Top 10 Period Dramas Like Downton Abbey for Fans of Historical Romance and Drama

Downton Abbey is a British historical drama television series that follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century. The show has been widely acclaimed for its portrayal of the era, its characters, and its themes.

If you're a fan of Downton Abbey and are looking for similar shows to watch, you're in luck. There are plenty of other period dramas that capture the same spirit and style as Downton Abbey. In this article, we'll explore some of the best series that are similar to Downton Abbey.

10 Must-Watch Period Dramas Like Downton Abbey That Will Transport You Through Time

1. The Crown

The Crown is a historical drama series that tells the story of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The show follows the Queen's life from her wedding in 1947 to the present day, with each season covering a decade of her reign.

Like Downton Abbey, The Crown is set in England and explores the lives of both the royal family and the people who serve them. The show is known for its lavish production design, stunning costumes, and excellent performances by its cast, including Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Helena Bonham Carter.

2. Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series set in the aftermath of World War I. The show follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family in Birmingham, England, as they navigate the treacherous waters of organized crime.

While Peaky Blinders is not a period drama in the same way that Downton Abbey is, it shares many of the same themes, including family, loyalty, and honor. The show is also known for its attention to detail in its portrayal of the era, from the costumes to the music to the slang used by the characters.

3. Victoria

Victoria is a historical drama series that follows the early life of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne at the age of 18 to her marriage to Prince Albert and the birth of their children.

The show is set in England in the mid-19th century and explores the challenges that Victoria faced as a young monarch, as well as her personal relationships and struggles. Like Downton Abbey, Victoria features lavish sets and costumes and a talented cast, including Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria and Rufus Sewell as Lord Melbourne.

4. Poldark

Poldark is a historical drama series set in Cornwall, England, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The show follows the life of Ross Poldark, a British Army officer who returns home to Cornwall after the American War of Independence to find that his father has died and his family's estate is in disrepair.

As Ross works to rebuild his family's fortunes, he becomes embroiled in a series of personal and political conflicts. Like Downton Abbey, Poldark features a cast of well-drawn characters and explores themes of love, loyalty, and social change.

5. The Paradise

The Paradise is a British period drama series set in the late 19th century. The show follows the lives of the staff and customers of the first department store in England, The Paradise, as they navigate the changing social and economic landscape of the era. 

Like Downton Abbey, The Paradise features a large ensemble cast and explores the lives of both the wealthy and the working-class characters. The show is also known for its gorgeous costumes and sets, which bring the era to life.

6. Upstairs, Downstairs

Upstairs, Downstairs is a British period drama series that originally aired in the 1970s. The show follows the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants in a large townhouse in London in the early 20th century. Like Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs explores the relationships between the upstairs and downstairs characters and how they navigate the changing social and political landscape of the time.

The show was groundbreaking in its depiction of the servant class and the issues they faced, and it paved the way for later period dramas like Downton Abbey.

7. The Tudors

The Tudors is a historical drama series that follows the reign of King Henry VIII of England in the 16th century. The show explores the political and personal dramas of the era, including Henry's tumultuous relationships with his wives and his efforts to consolidate his power.

While The Tudors is more of a political drama than a family drama like Downton Abbey, it shares many of the same themes, including power, loyalty, and family dynamics. The show also features lavish costumes and sets, and a talented cast led by Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII.

8. Outlander

Outlander is a historical fantasy series that follows the adventures of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. The show explores the historical and cultural differences between the two eras and follows Claire as she navigates the treacherous politics of the time and falls in love with a Scottish Highlander named Jamie Fraser.

While Outlander is more of a romance and adventure series than a period drama like Downton Abbey, it shares many of the same themes, including family, loyalty, and social change. The show is also known for its stunning Scottish landscapes and strong performances by its cast, including Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan.

9. Mad Men

Mad Men is a period drama series that takes place in New York City in the 1960s. The show follows the lives of the employees of the fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper and explores the changing social and political landscape of the era.

Like Downton Abbey, Mad Men explores issues of class, gender, and power, and features a talented ensemble cast led by Jon Hamm as Don Draper. The show is also known for its attention to detail in its portrayal of the era, from the fashion to the music to the cultural references.

10. Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife is a period drama series set in the East End of London in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The show follows a group of midwives who work for the Nonnatus House convent and their interactions with the local community. 

Like Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife explores issues of class and social change, as well as the personal lives of its characters. The show is also known for its strong female characters and its attention to the historical and cultural details of the era.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of Downton Abbey and are looking for similar shows to watch, there are plenty of great options out there. From The Crown to Poldark to Call the Midwife, these period dramas explore the lives of characters from different social classes and eras, while also examining themes of family, loyalty, and social change.

Whether you're looking for romance, adventure, or political intrigue, there's something for everyone in these shows.