When Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton first waltzed its way onto screens in 2020, it succeeded in dazzling fans with its glittering Regency-era balls, dramatic and heartwarming love stories, and compelling mix of characters. But since we sadly cannot have a new Bridgerton season every week, we must cast our sight around for something just as good.
Luckily, there are plenty of TV shows like Bridgerton available to stream on a variety of platforms. Check out our selection of shows like Bridgerton to watch and find out where to stream them!
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Set within the fantasy Regency-era world of Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte provides a backstory for one of the series’ most beloved characters. The miniseries delves into the Queen’s own youthful love story and difficult marriage, in addition to her current-day mission to forcefully ensure her children produce a royal heir.
Sanditon
Based on Jane Austen’s final unfinished work, Sanditon tells the story of Charlotte Heywood, an smart and independent young woman who finds herself in the up-and-coming seaside town of Sanditon. There she is met with a whole new world of glittering balls, political intrigue, new friendships, and dashingly handsome suitors.
The Buccaneers
Nan and Jinny St George, Conchita Closson, and Mabel and Lizzy Elmsworth are five young women from the American nouveau riche who arrive in London just in time for debutante season in the 1870s. As the friends navigate promising suitors and family dramas, they also contend with the clash of their independent and extroverted personalities with the stiff-upper-lip of English high society.
Pride and Prejudice
Although many adaptations have now been made of Pride and Prejudice, none compare to the BBC’s 1995 miniseries that brings Jane Austen’s most well-known work to life. Starring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett, and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, the series follows the headstrong daughter of a country gentleman and the arrogant son of an aristocrat as they learn to overcome their own insecurities to find true love. Watch this if you love the big Bridgerton family, are a fan of Eloise’s independent spirit, and love a truly good love story.
Belgravia
What took place at the Duchess of Richmond's ball just days before the Battle of Waterloo reverberates even some 25 years later, when the best kept secrets of that night begin to be revealed. Although Belgravia is much more heavy on the drama than the lighthearted Bridgerton, if you fancy a more serious ride through 19th century English society — complete with scandalous secrets and a convincing love story — look no further than Belgravia.
Gossip Girl
Stretched over an impressive six seasons, Gossip Girl follows the story of a group of wealthy teenagers in New York City whose every move and dirtiest secrets are followed and aired by an anonymous blogger known only as ‘Gossip Girl’. Although Gossip Girl isn’t a period drama, the salacious anonymous narrator (aka Gossip Girl/Lady Whistledown) makes for plenty of similarities across the stories.
Vanity Fair
In Regency-era England, Becky Sharp is a clever and ambitious young woman from a poor background who will stop at nothing to get to the top. If you fancy a series that’s a bit darker than Bridgerton, but that also gives a more modern take on a young woman’s story from that era, make sure you check out Vanity Fair.
My Lady Jane
This wild historical fantasy series is based on a book of the same name by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand. It tells the story of one of Lady Jane Grey, also known as the ‘Nine Day Queen’ who was tragically executed by Mary Tudor in 1554. However, the series tells a reimagined version of the story in which Lady Jane is a feisty young woman who can not only save herself, but the entire kingdom. Similar to Bridgerton, My Lady Jane also takes place in an alternate version of history in which the monarchy is racially integrated.
Dickinson
Dickinson tells the story of the iconic 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson. Although it takes place in the mid 1800s, the series uses modern vocabulary, music, and references as it sheds light on this secretive and reclusive poet’s life as she explores her sexual identity, friendships, family dynamics, and finds her voice as a writer.
Little Women
This 2017 BBC adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s book retells the coming-of-age story of the March sisters as they learn about friendship, love, and hardship in 19th century Concord, Massachusetts. If you love the scenes featuring the Bridgerton family, you’ll love the dynamic between the March sisters in Little Women.
Downton Abbey
Set in the Yorkshire countryside during the Edwardian era, Downton Abbey follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants at their manor house. Dealing with themes of social hierarchy, family drama, war, political intrigue, and illicit affairs, Downton Abbey has become known as one of the definitive series to watch if you love period dramas.
The Pursuit of Love
Based on Nancy Mifort’s novel of the same name, the Pursuit of Love follows the lives of two cousins who are best friends but could not be more different. The two are on a quest for love, but what that looks like to each is quite different.
Where to watch shows like Bridgerton online
Check out the full list of TV shows like Bridgerton below to find out where you can stream each of them on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and ITVX!
