Downton Abbey has been one of the most popular period dramas since its original release in 2010. With an amazing cast, a great story, and truck-loads of drama, which you know we can’t do without, Downton Abbey has received a large number of well-deserved awards!
With 6 seasons and high ratings everywhere, you’ve probably already heard of this show if you haven’t already watched it and loved it!It follows the story of Robert Crawley, who risks losing the huge family estate because there’s no heir, since all of them died with the sinking of the Titanic. Just when he’s about to lose hope, the Crawley family is introduced to Matthew, the next heir in line for the estate.
But unfortunately for them, Matthew is someone who completely goes against the norms of the aristocratic life that they’re so familiar with.It goes without saying that Downton Abbey is a great show, and since you’re here, we’re guessing you love it already, and are on the lookout for more shows like it! And you’re in the right place, because we’ve put together a list of 10 shows that you can watch next!
Here Are The Best Shows Like Downton Abbey:
Outlander
Available on Netflix | Amazon prime
The first show on our list is Outlander. This is a show that we simply cannot leave out when we talk of shows like Downton Abbey, simply because of how great the period drama is. If you appreciate the landscape, the costumes, and the general vibe of Downton Abbey, this show will be right up your alley!
Filled with drama, romance, and gasp-worthy storylines, Outlander is a great next watch after Downton Abbey. It is definitely more magical, considering the elements of time-travel that are laced throughout the show, but we’re sure you’ll like it anyway! It follows the story of Clare, a time-traveling nurse as she fights social norms, stereotypes gender roles, and is a fierce young woman that all of us can love and look up to!
Related: Shows Like Outlander
Game Of Thrones
Available on Amazon prime
Now, who hasn’t heard of Game of Thrones? Everyone, and I repeat, everyone, has watched at least one episode of this show! Based on the extremely popular book series by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones is an action-packed fantasy series filled with magic, dragons, schemes, politics, grandeur, and let’s not forget, white walkers.
Following the stories of several characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, Game of Thrones is as a name suggests, a series of well-planned “games” to see who gets to the Iron Throne.
Like Outlander, this show too is definitely more fantastical than Downton Abbey, but it’s similarities with both the shows make us put it on this list without delay. So, if you haven’t watched this show yet, and if you like some magic mixed in with your period dramas, what are you even waiting for?!
Related: Series Like Game Of Thrones
The Crown
Available on Netflix
Another great, great, great show. If you’ve watched and lived Downton Abbey, we’re sure you’ve seen The Crown pop up on your recommended a couple of times. And for good reason! The series follows the story of Queen Elizabeth II’s life, with the first two seasons focused on her childhood and young-adult-hood, and the third season focusing more on her early reign.
It covers the period from the 1940s to the early 21st century, really going over the Queen’s life in as detailed a manner as possible.
With all the drama and the romance, and talk about an “heir”, albeit this being a more royal once, this show will leave you wanting more, and we definitely think you’re going to love it!
Victoria
Available on Netflix | Amazon prime
Next on our list is Victoria. Think royalty, think The Crown, and then take it back by about a century. As the name suggests, this show talks of the life of Queen Victoria who took on the throne at the young age of 18, and follows the story of her life as a royal.
A stunning period drama, this is filled with, wait for it, drama, and stories of her romance with Prince Albert who she later married.
The show aired in 2016, and has, since then, spanned 3 seasons with talk of the next one in the air. With a really talented cast (not to mention, absolutely gorgeous), the show has a lot of nominations in the bag for their performances, and if you loved Downton Abbey, we really think you should give this show a try!
Poldark
Available on Netflix | Amazon prime
Yet another series that we can’t leave out of this list is Poldark. Kind of on the lines of both, Downton Abbey, and Outlander, this is a show that will definitely keep you entertained. Oh and, no magic, so if that’s not your thing, this show is perfect for you! Having started in 2015, the series has produced 5 seasons that start with the story of Ross Poldark, returning home from the American Revolutionary War only to find everything he knew about his life in ruins.
With his father dead, his estate broken down, and the woman he loves engaged to another man, it really seems like he’s lost it all, but no. The show tells the beautiful story of a man scarred with war attempting to rebuild his life after facing yet more tragedy. We really think you’ll love this one, and there’s 5 seasons, so get you comfiest pajamas and relax.
Upstairs, Downstairs
Available on Amazon prime
With this next show on our list, we’re taking you way, way back, and not in terms of the period drama itself, but rather to when this show was first released! Upstairs, Downstairs first aired in 1971 (yes, that’s right), and we would like to think it’s one of the OG period dramas, way before Downton Abbey was even a thing.
Set between the 1900’s and the 1930’s, the show follows the story of the rich Bellamy family (the upstairs) and their servant staff (downstairs) in the midst of a time filled with social and political change.
Many people believe that Downton Abbey was actually based on this show, and in that case, you should really check it out! But whether that’s true or not, what is true is that Upstairs, Downstairs is a thoroughly engaging show that you will love, and that we can guarantee!
The Tudors
Available on Netflix | Amazon prime
Next on this list we have a showtime drama focusing on the 40-year reign of King Henry. The Tudors is a very well-done historical-drama series aimed at mirroring the life of King Henry and his relationships with several prominent people including his wives, Catherine of Argon and the famous Anne Boleyn.
While it’s definitely not the most accurate, it is more accurate than a lot of other historical dramas we see today. A condensing of characters takes place in order to narrow the focus and the narrative. Despite that, The Tudors remains a very engaging show which has also won several awards.
The Tudors aired from 2007 to 2010, releasing a total of 4 seasons, and if you like knowing more about royalty in your period dramas, we think you’ll really enjoy this one!
Call The Midwife
Available on Netflix | Amazon prime
Now this is a show that is perhaps the most different out of all of the others on the list, but a show we think you’ll like nonetheless. Call the Midwife is a very well done, witty, bright show based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth. It follows the scene of midwifery and families in the London of the 1950s; the story of Jenny, a midwife just fresh into the profession, who joins an odd-ball community of nuns who work at the Nonnatus House.
The show tackles a lot of heavy topics like women’s reproductive health, abortions, miscarriages, love, racism, religion, economic statuses and more, becoming all around compelling show that you will not be able to leave. Up until now, the show has 9 seasons, and there’s hope to see more!
The Last Kingdom
Available on Netflix | Amazon prime
Nearing the end of our list, we have a show based on Bernard Cornwell’s series ‘The Saxon Stories.’ The Last Kingdom is a historical show telling us the story of Uhtred, a young Saxon who was taken in by the Danes and raised as their own after their invasion of England.
Set in 9th century Britain, this period drama is definitely set further back than most on our list, but is nonetheless, a must-watch show with a great storyline and amazing characters! While there’s definitely more action and less quiet aristocracy in this show, The Last Kingdom is surprisingly very popular among fans of Downton Abbey, and if you go in with an open mind, we’re sure you’ll love it!
Related: Shows Like The Last Kingdom
Belgravia
Available on Amazon prime
And with that we come to the last show on our list! Ending with a really good one, we bring to you Belgravia, a show based on a novel of the same name, that actually has one of the executive producers and creators of Downton Abbey on the crew! If that’s not reason enough to watch the show, we’ll give you a couple more!
Probably one of the newest series on the list, the show starts off with one of the most legendary balls that took place on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and goes on to show us the unravelling of the secrets of a number of the biggest families in London.
An absolutely riveting, drama-filled show, we could not leave it out of the list and definitely recommend it to anyone who loved Downton Abbey!
That brings us to the end of our list! Tell us what you think of these suggestions! Think we missed out on any good ones that you love? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you.