my favorite period drama miniseries

by | Apr 9, 2018 | a slice of life, Popular | 203 comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

I’ll just put it right out there.  This post is a complete change of pace.

A few weeks (months) ago, I mentioned my love for period drama miniseries on Instagram stories and I received a bunch of requests to share my favorites.  So, I started a list and I finally hunted down all of the images and details to share with you.

Since this is a long post, I just share a little blurb about each one and a thing or two that I love (my favorite moments).  Some of them will sound cryptic if you’re not familiar with the story, but my “thing” can be like a little Easter egg to hunt for as you’re watching the series.

Oh, and most of these can be found on Amazon Prime, Netflix, or one of the Amazon add-on channels, like Masterpiece or Acorn.  Series that can’t be found in any of those places can be purchased on iTunes.

So, let’s lace up our corsets and brush up our British accents and talk about my favorite period drama miniseries…

NORTH & SOUTH

I avoided watching this one for ages, because I thought it was related to the old (somewhat cheesy) civil war drama of the same name.  It’s not and it’s wonderful. I probably watch this one a couple times each year.

I’ll say two things – Richard Armitage and the ending.  That’s all you need to know.

WAR & PEACE

I tripped across this one night and I always thought of War & Peace as a tedious, boring story about, well, war.  And peace.  But, it’s an epic story of friendship, love, betrayal, forgiveness, and so much more.  There are scenes in this movie that are so powerful and beautiful, they make me cry every single time.  And I’m not usually a movie/TV cryer.  This is definitely one of my favorites.

Two things – The dance and “I love you more.  Better than I did before.”

SENSE & SENSIBILITY

I watched this one with some hesitation, because Sense & Sensibility, the movie with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, is one of my favorites.  This miniseries was such a treat, though.  It’s well cast and beautifully made.

One thing – “I shouldn’t have come here.”

VICTORIA

I looked forward to this series and it didn’t disappoint.  Season two just aired in January and I’m already looking forward to season three.  Jenna Coleman is great.

Two things: Rufus Sewell and the story of the rooks.

BLEAK HOUSE

I absolutely love Charles Dickens and Bleak House is such a fine example of a well-woven story.  There’s always an honesty in his writing; a balance of humor and sorrow.

Three things – One… Guppy is awesome.  Two…  “Shake me up!”  Three… “If she’d only known how much I loved her and how little I cared about what the world would think of her.”

LITTLE DORRIT

This is another Charles Dickens series and another great one.  Claire Foy, of The Crown, is so good in this and there are so many classic Dickens characters like Sparkler and Flintwinch.

So many things in this one, but here are two…

“I have nothing.  Would you share my fortune with me now?”

“I would throw myself off that parapet if it would bring you a moments joy.”

DICKENSIAN

It took me a little bit to “get” this one, but once I saw where it was going, I thought it was brilliant.  It’s a prequel for several Dickens’ novels, telling the stories of Bill Sikes & Nancy of Oliver, Honoria Barbary and Nemo of Bleak House, and, perhaps the most heartbreaking, Compeyson and Miss Havisham of Great Expectations.

While there are so many great parts, I couldn’t think of a specific moment to highlight.  All of these characters are pretty tragic in their stories, so it’s hard for the sweet moments in this series to not be tainted by their future.

MERCY STREET

I loved this one and I’m so sad they didn’t renew it for a third series to continue to flesh out the story.  So, there are some shortfalls in this one due to an early end, but it’s wrapped up enough to keep you satisfied.  The lead characters and actors in this one are fantastic.

Two things – “If you have become unmoored, then you must anchor yourself.”

and

“You did all you could.”

WIVES & DAUGHTERS

This is one I didn’t expect to like as much as I did, but it’s so good.  I love watching how the heroine grows throughout the story.

One thing…  “Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.”

EMMA

This is definitely my favorite version of Jane Austen’s Emma.  The four installments really allow for the story to be fully told and appreciated.  I love the cast as well.

One thing – “If my heart is in the right place.  What does it matter where I live?”

LONDON HOSPITAL

I absolutely love this series, but I will say it’s a bit of a mixed bag.  Some of it is choppy and a little awkward, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.  It’s a period medical drama based on medical journals and diaries, so they try to tell the medical and social stories as well as the personal ones.This is another one that was cut short before the story could be properly wrapped up, but I would still suggest it.

One thing – “What are you thinking now?”

DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLY

I was so skeptical about this one.  I mean, come on.  You cannot touch Pride & Prejudice.  Just don’t.  But, they did and it worked and I loved it.  I think the characters are very true to the original novel and it was so fun to see Darcy and Elizabeth together now they aren’t proud and prejudiced anymore.  It does explore some interesting ideas, like the family dynamic Darcy has to deal with and the feelings of inadequacy Elizabeth struggles with.  As the title suggests, it is a murder mystery, but it really is more than that.

One thing: “Marry for love.  Marry the person your heart cries out for.”

THE CRIMSON FIELD

This is similar to London Hospital in that it’s a period medical drama and, I think, a little known gem.  It did only survive one season and, you can understand it in a way.  The story can feel a little jarring at times, throwing out information about a character without supporting or resolving it, but I still enjoyed it.  The characters are interesting and the storylines are compelling.  It’s also beautiful to watch.

Two things:  The Scottish accent.  You’ll know what I’m talking about.  And, “I’ve been alarmed since the moment you arrived.”

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

This one is different from the others in that it’s a pretty dark, Agatha Christie mystery.  It was excellent, though.  So well made and suspenseful.  Aside from the fascinating characters, the house and the island are fun to watch.

There are so many more, but this list was getting crazy long, so I’ll stop it here.  Maybe I’ll share another list down the road.

And, I know some of you will be shocked at some of the biggies that are conspicuously absent.  I’ll explain two.

Pride & Prejudice – I love the story and Colin Firth is the ultimate Darcy.  No doubt.  I’m just not in love with the cinematography (I know it was made a while ago, so I shouldn’t judge it too harshly) and I don’t like some of the cast.  I’m hoping BBC remakes a P&P miniseries.

Downton Abbey – Okay, I loved the first season and I felt like it slowly slipped downhill after that.  I mean, how many times can the sweetest man in the story, Bates, be fingered for murder?  Also, you’re rooting for Matthew and Mary to get together and then Mary seems so aloof towards him.  Anyway, I watched the whole series and there were elements I liked, but it’s not a favorite.  Sorry!

 

Oh, and, Little Women is coming to Masterpiece this May!  Can’t wait for that.

Any other period drama favorites?  I’ve watched tons of them, so I challenge you to find one I haven’t tried!

Receive a Daily Dose of Encouragement and Inspiration!

