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10 Must Watch Period Dramas

Since "Downton Abbey" is over, we're all looking for our period drama fix

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10 Must Watch Period Dramas
Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited for Masterpiece

Period drama fans everywhere have been feeling slightly empty since "Downton Abbey," the six season Masterpiece Classic phenomenon, officially ended in December of 2015. Although "Downton Abbey" may be over, there are so many awesome shows out there that are just waiting for period drama fans to devour.

Check out some of these amazing TV shows and mini-series to get your fix of romance, drama and mystery in an extravagant historical context. With a unique array of shows spanning different eras, events and countries, at least one of these will appeal to your inner period drama fan. Dashing accents, breathtaking costumes and heart-wrenching story lines will surely have you hooked after just one episode of any of these shows.

"Upstairs, Downstairs"

Are you looking for a show that’s just like "Downton Abbey"? Then look no further than "Upstairs Downstairs." The series, which originally aired in 1971, was the inspiration for "Downton Abbey." There are definitely some similarities to be seen and the drama will not disappoint! When you’re done with those, check out the 2010 continuation series by the same name from PBS/Masterpiece Classic.

"North and South" (2004)

This 2004 mini series is BBC’s adaptation of the Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian novel "North and South." It stars the dashing Richard Armitage as John Thornton opposite Daniela Denby-Ashe as Margaret Hale. Set in 1850s northern England, the series explores themes of class and gender amidst a backdrop of a changing industrial world. There is also, of course, a tension-filled romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

"Doctor Thorne"

Julian Fellowes (creator of "Downton Abbey") does it again with the three-episode series based on Anthony Trollope’s novel of the same name. The series chronicles the life of Mary Thorne, her guardian the local doctor and the prominent family at Greshmansbury Park estate. Again, grappling with issues of class, money, gender and marriage in traditional Julian Fellowes style. The costumes in "Doctor Thorne" are simply exquisite and will surely spark some inspiration in you. Bonus, the main love interest Frank Gresham, played by Harry Richardson, is exceedingly handsome.


"Mercy Street"

Jumping across the pond, the PBS series "Mercy Street" takes place in the South during America’s Civil War. The series follows the lives of those associated with a Union Hospital in Union-occupied Alexandria, Virginia. The story mainly follows two of the hospital’s nurses, Mary Phinney, a New England abolitionist, and Emma Green, a Confederate supporter from the local prominent family. The ups and downs of life during the Civil War can get quite gory at times, but the strong female characters and budding love affair are the main draws of this amazing American series.


"Call the Midwife"

This BBC Series follows a group of midwives working in London’s East End in the 1950s and 1960s. Originally, based off the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, the first few seasons mainly follow midwife Jenny Lee, her friends, fellow midwives and the nuns living at Nonnatus House. The work in Poplar is never easy and never ending, which makes this series fast-paced and interesting. Because of the nature of the nurses' work, midwifery, "Call the Midwife" is also quite touching. Apart from the delivery of babies, daily rounds and medical problems that arise in such a deprived area, there is plenty of character development, drama, love and loss.


"Indian Summers"

As British Socialites head to the foothills of the Himalayas, the Indian Summer has officially arrived. This series is set in the summer of 1932 during the rule of the British Raj, showing the decline of British rule and the rise of a modern India from both the British and Indian sides. The essence of this show is in the tangled passions, rivalries and schemes that characterized the last few years of British rule in India.


"Grantchester"

Missing a bit of mystery in your life? Then be sure to start "Grantchester," a series originally aired on Masterpiece Mystery. When a string of murders happen in the otherwise placid village of "Grantchester," the local priest, Reverend Sidney Chambers, is tasked with helping to investigate. One case soon turns into many as the Reverend explores the powers of jealousy, prejudice, class-conflict and passion at work in his small town.


"Reign"

Mixing fantasy and history, "Reign" follows Mary, Queen of Scots, in her early years living in France. As Mary awaits her long planned marriage to Prince Francis, she deals with politics, power plays, romantic affairs and a conniving soon-to-be mother in law. The series is highly fantasized, but nonetheless entertaining and rich.


"Bomb Girls"

"Bomb Girls" tells the story of four women working in a Canadian munitions factory during World War II. The show was originally conceived as a six-part mini series but popularity has pushed it into producing two full seasons. As these women are liberated from their traditional place in the home, they grapple with this new world where social and working restrictions for women are becoming a thing of the past. The show follows friends, peers and rivals navigating life in a changing world while risking their lives to make munitions for the men fighting overseas.


"War and Peace"

Was Cousin Rose your favorite character on "Downton Abbey"? Then you surely don’t want to miss Lily James as Natasha Rostova in the 2016 mini-series adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s "War and Peace." Five Russian aristocrat families’ lives and lifestyles are threatened as Russia’s conflict with Napoleon's rule crescendos. With opulent costumes and tangled webs of love and passion, this six-part series is not to be missed.
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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