge on Netflix – ryan

Period dramas are delightful, presenting the joys and gloom of bygone eras in captivating ways. Beautiful gowns? Newsboy caps? Ballrooms? These productions always remind us that people from the past had a better fashion sense and a better eye for architecture and interior décor than us. At the same time, we sympathize with the characters because life back then was more dangerous and unpredictable.

Whether they capture the dark or glittering side of history, period drama shows are guaranteed to fascinate. Thankfully, Netflix has plenty of series for those yearning for escapism. Some are well-known works, produced by the streaming giant, while others were made elsewhere but are now available to watch on the platform. Whether you are looking for a story from several centuries ago or one from more recent decades, there’s something for you.

Here are the best period dramas currently streaming on Netflix.

10

‘Barbarians’ (2020)


Barbarians

Release Date

2020 – 2021

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf

Directors

Barbara Eder, Stefan Ruzowitzky, Steve Saint Leger, Lennart Ruff

Writers

Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf

Cast

  • Jeanne Goursaud

    Thusnelda

  • Bernhard Schütz

    Folkwin Wolfspeer

Creator(s)

Jan Martin Scharf

Barbarians covers the events leading up to the iconic Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD where Germanic tribes obliterated three Roman legions. At the center of the proceedings is Arminius (Laurence Rupp), a Germanic prince who grew up in Roman aristocracy. Now a Roman officer, he is torn between loyalty to the empire and his tribe.

A Detailed Look into a Little-Known Battle

Tired of hearing Romans speaking English? Watch Barbarians, a very underrated show about Ancient Rome. Here, the characters speak Latin, as was the case in history. Beyond that, costumes and props are magnificently handled, while the weapons all match what the history books describe. Laurence Rupp is also incredible. You’ll wonder why Hollywood hasn’t embraced him yet.

9

‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (2024)


One Hundred Years of Solitude (2024)

Release Date

December 11, 2024

Cast

  • Eduardo De Los Reyes

    Aureliano Buendía

  • Claudio Cataño

    Colonel Aureliano Buendía

  • Jerónimo Barón

    José Arcadio Buendía

  • Marco González

    José Arcadio

Based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Nobel-winning author Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the multi-generational tale of the Buendía family, whose ambitious patriarch, José Arcadio Buendía, founded the prosperous town of Macondo. The show also covers various major events in Colombian history.

Love and Family Life in Latin America

Many people might still not be aware of how brilliant a storyteller Gabriel García Márquez was. This show exemplifies his talent for narrating compelling human tales that address important social topics — in this case, colonialism, and marriage. Everyone is excellent in their role, with Diego Vásquez standing out as the rough-edged José Arcadio Buendía. The dialogue in One Hundred Years of Solitude is wonderful too, so be assured that you’ll love everything you see and hear, whether you’ve read the book or not.

8

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2018 – 2022)


The Last Kingdom

Release Date

2015 – 2021

Network

BBC

Showrunner

Stephen Butchard

Directors

Alexander Dreymon

Writers

Martha Hiller, Stephen Butchard

Cast

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom takes us to 9th and 10th-century England where Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) is torn between his Saxon heritage and his current Viking life. Which side will he stick to? The Viking invaders or the Saxon resistance?

Protecting the Homeland

The Last Kingdom has been compared to Vikings, but it has its own flair. The appeal of either show also depends on which side of the conflict you prefer. This particular one handles its affairs from the perspective of the Saxons. The action sequences will stick to the mind, and the costumes will leave you wondering whether anyone ever took a shower in this era. Most importantly, the machinations make sense.

Related

10 Best Korean Dramas and Movies Set During the Colonial Period, Ranked

If you’re looking for a story set in Korea’s Colonial Period, don’t miss these 10 movies and K-dramas.

7

‘Cable Girls’ (2017 – 2020)

Creator(s)

Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira

Cable Girls concerns the personal and professional lives of three Spanish women working for a telecommunications company in Madrid in the late’20s. Each of them has dark secrets that they’d rather keep to themselves, but the challenges and pressures they face every day make it hard for them to keep everything together.

