The Best British Period Dramas

While I have yet to hop on The Crown bandwagon (really, the real-life royals are already dishing out enough drama), Downtown Abbey surprisingly hooked me.

That legendary side-eye from Violet Crawley is truly a masterpiece in the art of subtle shade. And when the pinnacle of modern interaction is through viral Reels and TikToks, there’s simple joy escaping to a time when letters traveled at a snail’s pace and relationships could rival the lifespan of a tortoise. 

This list of British period dramas provides us with just that right amount of escape. And, of course, there’s also the fashion: waistcoats, bonnets, and dresses that require a team to don. Also, let us not overlook the landscapes—the rolling British countryside, as if plucked straight from the brushstrokes of Constable himself. 

The Confessions of Frannie Langton (2022)

The Confessions of Frannie Langton is a twisted tale of murder, mystery, and mayhem. The story follows Frannie Langton, a Jamaican housemaid accused of killing her employers, Mr. and Mrs. Benham, in their London home in 1826. Frannie is a complex and fascinating woman, which the series does not shy away from presenting. 

Frannie is a survivor, having lived through the horrors of slavery and the prejudices of English society. The series is shot exquisitely, with magnificent costumes and sets transporting the viewer back in time. The acting is also superb, with Karla-Simone Spence delivering a standout performance as Frannie.

Les Miserablés (2018)

Les Misérables digs into Victor Hugo’s mammoth novel with the richness and sensitivity only a six-part British period drama can muster. And no, contrary to what the uninitiated might expect, this isn’t an extended music video for the iconic stage musical; no one bursts into a song about dreaming. 

Instead, the BBC adaptation, written by Andrew Davies, offers viewers a lush, visceral journey through post-revolutionary France, making them feel like they’re a part of the complex web of characters and their fates. Dominic West portrays the weary Jean Valjean, a man who is always on the run from his past, and the unrelenting Inspector Javert (David Oyelowo). Lily Collins deftly fills Fantine’s battered shoes, portraying her tragic decline. 

Tom Jones (2023)

Tom Jones, the protagonist of this tale, is like a magnet for trouble. Based on the timeless novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling by Henry Fielding, this story takes us on a wild ride through his mischievous escapades. Brace yourself for non-stop charm, roguishness, and a whole lot of “oops, I did it again” moments. 

The show features Solly McLeod as Tom, bringing a vibrant and refreshing vibe. Moreover, with its diverse cast and adult themes, Tom Jones is like a cool breeze blowing through the stuffy halls of the period drama genre. It’s a show that fearlessly embraces fun and gleefully shoves boundaries aside. 

Around the World in 80 Days (2021-Present)

Around the World in 80 Days throws us headlong into the fantastical journey of that ever-dapper Englishman, Phileas Fogg, and his gallant company. In its steamy reimagining, this period drama takes us on a thrilling voyage worldwide, complete with mishaps, intrigue, and Victorian grace. 

It’s as if Jules Verne’s classic had a makeover by Savile Row tailors and then decided to dine at The Ritz. The cinematography is comparable to a first-class seat on the Orient Express, with the curtains drawn back to reveal some of Earth’s most stunning views. So, if you fancy a ride more exhilarating than a spin in a horse-drawn carriage through Hyde Park, this show is the way to go. 

Call The Midwife (2012-Present)

Call The Midwife transports viewers on an enticing journey into the lives of midwives navigating the obstacles of delivery and cultural transformations in London’s postwar East End. Based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, the series takes place in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Call The Midwife provides an intimate peek into the Nonnatus House, where a dedicated team of nuns and midwives work harmoniously to deliver more than just babies; they deliver hope, love, and transformation. As the series progresses, it does not shy away from addressing critical issues of the times – from poverty, racial prejudice, and abortion to the introduction of the contraceptive pill and its effects on women’s liberation. 

The Musketeers (2014-2016)

In The Musketeers, swordplay is as much a part of daily life as a morning cuppa. This drama, set during the romantic allure of 17th-century France, gives us a refreshingly spruced-up version of Alexandre Dumas’ classic. These musketeers are dapper and dashing and know their way around a feathered hat. Though it retains the essence of Dumas’ tale, the show brings its twists, giving each character more depth and individual story arcs. 

The plot sees our beloved quartet battling injustice, uncovering conspiracies, and engaging in action sequences that only skilled musketeers could deliver. Beyond the swashbuckling and grand political plots, The Musketeers beautifully explores the themes of brotherhood, loyalty, love, and each character’s constant moral battles. 

Sanditon (2019-2023)

Sanditon is a seaside town where Regency-era drama washes ashore with every tide, and breeches and bonnets are the season’s hottest beachwear. Birthed from Jane Austen’s unfinished manuscript, Sanditon is every bit the tantalizing ‘what might have been.’ The plot gracefully spins between love triangles and town mysteries, making it more bubbling than the seaside’s frothy waves. 

One can’t help but wonder if the sea air adds a certain zest to the plot or if it’s merely because of the contrast between stiff politeness and barely restrained feelings. Either way, there’s a delectable tension, making Sanditon a place you’d fancy a vacation, but with a parasol in one hand and a fan (to cool those flushed cheeks) in the other. 

Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Peaky Blinders offers us a walk through the smoky backrooms of the 1920s, where the Shelby clan rules with iron fists and sharp suits. Think Downton Abbey, but with more tattoos and fewer tea parties. Cillian Murphy’s blue-eyed intensity as Tommy Shelby is as captivating as a siren’s song and twice as dangerous. 

The series masterfully melds historical realism with rock-and-roll flair, making it feel like you’re watching a vintage photograph come to life, but with an electric guitar solo in the background. And within all the dark dealings and family loyalty, there’s an unmistakable heartbeat of ambition, love, and redemption.

Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)

Based on the diaries of Anne Lister, Gentleman Jack is a look into the life of a woman who defied conventions. Lister’s pursuits are diverse: from coal mines to women’s hearts, there’s no challenge too daunting. Suranne Jones plays our intrepid heroine with such charisma that one can’t help but think if confidence had a human form, surely it would be her. 

The series highlights the grandeur of Georgian England, combining the grandiosity of affairs with the intimate scribbles of Lister’s hidden diary. It’s as if Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde had a literary baby, then handed it a walking stick and set it loose upon the world.

The Great (2020-2023)

The Great burst onto screens in 2020, billed as “an occasionally true story.” This satirical comedy-drama takes lavish liberties with the tale of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning female ruler of Russia. Elle Fanning dazzles as Catherine, a naive young woman initially enamored with her husband, Emperor Peter III (played with wicked glee by Nicholas Hoult), only to swiftly become disillusioned by his boorish antics and her constrained role in the Russian court. 

Instead of a stuffy period piece, The Great serves up a vivacious cocktail of witty one-liners, opulent costumes, and palace intrigues. All the while, it cleverly intertwines issues of gender, power, and societal progress. The show also offers a more profound exploration of a woman’s ambition, intellect, and drive to reform a nation.

(Featured image: ITV)