Stay Inspired with Marian's Daily Blog Posts

Sign up to receive uplifting blog posts directly in your inbox! Join our community of like-minded individuals and start your day with a burst of creativity, motivation, and positivity. Whether you’re seeking decorating tips, DIY projects, or simply a dose of inspiration, Marian’s daily posts are sure to brighten your day and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on your daily dose of encouragement – subscribe now!

    203 Comments

    1. Jane

      How about the original Poldark and Upstairs,Downstairs on PBS? Also loved House of Eliot about two young women who find themselves penniless when their father dies and so struggle to start a fashion house. I think it took place around 1920 or so and was also on PBS. Oh, almost forget All Creatures Great and Small. I loved Downton Abbey except for the second season that revolved around the war. But I’m not so sure Bates is as innocent as you believe. I always thought he had a bit of a dark side – when necessary. I enjoyed this post.

      • Marian Parsons

        Oh, I have not heard of House of Elliot! I’ll have to check that one out.

      • Marianne

        I second House of Eliott. It pretty old now, but one of my favorites.

      • Jane

        I agree about Bates, when necessary he could be intimidating

      • Lee Ann

        Jane – YES! House of Eliott is wonderful! Great suggestion. Just finished watching it again! Bought the full 3 seasons of DVDs for my partner’s Christmas gift (which of course meant I could enjoy it again!).

    2. Ruth in NZ

      “Oh dear…It took me far too long to realise what a “minisery” was. It sounded so sad and I couldn’t figure out what sort of period drama these “minISeries” were! (It wasn’t til I actually saw ‘series’ written separately that I clicked!) Even now I find it difficult to read that properly! My husband is just laughing at me! Thanks for some excellent suggestions.

    3. Antonella

      How about Penny Dreadful? Gothic and dark and very victorian in the fascination for the esoteric. Nothing exceptional, but Eva Green is mesmerizing as usual…

      • Marian Parsons

        I started that one, but it was a little to dark for me! I don’t mind dark, but I like to have something to root for or some redeeming quality. Maybe I didn’t get far enough into it, though.

        • Cassandra E

          I’m just reading through the comments…and I have to chime in here, because there is something weirdly redeeming about Penny Dreadful. I don’t usually go for horror, and it definitely has that streak. And, I am a prude. There were some really uncomfortable scenes. But, if you ever do push through, there are characters who are so complicated that by the end of the series, you’d be shocked out how your heart gets run out. But, on another note….I agree with every single word you said about North and South. Including the cheese bit. I know it’s a film and not a mini series, but I find A Room with a View with Helena Bonham Carter delightful. It is dated, but it’s still so good. Maybe it’s on your film list.

          • Chris Moore of Seattle

            Yes to all you have said. As an aside, one of the actreses in this series, Billie Piper, has gone on to Broadway where she has just won acclaim for theater, a play called Yerma. Penny Dreadful is dark, but it is about redemption.

      • Robin Godby

        I loved Penny Dreadful!! I was so sad when they canceled it. It was too expensive to produce. 🙁 Another one I liked is the Forsyth saga, which has been out for awhile. We liked it so much, my husband bought the series!

    4. Jacqueline Parker

      First of all, Happy Birthday! I turn 40 next month, so you just beat me. Also, War and Peace with the actor from Grantchester?! I’m so excited to watch this. Is the Acorn add-on how you get BBC? I’ve never heard of it. This is all so exciting!

    5. Stephanie

      I love Poldark and was encouraged to watch The Tudors. Since I love early history, i.e 1500s-1700s, these fit right up my alley.

      • Kathy

        Love both of these, even thou the Tudors is not entirely accurate,

    6. Alisonb

      Loved Poldark and the Forsyte Saga

    7. downraspberrylane

      I know what you mean about Downton Abbey…so many holes in the story, it’s the original Victorian lace (I crack myself up). But the eye-candy! I mean, come on! And some of the actors are pretty good-looking too. It was one where you had to “suspend disbelief”…a lot.

      Who is the actress in that version of Emma? I don’t recognize her so I don’t know where to look for that version. Gwynneth I a wonderful actress, but not my pick for that role.

      BTW, I can’t seem to play your video. It started but stopped immediately, then went black and stayed that way.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, that’s a good way to put it with Downton Abbey. I stuck with it to the end, but it started out so well! Bummer it went downhill. For me, anyway.

        The actress in Emma is Ramola Garai.

    8. downraspberrylane

      It played this time…

    9. Linda

      Another great show is “The Crown” which is a Netflix original. It is the story of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and all the drama involved in her succession to the Crown. I would highly recommend this show!

      • Marian Parsons

        Yep, I enjoyed that one. Claire Foy is great.

    10. Sarah

      I have to say Poldark also… have you seen that one?

      • Marian Parsons

        Yep, I’ve seen Poldark and I like it in general. It’s beautiful to watch and well acted, but the story sometimes goes off the rails for me. I want Poldark to be a better man! 🙂 Not all good, but better. I’ll keep watching it, though.

    11. Deanna Rabe

      We have very similar tastes in period drama!

      We love a show called Foyle’s War. It takes place during WWII in England. Foyle is a detective. Its really good, I think you’d enjoy it.

      • Sheila

        The best show ever! The stories were great and the scenery and costuming…yummy. Probably my very favorite British series ever…and I’ve watched so many of them and pretty much loved them all!

        • anne

          ditto to that. our very fav.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, I liked Foyle’s War as well. I haven’t watched all of it, but maybe I should revisit it!

      • Julie Briones

        I agree!!!! Foyle’s War is amazing!

      • Roseann

        Foyle’s War is one of my all time favorites.

    12. Elaine

      North and South all the way!

      Think you would like A Town Like Alice…

      • Marian Parsons

        Okay, you win the prize! I’ve never heard of that one!

      • anne

        read the book with my daughters for book club. super!

    13. Amy

      I’m going to full-on confess that the old civil war mini-series ‘North & South’ is one of my all-time favorites. My husband and I watched it a few years ago, and he mocked me at first and then was asking, “Did you want to watch another episode tonight? Is it time to turn on ‘North and South?'” Hahahah. Nothing beats Patrick Swayze in a pair of riding breeches. I’ll check out the others you list. But I’ll keep Orry Main forever in my heart. Amy

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! Oh, the hair in that one!

    14. sandy

      Another to check out is ” Larkrise to Candleford”
      Village life in the 1800s, with real life lessons.

      • Chris Moore of Seattle

        Yes yes yes!!!!!!

      • Amber

        Yes! I loved Larkrise to Candleford! “It’s my one weakness”! 😉

    15. Robin

      Thank you, Marian! I’ve been looking forward to this post! No one has mentioned Outlander. While not your traditional BBC historical (a wee bit too racy), the actors, Scottish setting and enduring love story made it for me. Sometimes a lot too graphic because of the war scenes and some sex scenes (I just don’t watch those bits) the story of Jaime and Claire is the thing that makes me want more. Of course, I’m one the crazies who read all of Diana Galbadon’s tomes (yes, tomes, they are huge books) and wasn’t sure they could make a tv series from them. But, my husband and I devour each season on dvd and always say we can’t wait for the next seasons installment. We loved Victoria, also!