The Chaotic ’20s

The 1920s were challenging years for women in Spain and the show captures all the frustrations perfectly. For example, suffrage wasn’t enforced. Divorce was illegal too, so some women are trapped in toxic marriages. Worry not, Cable Girls isn’t too preachy. There’s the usual soapy type of fun. Betrayals? Infidelity? Crime? It’s all there and the actors never seem to tire. Keep an eye on Ana Polvorosa, who received numerous award nominations for her performance.

6

‘Bridgerton’ (2020 – Present)

Bridgerton

Release Date

December 25, 2020

Directors

Tom Verica, Tricia Brock

Writers

Julia Quinn, Chris Van Dusen, Jess Brownell, Abby McDonald, Joy C. Mitchell

Cast

Creator(s)

Chris Van Dusen

Bridgerton introduces us to an alternate version of the London Regency era, in which there is racial equality, stemming from George III’s choice to honor his African wife’s heritage. Events center around members of the influential Bridgerton family as they maneuver the social season, where the gentry and the young marriageable nobility and gentry are ushered into society.

As Good as Julia Quinn’s Book Series

As is the case with many Shondaland shows, romance is Bridgerton’s strongest pillar. The courtship is sometimes slow and gentle, defined by awkward moments and hilarious, faltering steps. On other occasions, it’s full of amateur dramatics. No matter the angle, the characters never overplay their predicaments. The tender is magnificently alternated with the absurd, without needing to pack in too many shockers.

5

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

The Queen’s Gambit

Release Date

October 23, 2020

Cast

The Queen’s Gambit is an adaptation of Walter Tevis’s critically acclaimed novel. It tells the story of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor Joy), an orphaned chess prodigy in the mid-20th century, as she rises to become a chess champion. Her interest in the sport begins when a janitor at her orphanage introduces her to it. She soon relies on it as a way to battle her addiction to tranquilizers.

Chess Never Looked This Good

The miniseries won 11 Emmys, which isn’t surprising considering its topics and themes. It’s always a joy to overcome any kind of addiction, and it is even better if you become successful in other areas while at it. Beth is totally likable, thanks to her characterization and because of Anya Taylor Joy’s incredible performance. A good sports/game-themed movie/show also triggers public interest in that particular field and The Queen’s Gambit did just that.

4

‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)

The Crown

Release Date

2016 – 2022

Writers

Peter Morgan

Cast

Widely regarded as one of the best political dramas, The Crown combines both tabloid sensationalism and facts in its coverage of the scandals and achievements of Britain’s Royal Family. From Queen Elizabeth II’s marriage to Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, to Princess Diana’s controversial death, no major story is left out in this gripping series.

Royal Scandals

The controversial show depicts the royal family’s slow disintegration with evocative precision. The facts might have been bent, but The Crown deserves praise for the costume designs and the sets. Most of the clothes worn in iconic events are replicated to the tiniest detail. On top of that, there is a Hans Zimmer score, so be guaranteed total ear nourishment.

3

‘Vikings’ (2013 – 2020)

Vikings

Release Date

2013 – 2019

Network

Amazon Prime Video, History Channel

Showrunner

Michael Hirst

Directors

Michael Hirst

Writers

Michael Hirst

Cast

The first few seasons of Vikings cover the rise of a fictionalized version of the legendary Norse warrior Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) from ordinary citizen to king. In the rest of the seasons, the focus shifts to his grown sons, Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless, as they embark on conquests across Europe.

A Deep Dive Into Norse Mythology

Vikings is a suspenseful, well-played voyage into history that tackles various ego-driven quandaries. You’ll love to see the characters staking their reputation on the outcome of various wars. There is no bad performance. Everyone’s role demands that they swap badassery for vulnerability at key moments, and they do just that. Also, sign up here if you’d love to see some of the most entertaining battles in a TV show.

