130 Captivating Period TV Series
130 titles
- 101
BlackadderTV · 1983 · 4 seasons · Comedy"Blackadder" is a darkly funny series that follows various characters named Edmund Blackadder throughout British history. Each Blackadder – from medieval times to World War I – is cynical and manipulative, using humor to expose the hypocrisy of their eras. The show satirizes historical clichés and expectations, revealing a consistent pattern of deceit and adaptation in human nature across time.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 102
The Thorn BirdsTV · 1983 · 1 seasons · DramaFollow three generations of the Cleary family as they face life and love on a challenging Australian sheep station. This story, inspired by Colleen McCullough's bestseller, unfolds against stunning landscapes and harsh conditions that push people to their limits.
Each generation faces its own challenges, offering a close look at their personal struggles and the strength of family. It begins with young Thomas Cleary establishing the family farm in the early 1900s, and follows his granddaughter Meggie, a spirited and determined woman. The story explores themes of adapting to hardship, resilience, and hope.
This moving film vividly portrays life on the Australian outback, revealing the human spirit and the power of love to overcome difficult times. It’s a beautifully told story about family strength and the enduring power of the human heart that will stay with audiences.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.2 - 103
Jack the RipperTV · 1988 · 1 seasons · Drama, Mystery, CrimeIn 1988, a two-part television film explored the fictional hunt for Jack the Ripper, the unknown killer behind the 1888 Whitechapel murders. The series premiered on the centenary of the infamous crimes. It’s a suspenseful thriller that blends historical fiction, recounting the search for the notorious killer who remains a legend in crime history. Viewers are drawn to Victorian London, where fear, mystery, and determination collide in a story that continues to fascinate audiences over a century later.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 104
CleopatraTV · 1999 · 1 seasons · Drama, War & PoliticsThis series tells the captivating story of Cleopatra, the last ruler of Egypt, and her relationship with Julius Caesar. In 69 B.C., Cleopatra's life changes forever when she meets the powerful Caesar at just 18. Their connection deepens into a passionate affair, resulting in a child. But their union creates enemies among Caesar’s allies and his wife, who fear Cleopatra's growing influence. With Caesar having only a daughter by his wife, he chooses Octavian as his heir, setting off a complex series of power plays that will determine the fate of Egypt and Rome.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 105
HolocaustTV · 1978 · 1 seasons · Drama, War & PoliticsBerlin, 1935. Amidst rising Nazi power, a fragile love story unfolds between Karl Weiss, a Jewish painter, and Inga Helms, a Christian woman. They choose marriage, unknowingly embarking on a perilous path for Karl's family as World War II and the Holocaust engulf Europe.
At the same time, Erik Dorf, a driven lawyer, succumbs to darkness under the influence of Reinhard Heydrich. This powerful historical drama explores the difficult choices of those who resisted the Nazi regime during war, betrayal, and immense suffering. The series reveals the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love when confronted with unimaginable hardship, all through the intertwined lives of its characters.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.3 - 106
Pride and PrejudiceTV · 1995 · 1 seasons · DramaIn early 19th century England, "Pride and Prejudice" follows the lives of the five Bennet sisters as they try to find husbands. The arrival of the wealthy Mr. Bingley and his proud friend Mr. Darcy sets off a chain of events. Bingley is immediately taken with Jane, the eldest Bennet sister, but Darcy clashes with Elizabeth, the witty second eldest. The story explores love, social standing, and self-discovery as the sisters navigate their world. A timeless classic, "Pride and Prejudice" continues to captivate audiences with its sharp look at society and human nature.IMDb 8.8TMDB 8.2 - 107
Vanity FairTV · 2018 · 1 seasons · Comedy, DramaDriven by fierce ambition, young Becky Sharp strives to climb the social ladder in England's ruthless world of wealth and status. Determined to escape her humble origins, she transforms herself to fit the expectations of the elite. Amidst a tangled network of relationships, alliances, and betrayals, Becky’s relentless drive is challenged by difficult moral choices. The story explores ambition, class, and morality as Becky relentlessly pursues social advancement, revealing the superficiality hidden beneath the polished facade of high society.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 108
The Crimson Petal and the WhiteTV · 2011 · 1 seasons · DramaSet in Victorian London, this period drama plunges into the hidden life beneath the city's polished surface. We follow Sugar, a spirited young woman who moves effortlessly between London's rough streets and glamorous social circles, revealing the era's vibrant pulse.