      • Chris Moore of Seattle

        Yes! I love the actress who plays Claire!

        • Jan M Brunette-Hunyady

          I also love the actor, Tobias Menzies, who plays Frank/BJR. He is taking over the role of Prince Phillip in the Crown and is currently in the AMC mini series The Terror, about the research ship, HMS The Terror. Based on the true story of the ships lost while looking for the Northwest passage. I think it is around 1840 or 1850.

          But check out the miniseries called The Paradise (2 seasons) based on the book by Emile Zola. Also, Mr Selfridge, based on the life of the American who built Selfridges in London and changed the way people shopped at the turn of the 20th century.

    16. Danette

      I’ve seen all of these but for a couple, so thanks! I just subscribed to Britbox via Amazon Prime. Looking forward to poking around that one. The Paradise and The Grand (there are two “Grands,” so make sure you get the right one). For a more current limited series – An Inconvenient Woman (I think that’s the name) with Maggie Gyllenhall – outstanding, and Dr. Foster. And of course – The Forsyte Saga is a MUST. I’ve also become very fond of Australian series – The Heart Guy is so super fun and well done. Love that one. Also, Good Karma Hospital and Striking Out. Obviously one has to watch Top of the Lake. From Scandinavia – Dicte is a really good series (subtitles).

    17. Teresa

      Marian,
      I think you might want to delete the inappropriate comments from anonymous regarding “Jews”.

      Now on to your post! I loved Downton Abbey and Victoria and they were my favorites. Another favorite because it was filmed near me in Petersburg, VA was “Mercy Street” and I was sad as well to see it wasn’t renewed. I loved watching and recognizing all the landmarks in Petersburg especially Farmers Market. I will check some of the other programs you have listed as well.

      • Kim

        Notice that negative comment person does not even have the courage to make such claims and put his/her name to it. An envious coward full of hatred and evil. I agree with calling for the deletion! Boy, to think that there are people like that trolling THIS blog. Spiritual warfare.

        • Marian Parsons

          It’s just revolting spam. It’s been deleted and blocked.

    18. Lee Ann

      Not sure that it really counts as a “period” drama, but “Call the Midwife” is one of my favs! All about a place and time period that get forgotten so often. I love each character. They are good and still have their weaknesses, but I love them more FOR their weaknesses.

      • Wendy Martinez

        Call the Midwife is my absolute favorite of ALL TIME! The books that the series is based on are amazing, too!

        • Teresa

          Wendy,
          I just caught a episode of the “Midwife” the other night and loved it too!

        • Lynne

          I loved Call the Midwife!

        • Bev

          Absolutely!!! That series lends humanity to so many controversial issues of that time. And who would not love Sister Monica Joan! All six seasons are my absolute faves!

        • Charlene in SC

          Love this series, too! Do start with season one. ??

    19. Eileen

      I agree that Foyles War is hands down the best British series ever. It gives ab insight to what people were going through.

    20. Amara Bray

      Please pull that offensive comment from anonymous above and block them. Yuck.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, done.

    21. Amara Bray

      Should have said I agree with you about Downton Abbey. Loved the first season, and then it went down hill. Try Larkrise to candleford! It dips in the later seasons, but the first one or two is charming.

    22. Lynne

      “Ladies in Lavender” hasn’t been mentioned.
      It stars Judy Dench and Maggie Smith, filmed in 2004 by the seaside. It’s a charming, period piece that I found at my local library rental.
      We recently signed up with Acorn TV and find it offers the British films we love.

    23. Lynne

      Also…please negate the hateful comment from anonymous. It may be freedom of speech, but should have no place to fester in the dignity of mankind.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yep, that was some terrible spam. I have been getting a couple of those lately, but they’ve been deleted and I blocked the IP addresses.

    24. Marilee

      I so agree with you about “Mercy Street”, but at least they wrapped everything up in the final episode, even though it was a bit smooshed together. I would also recommend “Homefires” on PBS. Set prior to and during WWII in Britain, it’s about the members of the Women’s Institute and how they kept the home fires burning. It’s based on Julie Summers’ excellent book, “Jambusters”. I also want to see “Howard’s End” on Starz.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes! I’m looking forward to Howard’s End as well. I enjoyed Home Fires, too!

    25. Marilee

      I forgot to mention “Pillars of The Earth,” based on a wonderful Ken Follet book about the building of a cathedral in medieval times … a terrific cast. Eddie Redmayne, Rufus Sewell, Hayley Atwell, Matthew Macfayden, Sam Clafin and Ian McShane at his most despicable best.

      • Marian Parsons

        I saw some of that one. I’ll have to check it out again!

      • KathyT

        Oooh, I hadn’t realized ‘Pillars of the Earth’ had been filmed…must look for it, as I loved all those books. What great suggestions I’ve found here!

    26. Nancy

      I loved Grand Hotel on Netflix. It’s in Spanish, but so good! Romance and mystery.

      • Marian Parsons

        I typically have the TV on while I’m working on something else, so I don’t usually watch shows with subtitles. I should give this one a try, though. I’ve heard good things about it.

        • Charlene in SC

          I watched a series with “dubbing” and it worked very well. Give it a try.

    27. SoCalLynn

      My daughter and I recently started watching Land Girls, a WWII series drama. So Good! We’ve also watched The Paradise, which I haven’t seen mentioned yet. I liked it but didn’t love it. I was so happy to see you liked the same version of Emma that I do, I’ve watched it many times! Oh, also, try Cranford, a miniseries about small town life in Britain in the mid-1800’s. It has Maggie Smith, soooo….

      • Marian Parsons

        Yep, I’ve seen all of those! 🙂

    28. Deb K

      north and south? the absolute best kiss ever. everyone should have at least one kiss like this in their life.

      `fans face

    29. Carswell

      What? No one mentioned Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth????

      Loved Wives and Daughters, North and South, Cranford and Return to Cranford. The Brits do those kinds of period pieces soooo well. And I love the version of Sense and Sensibility noted upthread. I like it better than the movie.

      I have an old BBC version of Mansfield Park on DVD that is very well done too.

    30. Jody

      Marian, there’s a Facebook group, Willow and Thatch: Period Dramas Group

      It’s great for information on (mostly) British productions. They also recommend the odd outstanding foreign work.It’s a closed group, but they don’t spam your feed.

    31. Lori

      I recommend Grantchester. It’s set in post WW2 Great Britain in a village called Grantchester, which lies just outside Cambridge. I currently live about 15 miles from there!

