Beyond Wuthering Heights: Ten Steamy Period Dramas to Ignite Your Passions
The recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights has certainly sparked conversation, whether you’re a devoted fan of Emerald Fennell’s bold vision or a purist yearning for the Brontë sisters’ original intensity. If the allure of tempestuous romance and lavish historical settings has left you craving more, you’re in luck! The world of period dramas offers a treasure trove of captivating tales, from the scandalous courts of 18th-century France to the opulent, and often chaotic, Russian empire.
Prepare to be swept away as we explore ten of the most passionate and engaging period dramas guaranteed to fill that Jacob Elordi-shaped void in your heart. Grab your comfiest blanket, settle in, and get ready to “come undone,” just as Fennell might suggest.
1. Bridgerton
It’s impossible to discuss steamy period dramas without mentioning the phenomenon that is Bridgerton. This Netflix sensation, based on Julia Quinn’s beloved novels, transports viewers to Regency-era London. Each season expertly follows a different member of the prominent Bridgerton family as they navigate the treacherous landscape of the marriage market, all under the ever-watchful, and often scathing, gaze of the anonymous gossip scribe, Lady Whistledown. Think of it as 19th-century Gossip Girl, but with more corsets and fewer smartphones. With the second part of Season 4 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into this addictive series.
- Stream on: Netflix
2. The Great
For a gloriously unhinged and historically flexible dive into Russian history, look no further than The Great. This series offers a wild ride, charting Catherine the Great’s (Elle Fanning) transformation from an innocent outsider to a formidable empress. Set within the decadent Russian court, it paints a vivid picture where ambition, seduction, and intricate scheming are the daily currency. Nicholas Hoult delivers a performance of ludicrous brilliance as Peter, Catherine’s often estranged and eccentric husband. Despite the political machinations and the ever-present threat of murder, the show never fails to deliver laugh-out-loud moments. It’s an absolute must-watch for anyone who enjoys their history with a generous side of chaos.
- Watch on: Channel 4
3. Mary & George
Julianne Moore shines as the deliciously wicked Mary Villiers in this scandalous drama. Mary is a fiercely ambitious matriarch, determined to elevate her handsome son, George (Nicholas Galitzine), by any means necessary. Her intricate schemes aim to place him squarely in the favour – and the bed – of King James I. This series is a period drama fan’s dream, packed with court politics, masterful manipulation, extravagant displays, potent seduction, and a family utterly consumed by their desperate quest for power in Jacobean England. Even The Guardian has lauded it as “ludicrously good fun,” and we wholeheartedly agree.
- Watch on: NOW TV
4. My Lady Jane
If you’ve ever found the Tudor era a tad dull, My Lady Jane is here to prove you spectacularly wrong. This cheeky and inventive reimagining transforms Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen, into a sharp-witted heroine who refuses to be a pawn in anyone’s game. She’s thrust into a nightmarish world of scheming courtiers, a dreaded arranged marriage, and a husband who proves to be rather inconvenient. The central romance crackles with genuine chemistry and a satisfying bite. While history purists might balk, fans have become so invested that they’ve launched a campaign for a second season.
- Watch on: Prime Video
5. The Buccaneers
Step into the glittering world of 1870s high society with The Buccaneers. This glossy, high-drama romp follows a group of spirited and wealthy American girls who are whisked off to London with the express purpose of securing titled husbands. Naturally, their arrival ignites a delightful wave of chaos amongst the British aristocracy. Expect intricate love triangles, fascinating culture clashes, swoon-worthy longing, and plenty of passionate encounters, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of late-19th-century opulence. It’s like Bridgerton, but with a decidedly swanky American flair and an abundance of stylish corsetry.
- Watch on: Prime Video
6. Outlander
Prepare for an epic and intensely steamy journey with Outlander. The series begins with Claire (Caitriona Balfe), a WWII nurse who mysteriously finds herself transported back to 18th-century Scotland. There, she encounters the captivating and brooding Highlander, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Their chemistry is immediate and ignites a sweeping saga of love, war, and survival amidst profound religious turmoil. Claire grapples with the impossible choice of returning to her own time without irrevocably altering the course of history. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling novels, Outlander is one of the most streamed series ever, a testament to its captivating narrative and undeniable allure.
- Watch on: Prime Video
7. Poldark
For a moodier, yet equally passionate, historical romance, turn your attention to Poldark. This epic tale unfolds against the rugged and dramatic landscape of 18th-century Cornwall. The series centres on war veteran Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner), who returns home to rebuild his life and finds himself drawn into a tempestuous relationship with the fiercely loyal Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson). While perhaps less polished than Bridgerton, Poldark is just as addictive. If you need further convincing, a quick search for the iconic ‘Poldark scything scene’ should do the trick. You’re most welcome.
- Watch on: Netflix
8. The Tudors
If you thought Bridgerton was racy, prepare yourself for the unbridled passion of The Tudors. The series kicks off with a young, impetuous Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and chronicles his turbulent reign as he navigates through wives, allies, and the treacherous English court in his relentless pursuit of love and, crucially, a male heir. Expect a dizzying blend of political manoeuvring, religious upheaval, unfortunate jousting accidents, and an almost constant stream of bed-hopping, not just by the king but by those around him. This is certainly not a series for a family viewing, but for those seeking a truly uninhibited period romance, The Tudors is a hard act to follow.
- Watch on: Prime Video
9. Harlots
Swapping the high-society ballrooms for the grittier realities of 18th-century London’s working class and brothels, Harlots offers a less glossy, but no less compelling, perspective. The story centres on madam Margaret Wells as she fiercely battles rival establishments and strives to secure a brighter future for her daughters. In this world, sex is a commodity, and power is the ultimate prize. The series is unapologetically blunt about the harsh realities beneath the corsets and serves as a potent reminder that period history wasn’t always about chaperones and polite society.
- Watch on: Netflix
10. The Seduction
Set against the volatile political backdrop of 18th-century Paris, The Seduction explores the dangerous complexities of power and manipulation. Isabelle Dassonville (Anamaria Vartolomei) is ensnared in a marriage orchestrated by the cunning Vicomte de Valmont. What begins as a flirtatious dance quickly escalates into something far more unsettling as boundaries blur and the true nature of her new husband is revealed. While not a conventional swoony romance, the film is brimming with intense passion, intricate power plays, and captivating intrigue.
- Watch on: Hulu
