Top 5 Period Dramas You Can Watch From Anywhere

I, like many people, love period dramas. Now, I know that quite a few historians dislike them on the basis of accuracy, but for the most part, I enjoy them. And at a time when we are all stuck inside, the past seems even more attractive. A lot of my lovely readers and followers recommend different shows and films to me. However, the unfortunate part is that many aren’t available in Canada. So, today’s post aims to be helpful to everyone, no matter where they live. These are 5 period dramas to watch from anywhere in the world!

As a Canadian, my viewing tends to fall between the cracks. Many shows I watch are from the UK, and air first there. And then they are given a US airdate. But the Canadian date? Who knows. If it is on PBS, I can watch PBS on satellite, though PBS Passport doesn’t work outside of the US. If it is on HBO, I have to subscribe for $20/month (which nothing has convinced me to yet…). And sometimes the Canadian air date never comes, and I am reduced to buying a physical DVD. (Readers in New Zealand and Australia, I know that you face many of the same challenges that we Canadians do!!) 

I’ve set out to compile a list of period dramas available across the globe. I’m sticking with Netflix, because it is the most widely available provider. You will notice though, this is not limited to any one period or location- I’ve tried to pick a wide variety! So, let’s dig into my favourite period dramas you can watch from anywhere… 

Note: I’ve used the IMDB synopses, as apparently Netflix can’t get it together to have a series synopsis for each show (only episode).

5 Period Dramas to Watch From Anywhere in the World

1. Peaky Blinders 

“A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England; centered on a gang who sew razor blades into the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby.” 

When I first started watching Peaky Blinders, I wasn’t sure. It looked like it was just a bunch of stuff on fire and suspicious looks. However, Cillian Murphy and Helen McCrory lead an amazing cast in an engrossing and exciting story. It takes a few episodes to build the whole backstory, but each of the Shelby family members has a fascinating past that has lead to where they are now. And I have to say, my favourite part is that this takes place at the same time as Downton Abbey…

Fun Fact: The Peaky Blinders were in fact a real, historical gang in Birmingham. Names and specifics have been changed for the drama, but it is based on very real history. 

2. Anne With an E

“The adventures of a young orphan girl living in the late 19th century. Follow Anne as she learns to navigate her new life on Prince Edward Island, in this new take on L.M. Montgomer’s classic novels.”

This was a difficult choice for me. The Anne of Green Gables series is still one of my favourite series, and L.M. Montgomery was an incredible author. However, the 1980s CBC versions of Anne is still some of my favourite television to this day. I do love that this series has brought a whole new group of people to Anne Shirley, though. It’s a bit more artsy than the 80s films, but it is beautiful to look at. Amybeth McNulty has done an amazing job at bringing Anne to life once more, and it is perfect spring viewing. And Prince Edward Island might be our smallest province, but it is full of stunning views.

Fun Fact: Anne of Green Gables is insanely popular in Japan! It was introduced by a Canadian missionary in 1939, and became popular quickly. There is actually a recreated Green Gables in a theme park in Japan.

3. The Last Kingdom

“As Alfred the Great defends his kingdom from Norse invaders, Uhtred- born a Saxon but raised by Vikings- seeks to claim his ancestral birthright.” 

Of course I had to include a medieval series in this post! I’ve only watched the first season (aka series for my UK readers). Much of medieval history is reduced to King Arthur or the Tudors, so it is fantastic to see the early medieval period in the spotlight. I have seen this compared to Game of Thrones– I’m not a GOT fan, but it is certainly a sweeping epic. It’s rather battle-y and physical, and you really get a feeling for this period. 

Fun Fact: This series may seen very familiar to you if you are a reader- it is based on Bernard Cornwall’s novels! (As someone who worked in a bookstore, I remember the number of shelves of Cornwall novels…)

4. Alias Grace

“In 19th century Canada, a psychiatrist weighs whether a murderess should be pardoned due to insanity” 

Okay, I had to take the opportunity and include another Canadian drama! Alias Grace is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. The novel is a dramatisation of the real life murder of Thomas Kinear and Nancy Montgomery in 1843. Grace Marks (and fellow servant James McDermott) were very real people, but the doctor who frames the series is a fictional character. 

I know that The Handmaid’s Tale is currently what Atwood is best known for, but Alias Grace is an amazing book and story. I think it is also great viewing for anyone outside of Canada- it gives a good idea of what life in Canada was like in the 19th century. If you are interested in immigration or the Victorian period at all, I would recommend you start watching Alias Grace!

Fun Fact: Okay, not so fun, because it is about prison. However, the historic Grace Marks was eventually pardoned. 

5. The Crown 

“Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and the events that shaped that shaped the second half of the twentieth century.”

Obviously I had to include The Crown. If you haven’t already watched The Crown you need to, and if you have, you need to rewatch it. The Crown follows the Queen’s early reign, and the first three seasons have taken us from 1952 to the late 1970s so far. Many of the important historic moments that we all think of are shown in the show, along with many imagined personal moments. With a budget of $130 million per season, Netflix did not cheap out on this show. The sets, the costumes, and the locations are incredible, and leave you feeling like you are a fly on the wall of Buckingham Palace. Get stuck into modern royal history, and dig into The Crown…

Also, if you are looking for something to read after watching The Crown, I’ve got my book recommendations here!

Fun Fact: None of the costumes were just thrown together, but Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress took longer to make than any other costume. 

What are your recommendations for period dramas that you can watch from anywhere? 

Cheers,
The Historian
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