2

‘Outlander’ (2014 – Present)

Outlander

Release Date

August 9, 2014

Network

Starz

Showrunner

Matthew B. Roberts

Directors

Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne

Writers

Ronald D. Moore, Matthew B. Roberts

Cast

  • Caitriona Balfe

    Claire Randall Fraser

Diana Gabaldon’s stories are super fun, and Outlander brings most of them to the screen. In the show, Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a WWII-era nurse, mysteriously goes back in term to 18th-century Scotland where she falls in love with Highlander, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). There, the challenges prove greater than the triumphs.

Inter-Timeline Romance

Apart from having the usual great cinematography and outstanding costumes, Outlander glows by handling time travel in a totally different way than what viewers are used to. There is no science, just a fantasy explanation that somehow makes total sense. The show also has some of the most brutal fictional villains to ever appear on the screen. But beware. Their sadistic actions will upset the squeamish.

Related

The 10 Best Period Detective Dramas To Binge Right Now

These 10 period detective dramas keep audiences wrapped up in a compelling mystery and deliver history, suspense, and adventure.

1

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013 – 2022)

Peaky Blinders

Release Date

2013 – 2022-00-00

Showrunner

Steven Knight

Directors

Otto Bathurst, Tom Harper, Colm McCarthy, Tim Mielants, David Caffrey, Anthony Byrne

Writers

Steven Knight

Cast

Peaky Blinders concerns Birningham’s Peaky Blinders gang, led by Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), under the watchful eye of Aunt Polly (Hellen McCrory). Tommy proves himself a master criminal, outsmarting all his enemies, driving his organization to maximum profitability, and rising through Britain’s political ranks.

The Smartest Crime Boss?

The gangster drama has piercing dialogue and intriguing subplots, reflecting the numbing state of the British underworld. Murphy is electric as Tommy, imbuing the supercriminal with his charm and scathing intensity, as the likes of Tom Hardy and Adrien Brody offer back-up (or opposing) muscle. You’ll be awed by the former, especially when he talks about outrageous things, like when he once nailed an enemy to the cross.

Period dramas are delightful, presenting the joys and gloom of bygone eras in captivating ways. Beautiful gowns? Newsboy caps? Ballrooms? These productions always remind us that people from the past had a better fashion sense and a better eye for architecture and interior décor than us. At the same time, we sympathize with the characters because life back then was more dangerous and unpredictable.

Whether they capture the dark or glittering side of history, period drama shows are guaranteed to fascinate. Thankfully, Netflix has plenty of series for those yearning for escapism. Some are well-known works, produced by the streaming giant, while others were made elsewhere but are now available to watch on the platform. Whether you are looking for a story from several centuries ago or one from more recent decades, there’s something for you.

Here are the best period dramas currently streaming on Netflix.

10

‘Barbarians’ (2020)


Barbarians

Release Date

2020 – 2021

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf

Directors

Barbara Eder, Stefan Ruzowitzky, Steve Saint Leger, Lennart Ruff

Writers

Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf

Cast

  • Jeanne Goursaud

    Thusnelda

  • Bernhard Schütz

    Folkwin Wolfspeer

Creator(s)

Jan Martin Scharf

Barbarians covers the events leading up to the iconic Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD where Germanic tribes obliterated three Roman legions. At the center of the proceedings is Arminius (Laurence Rupp), a Germanic prince who grew up in Roman aristocracy. Now a Roman officer, he is torn between loyalty to the empire and his tribe.

A Detailed Look into a Little-Known Battle

Tired of hearing Romans speaking English? Watch Barbarians, a very underrated show about Ancient Rome. Here, the characters speak Latin, as was the case in history. Beyond that, costumes and props are magnificently handled, while the weapons all match what the history books describe. Laurence Rupp is also incredible. You’ll wonder why Hollywood hasn’t embraced him yet.

