Sometimes, you know a show or movie is going to be special before you even watch it. I know we all felt that way when we saw the first promo photos for Bridgerton way back in 2020, and, of course, that gut feeling was correct. Shonda Rhimes’ series for Netflix broke viewership records when the first season aired, and somehow, Seasons 2 and 3 got even better. So it’s no surprise that when a Season 4 starring Benedict Bridgerton and the mysterious Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek, hit Netflix, we devoured the first four episodes in one sitting. But now, because we binged it all in one go, we have yet another Bridgerton-shaped hole in our queues.
So you are probably wondering: What could possibly measure up to this period drama masterpiece until Part two rolls around? Thankfully, I had the same thought. So I pulled 15 shows and movies that just might satisfy our period drama yearning—that is, until February 26th rolls around. Read on for Bridgerton-esque shows and movies you can watch now.
1. Persuasion
This one got some mixed reviews for its modern take on the Jane Austen story, but I do think if you love Bridgerton’s remix of Regency-era romance, it’s definitely worth indulging in. Add Dakota Johnson’s wit and a little Fleabag-style fourth-wall, and you get some contemporary fun here, too. The story follows a familiar beat that Bridgerton fans will surely recognize: A protagonist who must navigate the tricky terrain of love and duty, deciding whether to follow her heart or her head.
2. Emma
While there have been a few great versions of Jane Austen’s Emma brought to life on film, if you appreciated the candy-colored sets and costumes of Bridgerton, then this 2020 version will surely make your heart skip a beat. In case you don’t know the tale, this Regency-era story follows Emma Woodhouse, who can’t help but meddle in the matchmaking drama of those around her. There may be no Lady Whistledown narrating the drama, but this film still delivers that same witty romance, social chaos, and visually dreamy moments to perfectly satisfy your Bridgerton-style cravings.
3. The Buccaneers
Ok, so maybe this one didn’t get the most amazing critical reviews either, but The Buccaneers brings a lot of the same romantic, period piece energy that makes Bridgerton so lovable. In this story, we follow a group of wealthy young American women who are sent to London to secure husbands and titles during 1870s London. And their rowdy ways certainly kick off an Anglo-American clash in high society that’s worth entertaining.
4. The Gilded Age
In 1882, Marian Brooks moves from rural Pennsylvania after the death of her father to live with her two aunts in New York City during the height of the American Gilded Age. As she adjusts to life in the city, Marian becomes inadvertently entangled in a social war between one of her aunts and her wealthy neighbors. As the title of the series implies, the costumes and sets in this series definitely rival the glitz of Bridgerton.
5. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
A continuation of the Bridgerton universe, Queen Charlotte is the perfect way to tide you over until Season 4, Part 2 releases. This limited prequel series dives into the origin story of our wig-wearing, style-icon Queen Charlotte, showing how she became the commanding, complex figure we know from the main Bridgerton series. I remember watching it for the first time and absolutely bawling my eyes out. It’s such a beautiful story, and if you haven’t seen it yet or are thinking about a rewatch, now is the perfect time to dive in.
6. Marie Antoinette
The visual appeal of Bridgerton is pretty hard to deny, and the only true rival I can think of for the breathtaking sets, jewels, and dessert trays is Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. This film quite literally pioneered the stylistic approach to historical dramas, and while it trades strict accuracy for pure aesthetic indulgence, that’s very much part of the charm. It even includes some pop-rock songs to narrate its themes, and we Bridgerton-lovers know that culture-blending dance move all too well.
7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Portrait of a Lady on Fire may not be as lighthearted and sweet as Bridgerton, but it does include a lot of those romantic period piece details we adore. From the slow-burning romances between a painter and her subject to an arranged marriage with a reluctant bride, this drama is full of hidden love affairs and intense longing. It also features some of the most stunning cinematography, which feels almost like a painting itself.
8. The Favourite
If you love Bridgerton’s lavish gowns and the world of British aristocracy, The Favourite is a must-watch. Set in the early 18th century, it explores intense rivalry and romance between Queen Anne and her closest advisors. This infamous Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone collab definitely takes the whimsical charm we love from the Bridgerton series and gives it a much darker, satirical edge. So if you’re curious about what it would be like to turn Bridgerton into a dark and moody comedy, this would probably be close.
9. Outlander
Bridgerton fans simply must tune in to Outlander. You can expect all the glitz and glamour you loved in Bridgerton and will likely be head over heels for the costumes (The costume designers for both shows took inspiration from Dior when creating their breathtaking gowns). Plus, the steamy scenes might even rival Bridgerton’s.
10. The Great
Elle Fanning’s Catherine in The Great is kind of like taking Eloise Bridgerton’s rebellious, intellectually curious spirit and Queen Charlotte’s fierceness and dropping them into the world of Russian court politics and romance. The series arguably serves up even more charming pastel costumes and ornate sets than Bridgerton, but we’ll let you be the judge of that. As for the story, this dark-comedy series follows the rise of Catherine the Great—aka the Empress of Russia and Russia’s longest-reigning female ruler—blending real events with satirical humor.
11. Dickinson
Comedy isn’t a word you usually hear alongside Emily Dickinson, but in this Apple TV+ series, the young poet’s rebellions against proper society are absolutely hysterical—making it a perfect pick for Bridgerton fans who love witty, sharp takes on social rules. In Dickinson, Hailee Steinfeld stars as Emily, navigating the perils and pitfalls that follow her coming-of-age story in a sexist system. Like many of our beloved Bridgerton women, Steinfeld’s Emily approaches the system with equal amounts of charm and defiance.
12. Little Women
Little Women has so many little moments for Bridgerton fans to swoon over. In case you don’t know the tale, or the costuming isn’t a dead giveaway that you’ll love the film, this story follows writer Jo March, whose life in New York is suddenly pulled back home after her sister Beth falls ill. With its sharp wit, romantic tension, and heartfelt sisterhood, the film hits many of the same notes that make Bridgerton so addictive.
13. The Duchess
I won’t spoil the ending of this movie, but let me just say that if you appreciated the feminist undertones of Bridgerton, as well as the dramatic settings of the show, then you’ll definitely appreciate The Duchess. Starring the blueprint of yearning, Keira Knightley, the story follows the Duchess of Devonshire, an aristocrat trapped in a failed marriage, who is quietly and passionately falling in love with a young politician.
14. Vanity Fair
Based on the novel of the same name, Vanity Fair follows poverty-stricken Becky Sharp as she claws her way from the bottom of society to the heights of English high society. If that doesn’t sound like a Bridgerton parallel, I don’t know what does. Plus, it even stars Claudia Jessie—our beloved Eloise Bridgerton—making it the perfect period-drama crossover for us fans.
15. Poldark
If you love British historical romance sagas, Poldark will absolutely set your heart aflutter. Packed with “will they, won’t they” moments, it also gives a closer look at life beyond the upper class. Set about 20 years before Bridgerton, the show follows a British officer returning home after the Revolutionary War, only to find his family estate ruined, his father dead, and his beloved Elizabeth engaged to his cousin, Francis—a plot made for all the yearning and drama you could hope for.
Jacqueline DeMarco, Contributing Writer
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer based in Southern California who graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism. She has written on a wide range of topics including finance, travel, and wellness for publications such as Coveteur, Girlboss, and Apartment Therapy. When not whipping up articles, she works with consumer brands like Gorjana, Voluspa, Underclub, The Well, and St. John to help tell their brand stories.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