    32. Lydia Langston

      It’s a different period, but if you have not seen A Place To Call Home I highly recommend it. While it is set after WWII in Australia, you will find it one of the best EVER. We get it on Acorn. Thanks for sharing I love this list.

    33. Mary Jane

      So many of the shows mentioned are long time favourites. Love period British Drama. Mr Selfridge and Bletchley Circle are great shows. I recently watched a Turkish Drama called Kurt Seyit & Sura on Netflix. A wonderful drama which begins in Russia during the revolution.

      • Sheila Sabin

        Loved Bletchley Circle. I wish there were more than 2 seasons.

    34. Terry Cross

      Love the list (and all the suggestions from everyone else too) I thought I’d run out of things to watch and though I’ve seen and loved lots of these, there are a few yummy sounding ones I’ve missed. Someone mentioned All Creatures Great And Small, have you read the books by James Herriot? My favorite reads of all times, about a veterinarian who practiced in Yorkshire England in the 1930’s. If you love animals don’t miss the series, I’ve read them over and over, funny, heartrending, with a view of country life in England that makes you long for a pot of tea and a scone…

    35. Lisa

      You will LOVE Larkrise to Candleford. I agree with just about every one! Wasn’t a fan of Mercy Street, and have not seen some of the others, but I did read an article that the writer (script writer) of Little Women changed the story to reflect some modern themes. I will sadly be sitting it out. Little Women does not need a rewrite!

    36. Mary

      Definitely the original Poldark and Call the Midwife!!

    37. Lori Bryan

      I love Father Brown and the Agatha Christie-Miss Marple dramas, PBS is great and I wish American TV would follow suit instead of the idiotic and trashy series they tend to produce

      • anne

        hear, hear. even hubbie likes father brown.

    38. Patrice

      Master of The Game a miniseries n the early 80’s based on the Sydney Shelton book of the same name.

      Riveting… spans the history of a self made wealthy family over 100 years.

      “the game” is business…. Miriam you would like this !

    39. Heidi Ferguson

      Love this post! Love the recommendations! Adding several to my “lists” on Netflix & Amazon Prime! Gunna throw a few out there – know they are not “period pieces” but think you will love them!
      -“Anne with an E” – Netflix – Season 1 was so great. Season 2 will be released later this year. It’s a little edgier than the books but oh, so charming!!
      -Someone mentioned this one ”Upstairs-Downstairs” LOVED IT! Has Claire Foy is in it (her character is dreadful tho!) Shows what a great actress she is. I fell in love with the actress the Keeley Hawes from this show and decided to watch another series with her in it:
      -The Durrrells in Corfu – Amazon Prime (Seasons 1 & 2 – loved it – a little quirky but you fall in love with the characters (the kids are brats but they love their mom and you will come to love them too!). Such a charming series!
      -Cranford – Amazon Prime – It’s set in the 1840’s in a small English town. A handsome Dr. arrives and has all the old ladies swooning! Judi Dench is wonderful in it!
      Anyway, those are just a few!

    40. Carrie Knoff

      What would we watch if there were no Brit dramas? I shudder to think. I was a late comer to Downtown Abbey (season 3) but enjoyed it immensely. I was surprised when my husband also started looking forward to it each week, there were some things that could be changed, but overall, it was so well done. Jane Eyre was another fine BBC production, I guess you could name a lot of them. Sadly, I was quite disappointed with “Victoria” and couldn’t take one more moment after the 3rd episode. I didn’t think Jenna Coleman was right for the part at all and the constantly smoky rooms were irritating. All these brilliant British productions are available at Acorn if they can’t be streamed.

    41. Peggy

      House of Elliott and garrows law were both time well spent. And since they were requested from the library, they get viewed faster with the due date looming.

    42. MICHELLLE LAFONTAINE

      HI – A thought from Canada – try watching Sarah Polley and Mary Harron’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s
      Alias Grace. This is a historical fiction based on the life story of Grace Marks, who was imprisoned at the Kingston Penitentiary for murdering her employer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross) and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin) in 1843. Absolutely enthralling.

      • Kimberly

        Alias Grace was really very well done! Loved it! Loved the actor who played Grace’s shrink. I kept passing it by thinking it was a sci-fi type of film, until I think I read here on Marian’s blog that it was a period piece. I went home and started watching it right away and loved it!

    43. Kim

      Cransford! It is another one by author Elizabeth Gaskell and I think her most well known work. I just binge watched that and Wives and Daughters.

      Now I’m off to watch North and South;)

    44. MaryLisa Noyes

      I have to disagree on Downton Abbey. I LOVED IT and just visited the exhibit in New York City 2 weeks ago. Seeing the beautiful costumes they restored to do this series and the rooms set up with the authentic props was fascinating. I have watched many of the series you mentioned as well. I’m a big fan of British tv and do love the modern ones too.

    45. Jean

      If you have Amazon prime you might want to check out the series Home Fires. Takes place in England at the beginning of WW II. They made it for two seasons but cancelled the third. The ending of it is a cliff hanger…unfortunately am still dangling there. But excellent piece of work by the actresses.

      • Brenda C

        I loved Homefires, too, and was so disappointed that it was cancelled. The writer has decided to continue the series in book form so you can get it through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

        What would we do without the great British period dramas? American TV is such a wasteland.

    46. Ann

      Great post and comments! I love almost all the works mentioned. A couple of others that don’t fall into the genre one typically think of as “period” – maybe more historical… “Deadwood” tells the fictionalized story of the town in South Dakota in the Black Hills during the gold rush there in the 1870s – HBO. Also “Vikings” another fictionalized story of the Viking invasions of the British Isles in the 9th century. Lots of gore and profanity, but authentic with amazing costuming and sets…and great writing and acting especially “Deadwood.”

      • Kimberly

        Deadwood is FANTASTIC! The profanity and foul language knocked me out of my chair at first, but after an episode or two, I adjusted to it completely LOL! The story is just SO well done, and Ian McShane and his cronies are simply vile which shows how good the acting is. There are many parts of the story that are based in reality/history, there really was a man named Al Swearengen who was as vile as his T.V. character, and Seth Bullock and Sol Starr were real people, as were many of the character on the show. Too bad it ended at 3 seasons, it was hugely popular, and there have been rumors of a revival or a movie to wrap it up, in fact the most recent one has Fall 2018 as the production date for the movie though it hasn’t been officially green-lit by HBO.

    47. Jean

      Just discovered that the writer of Home Fires has written four ebooks that continue the story. Maybe I’ll get off that cliff!

      • Marianne

        I’m right with you Jean! I’d been waiting for them to be published, then learned they were on Kindle . Ugh, don’t have that.

        • Paula Runyan

          Kindle for desktop is on Amazon.

          • Marianne

            Thank you so much, I didn’t know that!

