Shows like The Empress depict that there are still many stories to be told in European history and Historical dramas are still one of the most watched genres and have a large audience too.
Based on the life of the actual Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837–1898), Devrim Lingnau portrays Elisabeth, a 16-year-old who marries Emperor Franz Joseph after falling in love with him. The show was released in 2022, which made it one of the most-watched non-English Netflix programs of the year. After a huge success, Netflix promptly renewed the second season of The Empress: A Novel, a companion book.
Now if have already watched The Empress and your love for period dramas doesn’t seem to meet an end, here are 9 shows about period dramas, queens, kings, and royals, which you would find equally amusing.
Contents
1. Bridgerton (2020 –)
Streaming on Netflix
Love in the early 19th century is the main attraction of Bridgerton. In contrast to period dramas with a noble theme, this Netflix phenomenon takes a different approach by delving deeply into relationships and the pursuit of true love. Following the Bridgerton family’s experiences during the marriage season has won over the hearts of people everywhere.
The show’s focus changes with each new season. With Daphne and the Duke’s flamboyant passion lighting up the screens in Season One, everyone was enamored with them. Then came season 2, when the chemistry between Anthony and Kate ignited a fierce desire. The show is set to return with its third season and the excitement amongst the viewers is still soaring high like the last 2 seasons.
2. Versailles (2015-2018)
Streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Versailles is a historical drama that is set in France. It follows the building of the Palace of Versailles while the nobility rebels against King Louis XIV’s rule. Plotting, extravagance, and brutality are all present in abundance in the series. As the French nobility plotted against King Louis XIV, he battles to expand his power.
The narrative does not have a purely romantic bent but does feature a few sex scenes. Building a prosperous kingdom and satisfying financial and sensual cravings are the main goals of Versailles. Louis XIV and his sibling Philippe I, the Duke of Orleans, are involved in a rivalry similar to the show, the Empress.
3. The Crown ( 2016 – 2023)
Streaming on Netflix
The Crown portrays the life of Elizabeth II from the time of her 1947 marriage to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to the early 21st century. Among the events covered in the first season are the resignation of Winston Churchill as prime minister and Princess Margaret’s decision not to wed Peter Townsend, the sister of the Queen.
With every season’s releasing, news facts and stories about the Royal Family unfolds. The Crown proved to strike the ideal balance between historical accuracy and drama that very few biopics can accomplish.
4. Cable Girls (2017-2020)
Streaming on Netflix
In Cable Girls, set in 1920s Madrid, 4 women take jobs as switchboard operators. In a male-dominated culture, every woman strives for independence for different reasons, underscoring the limitations imposed on them. Whether the characters are dubbed into English or shown in Spanish, they are compelling and convey genuine emotion.
It depicts the tale of women battling for their dreams in life, much like The Empress. Whether the stories are about beginning a new life, leaving high society, or helping out relatives, they are written nicely in this show. A great historical drama, Cable Girls emphasizes women’s rights over romance.
5. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Streaming on Amazon Prime, Netflix and Peacock TV
In Downton Abbey, an early 20th-century backdrop is depicted. The Titanic catastrophe and the Spanish flu’s enduring hold are just 2 examples of the historical parallels that come to life in Downton Abbey. These crucial occasions reflect the changing face of British society and give the story more substance and weight.
Downton Abbey has a wonderful ensemble that includes well-known actors like Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Smith, and it has a captivating appeal. Every character adds a distinct personality to the story, and they all execute with grace, wit, and genuine emotion. This captivating story submerges viewers in a wealthy world with magnificent sets, stunning costumes, and well-timed pacing that creates the perfect atmosphere for an engrossing soap opera.
6. Harlots (2017-2019)
Streaming on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video
With the show’s emphasis on a London brothel during the 1700s, Hulu’s Harlots offers a novel perspective on historical tragedies. Madam Margaret Wells aspires to provide a better life for her family through marriage or business, despite her intense rivalry with other brothel establishments and the growing threat of evangelism to the sex industry.
Though the concept is not followed in The Empress, it still gives women the opportunity to demand and discover the place they deserve. In Harlots, bribery, discrimination, and religion coexist with a focus on politics, feelings, and backstabbing, while Elisabeth struggles against the hostile family she married into. In the female-driven series, guys merely play supporting roles.
7. The Serpent Queen (2022)
Streaming on Starz and Amazon Prime Video
The narrative of The Serpent Queen centers on the character, Catherine de Medici, who defied all expectations to rise to prominence and lead France for a considerable amount of time. A series of flashbacks tell the story of Catherine as she explains her acts to Rahima, her new servant girl, and shares the lessons she has learned with her.
But later, Catherine finds out on her wedding night that the man she married has fallen in love with Diane de Poitiers, a stunning lady-in-waiting who is twice his age. Catherine was confused about whom to trust in her courtiers and the members of the royal court.
8. The Great (2020 – 2023)
Streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV
A historical drama, the Great showcases the life story of Catherine from her early years until her marriage to Russian Emperor Peter III. The Great is satirical and humorous, even if it contains some historically accurate elements. The conversations between the characters are stunning, and Elle Fanning’s characterization of Catherine the Great is light-hearted and eccentric, despite the show’s plenty of deceit and backstabbing.
Although it may feature more comic elements than programs such as The Empress, the concept of a young girl discovering her position within the realm of Royal Families is essentially the same. With its creative and enjoyable style, The Great will leave viewers enthralled and eager for more.
9. The Spanish Princess (2019-2020)
Streaming on Starz and Amazon Prime Video
The Spanish Princess features Catherine of Arago a Spanish princess who marries King Henry VIII for the first time. Inspired by shows such as The Empress, this limited series blends historical truth with dramatization and fiction.
Most of the series covers Catherine and Henry VIII’s divorce. Catherine of Aragon’s ability to win the King’s affection and respect is celebrated in the musical. With Catherine assuming Elisabeth’s role as a young woman learning to negotiate the kingdom as an outsider, The Spanish Princess shines in several instances where it depicts morals and the royal legacy.
