Love is in the air. Many Netflix subscribers continuously devour Bridgerton whenever a new season drops from the romantic period drama series based on Julia Quinn's novel series. Set in the competitive world of Regency London's high society, the popular show from producer Shonda Rhimes mixes sumptuous designs with soapy drama, steamy romance, and a delightful Bridgerton cast, resulting in a popular program that’s easy to fall head-over-heels for.
For those of you who have already binged this delectable TV adaptation, you're likely looking for another show to pass the time, especially since we’re all waiting for Bridgerton Season 3 to arrive. If you loved this sexy series for all its frills and thrills, there are several other shows out there worth streaming in the meantime. And, we have a few recommendations. Here's what you should watch if you love Netflix's Bridgerton.
Reign (2013 – 2017)
First up on this list is Reign, a series that ran for four seasons and was a big show for The CW. The series was a historical romantic drama that followed the rise of Mary, Queen of Scots, and how she became the powerful woman in the French court that everyone knows her to be.
While Reign isn’t nearly as steamy as Brigerton is, there are plenty of comparisons between the two shows, from strong, powerful, female characters to getting into the business of all the royals and seeing what exactly goes on behind the curtain that they don’t show to the public. Not only that, but Adelaide Kane’s performance as Queen Mary of Scots is truly stunning.
Outlander (2014 – Present)
Based on Diana Gabaldon's novels, Outlander follows an English combat nurse in 1945 (Caitriona Balfe) who's mysteriously swept back to 1743.
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you love Bridgerton for its steamy sex scenes, you'll like Outlander. The Starz series has only continued to gain its audience's appreciation for its lush scenery and fantastical storytelling mixed with some of TV's most sensual chemistry.
While Outlander's period quality is widely praised, the folks who loved Bridgerton's sexier scenes will love what this well-established series brings plentifully. While Outlander can be darker and more violent, TV lovers will dig how well it balances its story with its romantic indulgences, making for one enticing series. With seven seasons to watch, and an eighth and final one on the way, now is the time to binge the series.
Stream Outlander On Netflix.
Stream Outlander On Starz.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
You knew it would be on here. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story acts a prequel to the Bridgerton series, and tells the story of the famous Queen Charlotte, and how she rose to power in her seat, and fell in love with King George, the person she was arranged to marry.
There’s a lot to love about Queen Charlotte for fans of Bridgerton, and it’s honestly because it feels like the same show but much deeper, focusing primarily on the relationships that are always pre-established in the original series. The Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story cast is superbly talented, and the love story is unlike any other and captured the hearts of fans everywhere.
Stream Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story on Netflix.
Harlots (2017 – 2019)
A brothel owner struggles to raise her daughters in 18th century London.
While Harlots hasn't found its stateside audience, the showrunners behind Bridgerton appear to be fans of the historical ITV/Hulu drama. Both shows feature some of the same cast members, as well as an interest in exploring the lives of well-to-do women looking to prove themselves.
Even though it never gained a wide audience, Harlots has earned its share of acclaim, and it's a good one to catch up on — especially if you've already made your way through every Bridgerton episode once (or twice) over.
Maybe with Bridgerton's rising popularity, Harlots might find its own audience expanding. If you're curious to check it out, all three seasons are available on Hulu.
The Pursuit Of Love (2021)
This miniseries might only be three episodes, but it’s worth every second you see. The Pursuit of Love is all about two cousins who are close during the World Wars despite their wildly different personalities, and aim to help each other get with the men they wish to be with.
While The Pursuit of Love does not take place in old England, the background of the World Wars provides a nice change of scenery and is unique in comparison to many others on this list. Not only that, but the drama and the romance will be enough for any Bridgerton fan to fall in love with. In addition, Emily Beecham and Lily James are great as the two stars.
Stream The Pursuit of Love on Amazon Prime.
Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015)
Downton Abbey features a look into the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the early twentieth century. Downton Abbey is easily one of the most celebrated shows on this list, and it's not hard to see why.
With its sophisticated writing, soapy drama, dignified performances, and ravishing period designs, Downton Abbey is quite a sensational treat, and it makes it an easy recommendation for anyone who appreciated the posh pleasures found throughout Bridgerton. The series is good at finding the balance between formal manners and secret indulgences, which makes it easy to see why Downton Abbey's critical/commercial success paved the way for Bridgerton's own fandom.
While Bridgerton is slightly more risque, they both share a fondness for exploring the line between social manners and personal turmoil. Furthermore, once you're caught up with Downton Abbey, you can also (hopefully) enjoy its respectable 2019 film adaptation, and later on, its 2022 sequel.
Stream Downton Abbey On Peacock.
Dickinson (2019 – 2021)
As a feminist take on 19th-century politics and societal standards, Dickinson, which is all about the life of Emily Dickinson, fits in line with some of the underlying themes found throughout Bridgerton. One of the first shows to premiere on Apple TV+, Dickinson was definitely among the most celebrated from the onset, and is one of the best Apple TV+ shows.
Featuring Hailee Steinfeld in the titular role, Dickinson follows the struggles that the famous author faced to have her voice heard in a patriarchal society. But, while the show is quick to study gender inequality and the imbalance of societal norms, Dickinson also has its own bouts of romanticism and dramatic intrigue. Dickinson was among Apple TV+’s earliest successes, and it should win over audiences who found themselves endeared by Bridgerton's own stylish and sophisticated social commentary.
Stream Dickinson on Apple TV+.