    48. Emily

      I love all the classics! Pride and predjudice is by far the best and what made me first realise my love for period dramas. Jane Eyre was fantastic. Love North and South and Wives and Daughters. Little Dorrit was beautiful!
      Great Expectations hasn’t been mentioned? I thought it was amazing!!!!
      Also second A Place to Call Home. Gives an interesting perspective..
      Also very excited to have a few new ones to add to the list to watch ?

    49. Sara Hanson

      All of the above movies and series mentioned in this post are total faves!!! What a great roundup! I’d add in Far From the Madding Crowd, with Carey Mulligan, and a few others, like Persuasion! Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson will always hold a special place in my heart. Alan Rickman was the perfect Colonel Brandon!

    50. Barb

      Versailles (no kids allowed), Berkeley Square, Handmaid’s Tale. Although the next aren’t miniseries, check them out. All period films. Memoirs of a Geisha, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Mrs. Brown, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Vanity Fair, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Lost Prince, The Duchess, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Marie Antoinette, and Far from the Madding Crowd.

    51. Liz

      I see other have mentioned “Cranford” and there is “Return to Cranford” too. Now off the Netflix to see if I can find these shows!

    52. Marianne

      What a great post! I thought I knew them all, but I didn’t. I suggest House of Elliot. I believe PBS did it about 20 years ago and I absolutely loved it. I also recommend the Outlander series on Starz. It can get quite racy so it’s not for the whole family, but the costuming, film locations and correct historical elements are wonderful.

    53. Jo Ann

      What an outstanding post! Question tho: I have Netflix and it’s worth the price. How do the other services work? Acorn is a subscription? Have to be $ careful. Thanks.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        With Amazon Prime, you get a lot of these shows, but there are ad-on channels, usually for under $10/month that will get your more. Some of them have a lot of these shows, like the Masterpiece channel, BritBox, Acorn, etc. What I do is subscribe to one add-on channel at a time, watch what I want to watch, and then cancel and pick another one.

    54. Suzanne

      Fun post! I love Call the Midwife and The Crown!

    55. Crystal

      I’m a reader first and foremost, so was very curious how Diana Gabaldon’s series Outlander would play as a TV series. Some of the passages in her books reads as poetry and I was wondering just how well this would convey. Outlander doesn’t disappoint and I was never turned off by the graphic nature of Jaimie and Claire’s “natural” relationship. The showrunners do a superb job. Since I’m of Scottish heritage I was also so happy about the cinematography and costuming…..the bits of Scotland’s history are spot on. The filming is fantastic, when there is mud, it’s real mud and dirt, real food is used at the banquets, they strive for as much authenticity as possible. I was also a fan of Hell on Wheels, altho it isn’t as far back as the other periods but did a fantastic job of showing the old west and how the railroads came to be, another gritty series. Love The Crown, and also the “The Last Kingdom” I like the dirt and grit I guess. The whole Downton Abbey thing never grabbed me, I just like series that have better cinematography and felt the story line was trite. Thanks for sharing your faves, Marian, I will definitely check some out!

    56. Elizabeth St

      Thanks, Marian (and fellow subscribers) for the recommendations. You mention plenty I hadn’t seen, so I’ll be checking them out. An historical series not mentioned yet to is PEAKY BLINDERS, to be enjoyed after kids have gone to bed, due to sex and violence. It’s a family saga about criminal gangs in the industrial town of Birmingham, England, just after WWI. Think of The Godfather, but with an accent from northern England. The writing and acting are outstanding, especially the actor who plays the easy-on-the-eyes lead character, Tommy Shelby. MBF and I were excited when we saw that it went on for 4 seasons. We hate it when we get attached to a show and there’s only a season of it. Another period series to check out is the DUCHESS OF DUKE STREET, based on a real woman who pulled herself up by her bra straps (stolen from Bette Miller) to become one of the best cooks and hoteliers in London. I’m not clear on the time period, but well-off people have primitive cars in it. Early 20th Century, I should think.

    57. Deborah

      While not as “period” as these listed, I loved My Mother and Other Strangers. It’s set in Northern Ireland during WWII and is “told” by the young son who is now grown and narrates part of the story. It’s very well done, has the first season in the bag but I don’t know if there will be a season 2. It’s worth checking out. I love the characters!

    58. carolyn kellam

      Thanks so much for this wonderful list and your comments! I have much catching up to do and you have given me so many ideas!! You must watch Poldark and I will just say there are two things about that: Ross & Demelza!

    59. Mary

      Love anything that comes on Masterpiece or PBS. Loved Grantchester and Home Fires. The Duress of Corfu and of course Call the Midwife. Cannot wait to try out some of these others! The Crown and Victoria have been wonderful also. The Tudors was a little too graphic with the sex but the history was good.

      Thanks for adding to my list!

    60. Monique

      Oh I love this post and the comments..I am in Canada though:( Not 🙁 because I am in Canada but because our Netflix is different..But I did put War and Peace in my Amazon Wish List.
      Call The Midwife..Jacques and I LOVE.
      We also enjoyed..Foyle’s War..Paradise(wanted more though)..Grantchester,we loved DA..but not the last season..I have a list too:)Going to get dinner ready though..Hope you do not mind..I linked to you in my blog post this morning.

    61. Sandra

      Brideshead Revisited! The original TV series from 1981, with the wonderful Jeremy Irons as one of the main characters. It had the whole country watching (New Zealand) – there wasn’t much choice of channel back then. And the book is fantastic too.

    62. Holly Snelling

      Dr. Thorne was good. On PBS maybe? It has Tom Hollander in it and I’d pay to watch him in ANYTHING. ?

    63. Sheila

      Australian series “A Place Called Home” is also very good. Some people compare it to “Downton Abby” but a later time period. Well worth watching!

    64. Sheila

      Sorry that should be “A Place to Call Home”.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Yes, I have watched that one. Not the whole series, but I should probably pick it up again.

    65. Denise P

      I LOVE Wives and Daughters; never tire of watching it.
      Many good suggestions by the commenters.
      Two I didn’t see mentioned – Middlemarch by George Eliot (1994) and Persuasion (1995 with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, although 2007’s Rupert Penry-Jones – swoon!) Persuasion is my favorite of the Austen novels, a really beautiful love story.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Yep, I have seen those. I love Rupert Penry-Jones as Wentworth.

    66. DONNA

      1) Murdoch Mysteries (Canada)
      2) The Grand Hotel (Spain)
      It was on Netflix. There are several. Look for the Spanish one.
      3) Ekaterina: The Rise of Katherine the Great (Russia) This is on Amazon Prime

      And, my very favorite version of “Emma” is the one with Kate Beckinsale.

    67. Toni

      I loved this list and it will keep me going for quite awhile. Do yourself a favor and check out Poldark! It is great.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Yes, I’ve watched that one as well. Just didn’t make my list of favorites. Very good, though!