9

‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (2024)


One Hundred Years of Solitude (2024)

Release Date

December 11, 2024

Cast

  • Eduardo De Los Reyes

    Aureliano Buendía

  • Claudio Cataño

    Colonel Aureliano Buendía

  • Jerónimo Barón

    José Arcadio Buendía

  • Marco González

    José Arcadio

Based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Nobel-winning author Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the multi-generational tale of the Buendía family, whose ambitious patriarch, José Arcadio Buendía, founded the prosperous town of Macondo. The show also covers various major events in Colombian history.

Love and Family Life in Latin America

Many people might still not be aware of how brilliant a storyteller Gabriel García Márquez was. This show exemplifies his talent for narrating compelling human tales that address important social topics — in this case, colonialism, and marriage. Everyone is excellent in their role, with Diego Vásquez standing out as the rough-edged José Arcadio Buendía. The dialogue in One Hundred Years of Solitude is wonderful too, so be assured that you’ll love everything you see and hear, whether you’ve read the book or not.

8

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2018 – 2022)


The Last Kingdom

Release Date

2015 – 2021

Network

BBC

Showrunner

Stephen Butchard

Directors

Alexander Dreymon

Writers

Martha Hiller, Stephen Butchard

Cast

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom takes us to 9th and 10th-century England where Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) is torn between his Saxon heritage and his current Viking life. Which side will he stick to? The Viking invaders or the Saxon resistance?

Protecting the Homeland

The Last Kingdom has been compared to Vikings, but it has its own flair. The appeal of either show also depends on which side of the conflict you prefer. This particular one handles its affairs from the perspective of the Saxons. The action sequences will stick to the mind, and the costumes will leave you wondering whether anyone ever took a shower in this era. Most importantly, the machinations make sense.

Related

10 Best Korean Dramas and Movies Set During the Colonial Period, Ranked

If you’re looking for a story set in Korea’s Colonial Period, don’t miss these 10 movies and K-dramas.

7

‘Cable Girls’ (2017 – 2020)

Creator(s)

Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira

Cable Girls concerns the personal and professional lives of three Spanish women working for a telecommunications company in Madrid in the late’20s. Each of them has dark secrets that they’d rather keep to themselves, but the challenges and pressures they face every day make it hard for them to keep everything together.

The Chaotic ’20s

The 1920s were challenging years for women in Spain and the show captures all the frustrations perfectly. For example, suffrage wasn’t enforced. Divorce was illegal too, so some women are trapped in toxic marriages. Worry not, Cable Girls isn’t too preachy. There’s the usual soapy type of fun. Betrayals? Infidelity? Crime? It’s all there and the actors never seem to tire. Keep an eye on Ana Polvorosa, who received numerous award nominations for her performance.

6

‘Bridgerton’ (2020 – Present)

Bridgerton

Release Date

December 25, 2020

Directors

Tom Verica, Tricia Brock

Writers

Julia Quinn, Chris Van Dusen, Jess Brownell, Abby McDonald, Joy C. Mitchell

Cast

Creator(s)

Chris Van Dusen

Bridgerton introduces us to an alternate version of the London Regency era, in which there is racial equality, stemming from George III’s choice to honor his African wife’s heritage. Events center around members of the influential Bridgerton family as they maneuver the social season, where the gentry and the young marriageable nobility and gentry are ushered into society.

As Good as Julia Quinn’s Book Series

As is the case with many Shondaland shows, romance is Bridgerton’s strongest pillar. The courtship is sometimes slow and gentle, defined by awkward moments and hilarious, faltering steps. On other occasions, it’s full of amateur dramatics. No matter the angle, the characters never overplay their predicaments. The tender is magnificently alternated with the absurd, without needing to pack in too many shockers.

5

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

The Queen’s Gambit

Release Date

October 23, 2020

Cast

The Queen’s Gambit is an adaptation of Walter Tevis’s critically acclaimed novel. It tells the story of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor Joy), an orphaned chess prodigy in the mid-20th century, as she rises to become a chess champion. Her interest in the sport begins when a janitor at her orphanage introduces her to it. She soon relies on it as a way to battle her addiction to tranquilizers.

