10 Period Piece TV Shows You Need To Watch Now

I have already watched all of these I have a problem.

1. Reign

The CW / Via google.com

This drama/fantasy series draws on the life of Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scots in the late 1500s. I always recommend this show to people who have never watched a period piece or costume drama because it has a particular modern twist that makes its easier to watch. Adelaide Kane is marvelous as Mary and the rest of the cast will leave a handprint on your heart.

Where to watch: All four seasons are currently streaming on Netflix

2. The Tudors

Showtime / Via google.com

This drama follows the life of King Henry VIII in 1500s England. I loved watching it because it has my QUEEN Natalie Dormer and hottie Henry Cavill in it. Full of deceit, sex, beheadings, and some historical accuracy; this show is the perfect start for someone who has never watched a period piece.

Where to watch: All four seasons are currently streaming on Netflix

3. Victoria

PBS / Via google.com

Thinking of this show makes me wanna cry. I LOVE Jenna Coleman and there are some other notable actors in this series including Nell Hudson from Outlander and Dianna Rigg from Game of Thrones. This show is a little slower because it tries to keep up with historical accuracy as much as possible but still, a must watch. Jenna Coleman's portrayal of Victoria is as refined as it is assertive.

Where to watch: The first two seasons (third is currently airing) can be found on Amazon Prime or through Masterpiece on PBS

4. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Amazon Prime / Via miro.medium.com*ocG3z99kfQts6lVNyxPhBw.png

Not all period pieces have to be ancient! This lively and hilarious comedy takes place in the 1950s and will leave you wanting more. I loved Rachel Brosnahan's (House of Cards) performance in the first season and I'm so excited for season two! This is a must watch if you wanna feel sassy, powerful, and witty for weeks after watching.

Where to watch: The first season is streaming on Amazon Prime

5. Downton Abbey

PBS / Via google.com

A CLASSIC. The costumes, the hot British guys, and the etiquette are to die for in this beloved period piece. Focusing on an affluent family in the early 1900s England, Downton Abbey takes a new approach to period piece drama, including the drama from both the Crawley family and their servants. Maggie Smith serves up CONSTANT sass and its overall such a beautiful series. Be warned though, this show is a time consuming beast that will leave you sobbing and wanting more. (There's a movie being made don't worry)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime is currently streaming all six seasons

6. Bomb Girls

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Another more modern TV series, Bomb Girls focuses on a group of women working in a munitions factory during World War II. The show stars Jodi Balfour who you might recognize for her role in The Crown as Jackie Kennedy. It is open ended if the show will continue but the first two seasons are full of mystery, conflict, and more victory rolls than you could imagine.

Where to watch: The first two seasons are streaming on Amazon Prime

7. Outlander

Starz / Via google.com

Okay, you would have to be living under a rock if you have never heard of this lust-filled, time traveling series from Starz. Filled with adventure, true love, and a lot of Scottish slang, Outlander is a spectacular series based off of a book series by Dianna Gabaldon. If you like Game of Thrones, you'll love this show, Sassenach.

Where to watch: This one is hard to get your hands on but Starz streams all three seasons and they air on cable as well. (Outlander has also been renewed for three more season at least)

8. Call the Midwife

BBC / Via google.com

Based in the East End of London during the 1950s-60s, Call the Midwife is a series about the struggles of childbirth and life in general. The show has a sense of innocence and whole-heartedness while dealing with major issues such as famine, poverty, and over-population.

Where to watch: Netflix is currently streaming the first seven seasons and the show has been renewed up into it's tenth season.

9. The Borgias

Showtime / Via google.com

The Borgias is a period piece created for veterans of the genre. It is gory and dark but also extremely enthralling. Starring Jeremy Irons (Justice League, The Lion King) the show focuses on Pope Alexander VI and his corrupt grasp on Italy in the 1400s. Full of murder, forced marriages, and syphilis, the show is sure to keep you on your feet.

Where to watch: All three seasons are streaming on Netflix

10. The Crown

Netflix / Via google.com

Another well-known period piece on the list! I had to include this because of how closely The Crown follows historical accuracy. People watch period pieces to get lost in the time period, to fully involve themselves in another era. This show creates such a realistic representation of Queen Elizabeth II and 1950s England and I'm so excited to see where it goes from here. Claire Foy does such a remarkable job portraying the Queen and the show itself is a testament that period pieces are needed to keep us from getting to lost in the present.

Where to watch: Netflix has the first two seasons and there are expected to be four more seasons.