3 period shows to pass the time until Bridgerton returns

Bridgerton is back in March, but here’s what to watch in the meantime

Whether you’re a Downton Abbey purist or a recent genre convert thanks to the likes of Bridgerton, it’s hard to find a period drama that ticks the boxes. Here are three shows set in times gone by to keep you entertained while we wait for Nicola Coughlan and co to return to the Ton.

The Great

The Great is a comedy drama set in 18th Century Russia, about the rise of Catherine the Great. It’s wacky, crude and funny with stand-out performances from leads Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning. Catherine travels to Russia and becomes the Empress by marrying the Emperor of Russia, Peter, before realising he’s selfish and cruel. She plans on challenging the dogmatic beliefs of her new country, by any means necessary. Season 1 and 2 are available to stream on Starz and Virgin Media Go, with a third season on the way.

Reign

For a dose of romance and historical drama, try Reign. Spanning four seasons, the show follows Mary, Queen of Scots, in the late 16th Century. The series stars Adelaide Kane as Mary, and follows her rise to her titular reign. Engaged to Prince Francis, but catching the eye of his half-brother, Mary has more than just a kingdom to worry about. It’s got all of the political intrigue and sexual tension to keep you clicking ‘next episode’. Reign was available on Netflix, but reached the end of its, well, reign, in 2021. Thankfully, you can find all episodes on Starz.

Lovecraft Country

If gowns and court gossip aren’t your thing, watch Lovecraft Country. The show is about a young Black man who travels across the segregated 1950s United States in search of his missing father. Along the way, he learns of dark secrets plaguing a town on which famous horror writer H. P. Lovecraft supposedly based the location of many of his fictional tales. You can watch all 10 episodes of the first season on Sky.