Gentleman Jack (2019 – 2022)
Spanning two seasons, Gentleman Jack was an HBO series that is based on the real-life tale of Anne Lister, a landowner and industrialist, and follows the real diaries that she kept about her personal life, detailing her romantic rendezvous with fellow women of the time.
There’s plenty to want to watch in this series. An older, 1800s England? Check. A romance that will knock you off your feet and leave you winded? Also check. Two seasons full of drama and scandal? Check-a-roonie. Pair that with an absolutely enthralling performance from Suranne Jones, and Gentleman Jack should become you next weekend binge.
The Great (2020 – 2023)
During the 18th century, a royal woman in rural Russia (Elle Fanning) is forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of Russia when she marries an emperor (Nicholas Hoult).
Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great, which has become one of her most celebrated performances to date (in an already sensational early career), The Great features all the splendid costuming, excellent period details, and bold writing that you'd expect from a series in this vein. But, it also shares Bridgerton's R-rated sensibilities, featuring its fair share of sex and naughty language, among other mature subject matters.
If you're familiar with Catherine the Great's story, you might know what to expect. If you don't, you're in for a treat. It's also elevated by the great (no pun intended) love-hate chemistry between Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. While the series was unfortunately canceled after three seasons, it’s still one of the best Hulu shows.
Scandal (2012 – 2018)
While Shonda Rhimes created Bridgerton, she also created several other modern-set shows, and Scandal is one of the best ones. This series tells the story of Olivia Pope, a lawyer who works at a crisis management firm that she started after working as the White House Communications Director. But in doing so, more secrets are revealed about the world around her than she expected.
This show was everything when it first came out. The later seasons don’t hit quite as well as the first, but from Season 1 to Season 4 – maybe even halfway through Season 5 – the secrets and stories that are revealed are captivating. And if you’re one for the gossiping nature of Bridgerton, then this is the series for you.
The Crown (2016 – 2023)
The Crown is a historical series depicting the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton) during the second half of the twentieth century.
As one of Netflix's most popular shows (one of its crowning achievements, if you will), you've probably already watched The Crown at least once or twice before you binged Bridgerton. Nevertheless, if you haven't seen this historical recounting of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, you better get on it.
Splendidly vivid in its production design and detail, this expensive period drama is among the most prestigious programs in an already prestigious television era, forging Claire Foy's career ascension while also continuing to prove Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton’s dynamic dramatic talents. Ultimately, this streaming series is far less sensual than Bridgerton's frothy frills. But if you value Bridgerton for how it invites you into the elite world of Europe's most powerful and prestigious personalities, you'll like what The Crown brings to the throne. And now, The Crown Season 6 is right around the corner.
Versailles (2015 – 2018)
This series is the ultimate historical drama. Versailles takes place during the construction of the legendary Palace of Versailles during Louis XIV’s reign in France, and how he attempts to hold down rebellion in a world that is constantly changing.
With three seasons, Versailles has everything a Bridgerton fan could want. From steamy romantic scenes to drama up the wazoo to some of the most incredible set design and costume choices, it's all the story of nobility you could ask for. And with George Blagden as the lead, Versailles is a great show to watch.
The Spanish Princess (2019 – 2020)
The Spanish Princess is a historical series centered around Catherine of Aragon (Charlotte Hope), a Spanish princess who navigates the royal lineage of England. It's a sequel to the mini-series The White Queen and The White Princess.
Admittedly, The Spanish Princess values its sex appeal over its historical accuracy. If that turns you off, you'll want to look elsewhere. But, many Bridgerton fans were pleased by how the Netflix series incorporates its formal period details with its more liberal-minded romantic impulses. The results make for an elegantly engaging show, which is what many viewers will also appreciate about this Starz series.
Much like Outlander, The Spanish Princess isn't afraid to show more than a few sexy scenes along the way, while also providing some historical accounts. Don't expect this series to help you pass your history test, though. If you don't mind fudged details, check out The Spanish Princess.
Stream The Spanish Princess on Starz.
Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
Based on the books by Cecily von Ziegesar, Gossip Girl follows privileged teenagers living in the Upper East Side of New York who can hide no secrets from a mysterious blogger who's always watching their every move and misdeed.
If you watch Bridgerton, you clearly have an appreciation for shows centered around snarky writers who love to comment on the scandalous world of the rich and elite. If that's the case, you'll love Gossip Girl, one of The CW's most popular shows.
Though Gossip Girl is much more modern than other shows on this list, the show's balance of sex, mystique, and societal intrigue makes it an easy comparison. While the final few seasons don't reach its earlier heights, that hasn't stopped Gossip Girl from being a popular talking point.
The Tudors (2007 – 2010)
The Tudors is a historical drama following the reign and copious marriages of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).
If the main thing you loved about Bridgerton was watching people in high society act naughty, you should make a point to check out The Tudors. While Meyers doesn't exactly, err, look the part of King Henry VIII, his sexy presence makes for a series that's easy on the eyes — if not always close to the history books.
In addition to starring Meyers, The Tudors also features an early co-starring role from Henry Cavill, who shed some fancy clothes to play Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, before he became both Superman and Geralt of Rivia. If you love how Bridgerton balanced its historical theatrics with its consistent sensuality, you'll definitely appreciate The Tudors. It only lasted a few seasons, but you can stream the Showtime series in its entirety on Amazon Prime.
Stream The Tudors on Amazon Prime.
With this endless wait for Bridgerton Season 3, hopefully these shows are just one of many you can check out if you’re in dire need of something to fill the time – and until then, I’ll just be binge-watching Bridgerton all over again.