The story explores the raw energy of Victorian London – its desires, ambitions, and intense emotions. As Sugar navigates a complex network of relationships and secrets, viewers are immersed in a world where fortunes shift quickly and passions run deep. It’s a story about survival during a time of immense change, a deeply human journey seen through one woman's fight for her place in history.
Richly drawn characters and vivid details bring this bygone era to life, offering a thrilling adventure and a moving look at ambition, love, and resilience. Get ready to be captivated by Sugar’s world, where anything is possible and appearances are deceiving.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 109
The Bletchley Circle: San FranciscoTV · 2018 · 1 seasons · Crime, DramaIt's the mid-1950s, a time of big change. Four women, who were top codebreakers during the war, decide to use their unique skills for a new purpose: solving cold cases the police have given up on. This leads them into the city's shadowy underbelly, where they become fiercely loyal to each other and rediscover their hidden talents. Together, they unravel the secrets of a complex criminal world, exposing the darkness within society and building unbreakable bonds in this exciting new era.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 110
The Pursuit of LoveTV · 2021 · 1 seasons · DramaLinda is a complicated woman driven by intense longing and obsession, searching for the perfect romantic connection amidst a confusing world of relationships. Her journey is full of challenges and surprises, forcing her to face her own fears and desires. As she explores love, Linda begins to uncover difficult truths about herself and what she truly wants in a partner. This intimate story examines the complexities of romance and sexuality, offering a realistic look at a modern woman's relentless search for true love in a disconnected society.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 111
Atlantic CrossingTV · 2020 · 1 seasons · Drama, War & PoliticsThis true story follows Norwegian Crown Princess Märtha as she navigates World War II. After escaping Nazi occupation and being separated from her family, Märtha sails to the U.S. and unexpectedly allies with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The film explores the challenges of international diplomacy and personal hardship through the eyes of a determined woman fighting to protect her country during a time of immense danger.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.5 - 112
Agatha Christie's PoirotTV · 1989 · 13 seasons · HorrorBelgian detective Hercule Poirot, known for his sharp mind and distinctive style, travels from England to Egypt with his loyal companions. He faces a series of elaborate deceptions, using all his ingenuity to solve the mystery.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.2 - 113
1864TV · 2014 · 1 seasons · Drama, War & PoliticsWhen Prussia and Austria declare war on Denmark, two brothers are drafted into the most brutal battle in Danish history.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.2 - 114
Jekyll and HydeTV · 2015 · 1 seasons · Action & Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi & FantasySet in 1930s London, Jekyll and Hyde follows Robert Jekyll, grandson of the famous Henry Jekyll, as he searches for his true identity, family history, and the origins of a mysterious affliction – which his foster father, Dr. Vishal Najaran, manages with medication. His quest leads him into a dangerous world where his hidden side appears limitless. Meanwhile, shadowy figures pursue Jekyll, desperate to uncover the source of his extraordinary abilities.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 115
North & SouthTV · 2004 · 1 seasons · DramaMargaret Hale, uprooted from a quiet country life, finds herself in the bustling industrial town of Milton. There, she clashes with John Thornton, a driven mill owner whose strength mirrors her own stubbornness. When a bitter strike divides the community, Margaret unexpectedly aligns with the workers, intensifying their conflict. Amidst escalating tensions, Margaret is surprised to discover feelings for Thornton...IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.1 - 116
Jane EyreTV · 2006 · 1 seasons · DramaCharlotte Brontë’s beloved novel tells of an orphaned young woman who becomes a governess at a somber estate in Yorkshire, and finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Edward Rochester.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.7 - 117
FingersmithTV · 2005 · 1 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryA young woman takes a maid position at a sprawling country estate, working for an isolated heiress under the control of her stern uncle. However, she harbors a secret: recruited by a charming con man posing as a gentleman, she’s meant to help him seduce the heiress, steal her fortune, and commit her to an asylum. The scheme appears successful until unexpected feelings complicate matters between the women.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 118