Chess Never Looked This Good

The miniseries won 11 Emmys, which isn’t surprising considering its topics and themes. It’s always a joy to overcome any kind of addiction, and it is even better if you become successful in other areas while at it. Beth is totally likable, thanks to her characterization and because of Anya Taylor Joy’s incredible performance. A good sports/game-themed movie/show also triggers public interest in that particular field and The Queen’s Gambit did just that.

4

‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)

The Crown

Release Date

2016 – 2022

Writers

Peter Morgan

Cast

Widely regarded as one of the best political dramas, The Crown combines both tabloid sensationalism and facts in its coverage of the scandals and achievements of Britain’s Royal Family. From Queen Elizabeth II’s marriage to Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, to Princess Diana’s controversial death, no major story is left out in this gripping series.

Royal Scandals

The controversial show depicts the royal family’s slow disintegration with evocative precision. The facts might have been bent, but The Crown deserves praise for the costume designs and the sets. Most of the clothes worn in iconic events are replicated to the tiniest detail. On top of that, there is a Hans Zimmer score, so be guaranteed total ear nourishment.

3

‘Vikings’ (2013 – 2020)

Vikings

Release Date

2013 – 2019

Network

Amazon Prime Video, History Channel

Showrunner

Michael Hirst

Directors

Michael Hirst

Writers

Michael Hirst

Cast

The first few seasons of Vikings cover the rise of a fictionalized version of the legendary Norse warrior Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) from ordinary citizen to king. In the rest of the seasons, the focus shifts to his grown sons, Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless, as they embark on conquests across Europe.

A Deep Dive Into Norse Mythology

Vikings is a suspenseful, well-played voyage into history that tackles various ego-driven quandaries. You’ll love to see the characters staking their reputation on the outcome of various wars. There is no bad performance. Everyone’s role demands that they swap badassery for vulnerability at key moments, and they do just that. Also, sign up here if you’d love to see some of the most entertaining battles in a TV show.

2

‘Outlander’ (2014 – Present)

Outlander

Release Date

August 9, 2014

Network

Starz

Showrunner

Matthew B. Roberts

Directors

Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne

Writers

Ronald D. Moore, Matthew B. Roberts

Cast

  • Caitriona Balfe

    Claire Randall Fraser

Diana Gabaldon’s stories are super fun, and Outlander brings most of them to the screen. In the show, Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a WWII-era nurse, mysteriously goes back in term to 18th-century Scotland where she falls in love with Highlander, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). There, the challenges prove greater than the triumphs.

Inter-Timeline Romance

Apart from having the usual great cinematography and outstanding costumes, Outlander glows by handling time travel in a totally different way than what viewers are used to. There is no science, just a fantasy explanation that somehow makes total sense. The show also has some of the most brutal fictional villains to ever appear on the screen. But beware. Their sadistic actions will upset the squeamish.

Related

The 10 Best Period Detective Dramas To Binge Right Now

These 10 period detective dramas keep audiences wrapped up in a compelling mystery and deliver history, suspense, and adventure.

1

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013 – 2022)

Peaky Blinders

Release Date

2013 – 2022-00-00

Showrunner

Steven Knight

Directors

Otto Bathurst, Tom Harper, Colm McCarthy, Tim Mielants, David Caffrey, Anthony Byrne

Writers

Steven Knight

Cast

Peaky Blinders concerns Birningham’s Peaky Blinders gang, led by Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), under the watchful eye of Aunt Polly (Hellen McCrory). Tommy proves himself a master criminal, outsmarting all his enemies, driving his organization to maximum profitability, and rising through Britain’s political ranks.

The Smartest Crime Boss?

The gangster drama has piercing dialogue and intriguing subplots, reflecting the numbing state of the British underworld. Murphy is electric as Tommy, imbuing the supercriminal with his charm and scathing intensity, as the likes of Tom Hardy and Adrien Brody offer back-up (or opposing) muscle. You’ll be awed by the former, especially when he talks about outrageous things, like when he once nailed an enemy to the cross.

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