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Downton Abbey
Can’t get enough of the Crawley family? There may be a whole decade of Downton Abbey episodes and two feature films to watch, but for some period drama fans, that just doesn’t cut it. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of other shows that are just like Downton Abbey, with new charming families, love triangles, and gossip-filled storylines to keep you longing for another era.
We’re sticking to period dramas in this list of recommendations, because who doesn’t love a witty blast to the past? And even though Downton Abbey is streaming on Prime Video, Peacock, and Britbox, we’ve got shows streaming all over the streaming map for you to dive into. We formally invite you to grab a piping hot cup of tea, some biscuits, and settle in with one of these shows like Downton Abbey.
From Poldark to Bridgerton, here are the best shows like Downton Abbey to stream:
'Outlander'
Outlander takes period drama to the extreme. Not only does the lead character, Claire Randall, live in a post-WWII landscape — she also bounces back and forth between her usual 1945 timeline and a new one in 1743. In her usual life, she’s on her honeymoon, but she’s quickly dropped into a wild 16th-century realm of terror. In order to survive, she shacks up with a Scottish warrior with a dark past. Full of love triangles, Scottish lore, and a whole lot of sexiness, Outlander is a show for all Downton Abbey fans who wished the downstairs and upstairs were separated by two whole centuries, instead of just a staircase.
'Poldark'
Poldark is a retelling of the vintage Masterpiece series, and it follows Captain Ross Poldark, a redcoat returning to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War. He finds his life in total disarray: most notably, his father has passed away and his true love is about to marry someone else. And not just anyone — she’s about to wed his cousin. Naturally, chaos ensues. With adventure, romance, and a stellar ensemble cast, this period drama is sure to woo any fans of the British excellence in Downton Abbey.
'The Crown'
Taking place just a few years after Downton Abbey (as opposed to, say, hundreds of years before, like some of the other shows on this list) The Crown follows the real-life events surrounding Queen Elizabeth II. The Netflix series has spanned her wedding to Prince Philip, the resignation of Winston Churchill, the birth of Prince Edward, and the introduction of Lady Diana Spencer to the cast. Looking for brilliant ballgowns, royal gossip, and romance? The Crown is a must-watch.
'War and Peace'
Lily James stars in War and Peace, a mini-series based on Leo Tolstoy’s novel of the same name. The saga takes place during the Russian Empire in 1805, following three pals — Pierre, Natasha, and Andrei — with youthful ambition and gaudy privilege. The BBC period drama pursues love triangles, wealth, and other 17th-century historical topics, perfect for those who want something in the same vein as Downton Abbey. Families are at the heart of War and Peace, sprawling over the drama with past history and future drama to come.
'Wolf Hall'
With huge stars like Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, and Claire Foy, Wolf Hall will make all Downton Abbey fans feel right at home. The historical drama follows the story of Thomas Cromwell, who rose in social hierarchy from humble beginnings as a blacksmith’s son. Cromwell becomes King Henry VIII’s chief minister, and the episodes chronicle his life dealing with the power struggles of the complex Tudor Court. There’s plenty of high-class English drama in Wolf Hall fit for all period fans.
'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries takes place at nearly the same time as Downton Abbey — meaning that if you’re looking for more early 1900’s fashion, crime, and drama, you’re in for a treat. The series follows Phryne Fisher, a fledgling detective known for her quick wit and pearl-handled pistol. Though the series doesn’t take place in England like Downton Abbey (It takes place in Melbourne, Australia!), it still has that signature charm of a 20th-century period drama.
'Bridgerton'
You’ve probably already heard of Bridgerton, dear reader — but if you haven’t, read on. Shonda Rhimes’s first collaboration with Netflix mashes Downton Abbey with Gossip Girl, creating one steamy period drama for the ages. The first season followed Daphne Bridgerton’s elaborate ruse with the Duke of Hastings, and each new season follows a new Bridgerton child on the quest for love. It may not be as long-running as Downton Abbey quite yet, but with more seasons to come and a spinoff (Queen Charlotte), hop aboard the Bridgerton bandwagon before you’ve got too much catching up to do.