The Hollow CrownTV · 2012 · 2 seasons · Drama, HistoryA collection of British TV movies presenting Shakespeare’s history plays.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.5 - 119
Dark AngelTV · 2016 · 1 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryThe story follows Victorian serial killer Mary Ann Cotton, a poisoner who leaves no trace, allowing her victim count to rise undetected in a society that can’t imagine a woman committing such atrocities. Moving across the North East, she marries into unsuspecting families, builds her own—then destroys them, taking their money and disappearing.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.2 - 120
Upstairs DownstairsTV · 2010 · 2 seasons · DramaSet in 1936, the series transports audiences to the opulent world of Belgravia, London. A new family occupies 165 Eaton Place, and viewers witness how the social and personal pressures of the turbulent pre-war era impact their lives and those of their servants.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 121
The BuccaneersTV · 1995 · 1 seasons · DramaExcluded from New York’s elite circles because of their families' wealth, four American women seek acceptance in London. Governess Laura Testvalley proposes a traditional season, sending the young women to England and into the path of the unsuspecting aristocracy. Soon, each girl finds a potential match, but youngest Nan appears to have captured the most desirable prize: Julius, the handsome and wealthy Duke of Trevennick. However, the girls quickly realize that English nobility isn’t what they imagined.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.8 - 122
Elizabeth ITV · 2005 · 1 seasons · DramaThe story of Queen Elizabeth I of England, and her complex relationships with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.2 - 123
The Devil's WhoreTV · 2008 · 1 seasons · DramaThe Devil's Whore is a four-part television drama from Company Pictures and Channel 4, broadcast in 2008. As the English Civil War tears the nation apart, spirited aristocrat Angelica Fanshawe becomes involved with the anti-monarchist movement. She recounts England’s daring decision to execute its king and forge a new path for government.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 124
The Forsyte SagaTV · 2002 · 2 seasons · DramaThe Forsyte Saga is a British-American drama television serial based on John Galsworthy’s novel series. Spanning from the 1870s to the 1920s, it explores three generations of an upper-middle-class family.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9 - 125
Mercy StreetTV · 2016 · 2 seasons · DramaTwo volunteer nurses—New England abolitionist Mary Phinney and Confederate supporter Emma Green—lead very different lives during the Civil War. Based on true stories, the series unfolds in a Union hospital within occupied Alexandria, Virginia, offering an intimate look at Americans grappling with the unprecedented challenges of this turbulent era beyond the battlefield.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.2 - 126
Daniel DerondaTV · 2002 · 1 seasons · DramaIn 1870s England, the idealistic Daniel Deronda searches for his unknown past while becoming involved with the unhappy Gwendolen Harleth, stuck in a joyless marriage, and Jewish singer Mirah Lapidoth.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.7 - 127
Wives and DaughtersTV · 1999 · 1 seasons · DramaMolly Gibson’s quiet life is subtly upended when her widowed father remarries. A strict new stepmother and charming stepsister, Cynthia, enter the household, and a budding friendship with the local landowner sparks an unforeseen romance.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.3 - 128
The Virgin QueenTV · 2006 · 1 seasons · DramaThe Virgin Queen charts Elizabeth’s life: from her early fear under her sister’s rule; through a passionate romance with Robert Dudley; to her victory against the Armada; and ultimately to her later years and a final, mysterious connection with the young Earl of Essex.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.5 - 129
Gunpowder, Treason & PlotTV · 2004 · 1 seasons · Drama, War & PoliticsA mini-series portraying the tumultuous and violent rules of Scottish monarchs Mary, Queen of Scots, and her son, King James VI of Scotland—who also became King James I of England—and his thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.1 - 130
AristocratsTV · 1999 · 1 seasons · DramaInspired by a true story, Aristocrats unveils the lives of an affluent 18th-century English family, exposing a world of romance, prejudice, infidelity, and revolution.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2
