It’s time for another of my favourite annual posts- my to-watch period dramas. (Last week it was my to-read historical fiction of 2024, and now we are moving to the screen!) Every year, we have a new fantastic crop of period dramas to enjoy and this year we have some seemingly outstanding options. I’m going to admit upfront: S3 of Bridgerton is not on this list as I’ve largely lost interest in it. (If you love it and are excited though, I’m thrilled you’ve got another season to look forward to!) These are my to-watch 2024 period dramas and where and when you can find them (if we know).
To-Watch 2024 Period Dramas
I’ve listed any available airing dates now- I’m listing the Canadian/North American air dates here. I have also included the airing network/streaming service here in North America.
There should be more period dramas added once I have more dates (check back!)– a lot of shows are quickly speculated as “late 2024, early 2025” and once they are confirmed for this year I will add them.
I also will note: I’m not particularly interested in war-themed stories, so Master of Air and the like are also not included here.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter (TBD)– 14 January-?
Via IMDB,
25 years after the events of the previous show, scandals continue to plague this family.
Why Do I Want To Watch This…
While Belgravia was originally touted as the next Downton Abbey (Julian Fellowes created both), I don’t think it quite hit that level for me. However, I did very much enjoy both the book and the first series, and I’m excited for this new series. Because we are a whole generation later, it is essentially a new period drama to me; as soon as I saw the trailer I was excited.
Unfortunately, as of the time of posting, there is no airdate or streaming service showing this for Canada. Apparently in the US you can watfch it on MGM+, but that’s only available in the US. I will update when I’ve got a Canadian listing!
Cristóbal Balenciaga (Disney+)- 19 January 2024
Via IMDB,
A chronicle of the rise of designer Cristóbal Balenciaga from humble origins to fashion icon.
Why Do I Want To Watch This…
As of the time of publishing, I’ve watched one episode of Cristóbal Balenciaga, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Balenciaga is one of the most fascinating designers for me (you can find my Style History of Balenciaga here). He was not called the Master of Us All for no reason- he was immensely talented and truly made fashion history with his body of work. We also don’t actually know *that* much about Balenciaga’s life, much of it is unknown as he was a very private person. While this may or may not be accurate, I’m looking forward to this/enjoying it.
FYI: this is a Spanish-language drama with English subtitles.
The New Look (Apple)- 14 February-3 April 2024
Via IMDB,
Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior, as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence.
Why Do I Want To Watch This…
While Balenciaga fascinates me, Christian Dior is the designer that I continue to return to. Although his design career was cut short by his early death, the New Look changed the trajectory of fashion. I’m more than excited to watch this drama. However, I will be a bit later starting as I’m going to wait for the last 4 episodes to watch within a month.
Want more Dior? Check out my Style History of Dior here and my review of Dior By Dior, his autobiography!
Mary and George (Starz)- TBD
Via IMDB,
Follow the story of the Countess of Buckingham who molded her son to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover, through intrigue, becoming richer, more titled and influential than England has ever seen.
Why Do I Want To Watch This…
We. Need. More. Stuart. Stories. In terms of royal period dramas, the Tudors continue to dominate with the Georgians now seemingly coming in a closer second. However, the Stuarts are one of the most interesting and dramatic dynasties and they deserve more attention. James I and George Villiers had a close and complex relationship that many historians have attempted to explore. I don’t know how accurate that this period drama will be, as it is on Starz and that’s not really their focus. I do know that it will be entertaining, though!
Miss Austen (PBS)- TBD
Via PBS,
The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died. Cassandra (Keeley Hawes) races to see her young friend Isabella (Rose Leslie) who is about to lose her home following her father’s death. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help her friend, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which, in the wrong hands, could destroy Jane’s reputation. On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth. In flashback, we meet Young Cassy and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as they navigate the infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives and laid the foundations for Jane’s unforgettable stories. Cassandra’s re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to realise how blind she has been to the real cause of Isabella’s heartache and distress. Finding a way to guide Isabella towards true happiness, Cassandra is finally able to understand and celebrate the sacrifices she chose to make for her brilliant sister, Jane.
Why Do I Want To Watch This…
We do not have a confirmed date for this period drama yet, so it was a tad risky to include it. However, PBS seems fairly keen on it releasing so I am going to take that of a sign of a possible late 2024 air date. This mini-series is based on Gill Hornby’s book of the same name, and as I very much enjoyed it, I think I will enjoy this, too. I also typically enjoy Keeley Hawes, so this seems a win-win for me!
What are your to-watch 2024 period dramas?
Cheers,
The Historian
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