    68. Therese

      Love this post! I’ve written down the ones I haven’t seen yet. One of my favorites, though, is Grand Hotel (in Spanish). A mystery, love story, and comedy. Unbelievable ending! I wonder if this is how the Spanish end their series?

    69. Kathie

      British of course they do the best. Have you heard of Born and Bred?

    70. Tracy Clark

      Try Persuasion with Ciaran Hinds. It is so good! I agree with North and South. You might also try Under The Greenwood Tree, it is a sweet movie with Keely Haws.

      • Sara

        Tracy, you’re a kindred spirit! I absolutely agree, those are all such wonderful escapes!

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Yes, I’ve watched both of those, too! 🙂

    71. Ruth in Canada

      Thanks for this, I’m feeling nostalgic for some of these characters, so I’ll return to my favourites but will also follow up on everyone’s recommendations. Call The Midwife, Land Girls and Home Fires (my daughter calls it Home Fries!) reveal the strength power of women, any suggestions for similar stories?. In a different category, I have to include Victorian Farmhouse. I discovered Willow & Thatch while googling historical fashion and textiles.and found a resource that covers all things Period Drama: past, present and upcoming shows, and everything related (including a blog on Linen Aprons!)

    72. Chris Moore of Seattle

      My faves that I look forward to watching each January, like a ritual, are Shogun and Masterpiece Theater’s version of Lord Peter Wimsey. Sigh! Richard Chamberlain!!! And the L. Peter series is with Edward Petherbridge. The perfect cold-Sunday-after-the holidays fare. Something in the slow cooker is a must!

    73. DONNA

      The Scarlet Pimpernel with Jane Seymour

      One of my all time favorites.

    74. Kathie

      My all time favorite is The Awakening Land, based on the book trilogy by Conrad Richter. I love early American. It’s on YouTube. It’s about a frontier family settling in the Ohio Valley in the late 18th century. ❤️

    75. Sandy

      great post! have to add Howard’s End – if I see it is on I will drop everything! and I did love Downton Abbey – the traveling costume show was at the VA Historical Society and amazing if you ever have the chance to see in person go it is pure art! and Brideshead Revisited – wow

    76. Sherry

      You have to watch “A Place to Call Home.” Wonderful. Not sure when the final episode will be shown.

    77. Beckie

      If you don’t mind reading subtitles, don’t miss The Grande Hotel on Netflix. It is set in Spain and the costumes are so scrumptious you’ll find yourself wishing for the lace alone! The story may not be as history rich, but the characters are intriguing and the plot takes twists and turns that make it a binge-worthy series!

    78. Alyssa

      Have you heard of the Dr Blake Mysteries? It’s set in Australia in the 1960’s and I think there are 5 seasons!

    79. Kathy

      anyone watch Outlander, i can’t wait for the next season, has to be my favorite

    80. Kimberly

      Marian, this is a FANTASTIC post! I love all the follower comments – so. many. ideas. for new shows to watch! My favorite all-time genre is British period pieces, I canNOT get enough of them! Please do more posts like this in future, it’s a fantastic resource for those of us who love these types of shows!

      I knew you’d love “North & South,” it was so finely done. It was written by a woman (Elizabeth Gaskell, way back in the day) and was adapted for screen by a woman and produced by a woman, and I think because these major production aspects so heavily involved women is why we ended up with such a sensitive story that was beautifully woven together like a fine tapestry. Death is a major character here, but it’s such a gorgeously done bit of film even though so much of deals with such gritty subject matter.

    81. Wendy Drake

      All Creatures Great and Small is my favorite show of all time. I know that it was filmed in the 70’s and early 80’s, but it is still so wonderful to watch. When I hear the theme show music I can feel the stress and cares of the day disappear.
      Also if you watch the Grand Hotel on Netflix there is an option to change the language to English. After a few episodes you don’t notice that the words don’t match the moving lips.?

    82. BRENDA

      Add these to the list:
      THE BARCHESTER CHRONICLES
      CRANFORD
      RETURN TO CRANFORD
      DR. THORN
      (all of these can be found ON AMAZON)
      🙂

    83. Paula Moreshead

      Wow, you’ve obviously touched on a subject that many of us feel personally connected to! I’ve been a fan of British tv since I grew up watching my mom tune in. We were only able to tune into two stations, and one of them was the educational channel from the University of Florida. My mom watched the original Upstairs Downstairs when it aired, and she turned me into a fan for life of British period dramas! I’m concerned that in more recent years, and especially since the release and popularity of Downton Abbey, that while the production quality is higher, the stories and characters take a back seat. I’ve long been a fan because of the quality of the stories, so I hope this trend doesn’t continue. I fear that the producers feel a need to make stories overly dramatic and emotional to appeal to our need for something big happening every minute. That’s just my opinion. Lots of good stuff has been mentioned on here already, but you must try to find the film adaptations of Anthony Trollope’s novels, the Barchester Chronicles and and He Knew He Was Right, and The Way We Live Now. They are not as fast moving, but truly great content. Happy watching!

    84. Kris

      Well no one has mentioned REIGN – 5 seasons that I binged watch around Christmas, excellent.
      Following the early exploits of Mary, the queen of Scots, Reign is an American historical fiction romance television series. She faces political and sexual intrigue in the treacherous world of the French court. Since her childhood, the English have wanted her country and her crown. To save herself and her people, she was sent to France to wed its next king. Regardless of royal conspiracies, sexual intrigue and mysterious dark forces, she manages to rule her heart’s conflicting passions and make the right decisions. I watched on Netflex.

    85. Pat Badaluco

      Hi….totally agree about Mercy Street…..it was a great show. Did you ever see Indian Summer? Great series!

    86. Martha

      The Murdock Mysteries set in Canada is terrific. The Time in Between has subtitles but is a great show about a seamstress spying for the allies in WW11. The new Anne With an E is a great revival of the Anne of Green Gables story.

    87. Debbie

      Thank you for this list! I can’t wait to start working on it. I’m going to watch every single one of then. What did we do before we had British tv?
      And please do another one.

      Does MISS FISHERS MURDER MYSTERIES count? I love it and could watch it just for her outfits alone.

      DR. BLAKES MYSTERIES is pretty good.

      DOC MARTEN is a favorite of mine.

      No one has mentioned PEAKY BLINDERS yet. It’s a guilty pleasure. Violent but addictive and wonderful characters.

      This one isn’t exactly period but it’s delightful, it’s Canadian. LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX. Truly you have to try it.

      Thank you!

