10 best period dramas of all time: From Downton Abbey to Pride and Prejudice

Harper's Bazaar ^ | January 4, 2021 | Ella Alexander

[C19fan]

There is something comforting about a period drama. Perhaps it's the escapism we're afforded by looking into an era we don't live in, or the aesthetic that's unfamiliar to our own - or maybe it's the lavish production that often accompanies period pieces, offering endless hours of dreaming and distraction. Whatever the reason for their appeal, costume dramas continue to beguile contemporary audiences, as proven with the recent popularity of Shonda Rhimes' Bridgerton.

[Oshkalaboomboom]

Can’t you get subtitles for the British programs? Even though my wife is British and I watch British shows constantly there are times I turn on the subtitles, even for a minute, to make sure I heard what I thought I did.

[BunnySlippers]

Wow! I totally agree!

[Oshkalaboomboom]

Love Endeavour!

Endeavour is a young Inspector Morse so if you haven't seen Morse or the other spinoff, Lewis, they are also worth a look. Even though Endeavour is the newest sequel agewise for the inspector it would be Endeavour, then Morse then finally Lewis.

[NautiNurse]

Shetland is another excellent series. The scenery is mesmerizing. Agree Broadchurch is good.

[Mears]

Happy Valley is awesome.

.

[NautiNurse]

Honestly, watched all Endeavor episodes, then tried to watch Inspector Morse. Kept falling asleep during Inspector Morse.

[NautiNurse]

Will add Happy Valley to the watch list.

[Oshkalaboomboom]

Agree Broadchurch is good

Broadchurch actually ran for 2 seasons. The first season was excellent. That's the one most people identify with. The second one wasn't as good.

[NautiNurse]

Made it through both Broadchurch seasons. Yes, 1st season was the best. Dark and brooding, both.

[Phillyred]

Poldark, Downton and Life is Beautiful are all fantastic. Gone with the Wind?

[NautiNurse]

i’m not British but i prefer British mysteries. i think they are masters of the genre.

Brits are, indeed, masters of the mystery genre.

[Starstruck]

Haven’t seen it but was Upstairs, Downstairs any good?

[A_perfect_lady]

I love The Scarlett Pimpernel!! I taught it to some of my students last year... the movie is actually a combination of two of the books, and quite well done for the time it was shot. And yes, AA was great. That scene on their wedding day that he hears the rumor about his bride... the way his face changes... I got chills.

[A_perfect_lady]

Oh, I was going to say Father Brown and I forgot. I love how Lady Felicia screams every time she finds a body. By the 5th one you’d think she’d just sigh and ring for a servant. LOL!

[Chgogal]

Hey! What about Dark Shadows?

; )

[Sans-Culotte]

Good choices. Barry Lyndon and The Duellists are in my top five favorite movies.

[A_perfect_lady]

I use subtitles with Scottish TV shows, like Shetland.

"Ay, mee-ants li'd an de kontinant far trey airs cooz shi sole de lan wa' meeonk dayd!"

Me: Waaaht????

[A_perfect_lady]

Definitely Gone With the Wind!

[CaptainK]

Howards End (1992).

[midnightcat]

yes, that was amazing acting - that particular scene which I have noticed as well.