From 'The Crown' to 'Sanditon': 5 period dramas to watch while you're waiting for 'Bridgerton' Season 3 to drop

'Bridgerton' Season 3 delves into Colin Bridgerton's and Penelope Featherington's love story
Here are five period dramas to watch while you await the release of 'Bridgerton' Season 3 (@PBS, Netflix/@justindowning)
Here are five period dramas to watch while you await the release of 'Bridgerton' Season 3 (@PBS, Netflix/@justindowning)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of 'Bridgerton' Season 3, which is set to premiere on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Excitement is soaring as fans eagerly count down the days until they can immerse themselves once again in the captivating world of 'Bridgerton' and unravel the latest twists and turns in the characters' lives.

The romantic Netflix drama series will be split into two parts, with Part One debuting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and Part Two arriving on June 13, 2024.

While waiting for the highly anticipated release of 'Bridgerton' Season 3, here are five other period dramas to watch.

'Downton Abbey' (2010-2015)

Maggie Smith in a still from 'Downton Abbey' (@carnivalfilms)
Maggie Smith in a still from 'Downton Abbey' (@carnivalfilms)

While waiting for 'Bridgerton' Season 3, you can immerse yourself in 'Downton Abbey,' a British historical drama television series set in the early 20th century. It was created and co-written by Julian Fellowes.

The series aired for a total of six seasons, spanning fifty-two episodes in total. Throughout its run, the series captivated audiences with its compelling storyline and mesmerizing performances.

The series features a star-studded cast, including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, and Maggie Smith, among others.

The series centers around the lives of the Crawley family, who are the aristocratic owners of Downton Abbey, a large estate in Yorkshire, England. 

'Downton Abbey' is available to stream on Apple TV+ and Peacock. 

'Sanditon' (2019-2023)

Ben Lloyd-Hughes and Rose Williams in a still from 'Sanditon' (@wgbheducationalfoundation)
Ben Lloyd-Hughes and Rose Williams in a still from 'Sanditon' (@wgbheducationalfoundation)

'Sanditon' has managed to cultivate a dedicated fan following since its premiere in 2019. Starring Theo James and Rose Williams, the series has captivated audiences with its compelling storylines and talented cast.

'Sanditon' is comprised of three seasons, with a total of 20 episodes. Set in the Regency era, much like 'Bridgerton', the series follows a young and naive woman as she navigates the challenges and intrigues of the new seaside resort of Sanditon.

She encounters a charming man with aspirations to transform the seaside estate into a luxurious resort. 

The series serves as an adaptation of Jane Austen's final and unfinished novel, which she was writing only months before she died in 1817.

'Sanditon' is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

'Belgravia: The Next Chapter' (2024)

'Belgravia: The Next Chapter' Episode 1 showcases the courtship between Frederick Trenchard and Clara Dunn (MGM+)
Harriet Slater as Clara Dunn and Ben Wainwright as Lord Frederick Trenchard in a still from 'Belgravia: The Next Chapter' (MGM+)

'Belgravia: The Next Chapter' is set in 1871 and revolves around Frederick, the third Lord Trenchard who falls in love with Clara Dunn and marries her after a whirlwind romance.

However, their marriage becomes tumultuous as he grapples with past traumas and secrets, leading to turmoil in their relationship.

The series stars Benjamin Wainwright, Harriet Slater, Edward Bluemel, and Toby Regbo in pivotal roles.

Produced by Carnival Films, the series is a must-watch for fans of 'Bridgerton' due to its captivating storyline and stunning visual presentation.

'Belgravia: The Next Chapter' is available to stream on MGM+.

'The Empress' (2022)

Devrim Lingnau in a still from 'The Empress' (@netflix)
Devrim Lingnau in a still from 'The Empress' (@netflix)

'The Empress' is a Netflix's series centered around Empress Elisabeth of Austria, featuring Devrim Lingnau in the title role and Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph.

It was released on Netflix on September 29, 2022, quickly gaining popularity and becoming the second-most-watched series worldwide on the platform for two consecutive weeks.

The six-episode series is directed by Katrin Gebbe and Florian Cossen, both renowned for their expertise in bringing compelling narratives to life on screen.

'The Empress' is available to stream on Netflix. 

'The Crown'

Jonathan Pryce and Imelda Staunton in a still from 'The Crown' (Netflix/@justindowning)
Jonathan Pryce and Imelda Staunton in a still from 'The Crown' (Netflix/@justindowning)

If you have a strong fascination with the British monarchy, then 'The Crown' needs to be at the top of your list of period dramas.

From the start of Queen Elizabeth's reign to the period when Princess Diana became a part of the royal family, and extending to Prince William and Kate Middleton's university love story, 'The Crown' covers a wide range of historical events and personal dramas within the British monarchy.

Created by Peter Morgan, 'The Crown' is available to stream on Netflix. 

'Bridgerton' Season 3 trailer



 

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