    88. Kathie

      Have you seen Larkrise to Candleford

    89. Joanne

      Thanks for all the wonderful titles. I’ve watched many of them but found many that I missed. I’ve got another one to add. Rosemary & Thyme was a real joy. While not a period piece, it’s like a walk in the English countryside. 2 women (R&T) work as landscape gardeners & stumble into murders everywhere they go. It’s a real sensory delight-I could almost feel the sun & smell the flowers. I think it lasted 3 seasons

    90. Tifny

      Have you seen Call The Midwife? I wasn’t sure about it at first, but it quickly became a fav even though the first season remained the best. It’s on Amazon.

    91. Lena Campbell

      TURN which wrapped up its final season is a great American period piece revolving around the Revolutionary War, spies, and Benedict Arnold. Netflix
      Harlots on HULU only one season completed but worthy of a watch. Jessica Brown Findlay aka Lady Sybil in Downtown Abbey is among the cast.
      Jamestown season one on Amazon Prime (Masterpiece). Season two now airing on SKY ONE.
      Marco Polo all seasons on Netflix.
      The Alienist on TNT. Not that great but worthy of a mention as a period piece.

      All the other great ones have been mentioned. I have started the Frankenstein Chronicles on Netflix. Crossing my fingers that it is worthy.

      • carswell

        Mentioning Jessica Brown Findlay brings to mind the production of Jamaica Inn that is currently on Netflix (in Canada anyway). It is very well done.

    92. Pat Smith

      Outlander community has the scripts, annotated plus some great info on sets and costumes. Also check out the costume blog.

    93. Jill McDowell

      Outlander is my absolute favorite. It took me almost a year to listen to all eight books back to back on Audible, (I have an hour commute each way 5 days a week and I listened religiously…). The Starz series has been very true to the books, the characters are incredible, and the scenery and the costumes are simply magnificent. The story line is fascinating. I can’t wait for the next season to start. Highly recommended.
      I also love Poldark, making my way through that series now. And although I didn’t think I would like Penny Dreadful, ( I usually don’t go for dark series) I truly enjoyed it and was disappointed that it wasn’t renewed.
      Thanks for your list. There are many there that I need to check out.

    94. Lynn

      Have you watched Cranford? A delightful watch! One of my favorites.

    95. Sheila Sabin

      FOYLES WAR is an absolute favorite. A police detective solving murders, ,etc,set during WWII Britain. Not really about the war but the impact of it is woven into the story.
      Another one I was sucked into was BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Set in Atlantic City during the height of its time, this story is about organized crime during prohibition. So interesting to see what Atlantic City used to be.

    96. Lee Ann

      Tried to read through all the suggestions, but I may have missed some, so someone may have mentioned this. Another series to watch for the amazing costumes is “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.” Storyline set in Australia in 1920s. Gorgeous costumes. (And Phryne Fisher is a character to love!)

      • Debbie

        You’re right, Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries is my favorite.
        I believe they are trying to get together to do a feature film sequel now.

    97. Jamie

      What a fun idea for a post!! Thank you!! I loved your suggestions Marian and the ones from your readers as well! Foyles War has been my favorite so far. It was so interesting viewing the war through the eyes of so many walks of life, and the country of England in general. My interest faded a bit as the story of the war ended, but I loved the characters too much by then to stop.

    98. Treshia

      I have many of the same favorites.
      A version of Pride & prejudice you might want to try is with Matthew McFadyen and Keira Knightly –2005. Its a very good rendition.

    99. Sue

      Has anyone watched “When Calls the Heart” on Hallmark? It’s set in 1910-1915 Canada. It’s been a bit modernized, but still a wonderful show for the family.

    100. Robin Hempel

      Lark Rise to Candleford!

      • Laura

        I love Lark Rose to Candleford! To me it is like an English “Little House on the Prairie”

        “It is my one weakness.”

    101. mary

      Great list! Watched Bleak House in the fall and adored it.

      We just finished watching Our Mutual Friend (more Dickens – 1998 version) and loved it, too.

      I thought Persuasion from 1995 was quite good (Jane Austen).

    102. Dee

      Not sure if this counts as a period series but I’ve really been surprised by “Anne with an E “ (Netflix)! Story of Anne of Green Gables but with a more realistic/darker take than the original series. The scenery is BEAUTIFUL and it’s pretty clean, as in my six year old daughter has been able to watch most of it with me. My husband enjoys it too so it’s fun to watch as a family

    103. Cora

      Agree with many others – Larkrise to Candleford, Cranford, Call the Midwife (I just binge watched the 6 previous seasons), and the Durrells of Corfu. Unfortunately, I also loved two that were cancelled and never got a chance to tie up the plot so I won’t recommend because you will be disappointed that they did not continue…Indian Summers, and Home Fires. I love Victoria, and will be checking out some of the others on your list. Thank you!

    104. Margaret

      `Loved Dickensian and Bleak House especially, and most of the others and will watch out for those on the list I haven’t seen yet. I was very disappointed that Indian Summers did not continue, it was so good. Thanks for the list.

    105. Poppy

      Outlander is my favorite!! It is visually beautiful and the books are equally amazing.

      I started Howard’s End on Starz this week but not sure how I feel about it.

      Been wanting to watch North & South, thanks for the reminder.

    106. Janis

      I love ALL of your choices (and Richard Armitage…<3) . Did you see Wolf Hall? It was wonderful.

    107. Patty

      Thank you so much for this post! I have never found another person who loved this kind of drama the way that I do! Will definitely need to dip into the many you shared.
      I have loved the series on TNT called, ‘the Alienist’. It is a dark and ugly murder mystery, but the settings, costumes, and time period are so well represented!

    108. Victoria

      What, No Poldark? I adored it when they made it in the late 70’s early 80’s and I love it now. I love Jane Austen’s Persuasion with Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds. The Jewel in the Crown, I watch it once a year, was made in 1984 and filmed in India…it is still amazing. Two fav Dickens, Our Mutual Friend (fantastic) and Nicholas Nickleby. Jane Eyre, the 6 hour with Timothy Dalton or the newer one with Toby Stephans and Ruth Wilson both excellent. They are remaking Pride and Prejudice but I don’t think I’ll like it as well as the Andrew Davies version with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. I love Foyel’s War, all 9 seasons of it.

      • Jeanne

        Yes- Foyle’s War!!!
        And I’m loving Endeavor so much!

    109. Lisa McInturf

      So very glad to hear of someone else not enamoured with Downton Abby. I too liked the first season well enough, but the shift to more modern times, as was nesessary, was not what I wanted for entertainment. Oh, to be allowed to be as firmly rooted in the past as Tasha Tudor.

    110. Erin

      Another one I loved from PBS now on Netflix is The Paradise. I think I’ve watched it over and over for the merchandising alone!

    111. Andrea Julie

      My name is Andrea Julie from Illinois in USA. Am here to testify of a great and powerful spell caster named Dr Akpada via his email: (akpadatemple@hotmail.com). I was so confused and devastated when my boyfriend left me for another girl. I needed him back desperately because i loved him so much. So i contacted this great spell caster for a help. He helped me cast a return love spell on him and just within 48hours my boyfriend came back to me crying and begging for my forgiveness. I want to recommend this great spell caster to anyone that truly needs an urgent solution to a love break up. Simply contact the great Dr akpada via his email address
      (akpadatemple@hotmail.com) or watssap +27844130246.

      • anonymous

        Marion – this obviously should not be on your comment page!

        • Patricia Vail

          Oh gosh – I see what you mean !

    112. Teri

      Add Foyle’s War and Poldark for me too. The Sense & Sensibility pictured above is far better than the one with Winslet and Thompson, IMHO. A new Pride & Prejudice will never be as good as the one with Firth and Ehle. Looking forward to Little Women.

    113. Jessica | Petal + Ply

      I’ve seen most of these as I love a good period drama as well! There are a few I hadn’t heard of and I look forward to checking them out. Thanks for sharing!

    114. Lisa Darling

      I watch North and South every year. RICHARD!! ARMITAGE!! And. that. ending! Whoa.

    115. hrplo

      I’m so on board with many of these! Did you know that Elizabeth Gaskell passed away before she finished Wives and Daughters?? So crazy. I remember watching that with my mom when it premiered on PBS! I stopped watching Call the Midwife cause ugh, too intense. But I’d recommend some good Spanish language ones: “The Time in Between” and “Morrocco: Love in Times and War.” English wise I would definitely suggest “Grantchester.” If you watched “The Tudors” I’d recommend Versailles. BUT there’s a lot of nudie bits in it. “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries,” “The Crown,” also recommend! I have yet to watch “Father Brown” but I have a sneaky suspicion that I’d enjoy it. Have a great day! Trust in Him!

    116. Pam Kozel

      I loved The Paradise, as well. Just started Anne with an E and find it surprisingly good. Finished The Grand and enjoyed it immensely. Beautiful clothing. Looking forward to watching the others recommended.

    117. Jenn

      Anne with an E! Anne of Green Gables and it’s so good!

    118. Linda Polson

      You and I share a love for the same movies! After watching many of these same stories on movies, I listened to the books on audible and it filled in the gaps, so to speak. I could watch North and South 20 times a year and not get tired of it. Also, like THAT version of Sense and Sensibility and most everything you listed I’ve seen.
      You should check out The Magic of Ordinary Days. It is a Hallmark movie and one of my favorite things to watch over and over again. I own it along with many of the movies you listed in your post.

    119. Sherra

      Lark Rise to Candleford and Cranford!

    120. Désirée

      I love The Crimson Petal and the White, so dark and raw. Just like the book.

    121. Debi Sayer

      We are binging on Lark Rise to Candleford. It truly is my one weakness. We feel like the characters are members of our family. Love seeing “Mr. Bates” from Downtown in the role as Pa in this series. He’s everything a girls needs in a dad. How we love this series. I hope it goes on and on!!

    122. Kate Rocker

      Seyit y sura. Turkish drama. Try it. Amazing

    123. Cheryl

      You have some I havent seen. I would add Poldark (Shake me up Judy guy is in this! :)) Two I have on ITunes – A Place to Call Home & Home Fires (WW2 Period). On Netflix – Anne with an E (darker Anne of Green Gables), Land Girls & The Crown.

      And if you like documentaries Back in Time for Dinner is my favourite – follows a modern family as they go back in time to different decades. The crew makeover their home and they live in eat in each time period. It is a franchise really with three series in England, one in Australia and one in Canada. Also back in time for the weekend (exploring our leisure time) and Christmas.

    124. Cyndi

      Great list! Love period pieces also. I’ve been binge watching Call the Midwife since o became sick on Christmas Eve eve. Can’t stop. Will add many of these to my list

      • Marian Parsons

        That’s a great show, too!

    125. Sandy Conover

      I love everyone of the movies that have been mentioned, North and South, I have watched…can’t count the times,

    126. Teresa

      I recently saw Vanity Fair the 1987 version. My daughters and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Lorna Doone is another one we tried and loved. I’m thinking it was made in the early 90’s. We also watched Far From the Maddening Crowd the 1989 version. It was so good!!!!

      • Marian Parsons

        They just released a remake of Vanity Fair on Amazon Prime, so I’ve been watching it…

    127. Kim

      I’ve watched all but 2 of your picks. I have a few additions. I absolutely LOVE “Call the Midwife”. I can’t get enough of it. I also loved “Lark Rise to Candleford”. I also think it’s like a British “Little house”. Characters are great. It is “one of my weaknesses.” Also, have you ever watched “Land girls”. I think there were 2 seasons. What about “Poldark”!!!!!! ???!!!##Ohhhhh my! Love British period dramas!

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, I’ve watched Land Girls and Poldark, but they didn’t make my personal favorites list. There are things I love about Poldark, but it gets a little too “soapy” for me! 🙂 So beautifully shot, though, and I love the costumes.

    128. Kim

      Also, I highly recommend a Netflix movie called, “The Guernsey literary and potato pie peel society” it is post-WWII period drama, and the book is great.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes! That came out after I wrote this list (and I suppose is a movie, not a series), but I loved that one, too!

    129. Sara

      Bramwell. So good!

    130. Lisa

      The Bronte Sisters on a masterpiece was so good!

    131. Michelle

      Great list. Return to Crawford with Judi Dench is also good.

    132. Hannah

      I loved North and South and Poldark—Richard Armitage’s and Aidan Turner’s voices are gorgeous—I could listen to them talk forever! I also enjoyed Lark Rise to Candleford, it was great. There are many on your list that I hadn’t heard of, I will try them!

    133. Christine

      Yes to Richard Armitage!
      I add The Forsyte Saga (with Damian Lewis); and Persuasion (with Ciaran Hinds) to your excellent list.

    134. Patricia

      Just have to throw this in
      Anne with an e is nothing like the original . It’s more like Anne with a full blown case of PTSD and in today’s politically correct climate . I finally gave up on it ,
      Loved Victoria , most of The Crown , and for me the best Pride and Prejudice is Kiera Knightly’s Elizabeth. ☺️

      • Marian Parsons

        Yeah, I was not a fan of Anne with an e. I definitely prefer the old Anne of Green Gables series.

    135. Elaine

      What a great list. I love seeing so many people who love period drama, too. I saw one person mentioned Foyle’s War, which I really love. There were several on the list that were new to me, which is great – making a list, lol.

    136. Carly86

      I am also a big period drama fan!! I loved Tess of the D’Urbervilles that was on BBC definitely a must of you haven’t seen!! Oh and tulips forever is a great watch 🙂

    Trackbacks/Pingbacks

    1. Thistlekeeping on a Monday - Thistlewood Farm - […] List of best period drama miniseries […]

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Share This