5 shows like Bridgerton to watch after you finish season 2
By Renee Hansen
The Netflix original series Bridgerton has graced us with its second season fans are happily binging away. But, once you are done with a rewatch or two, what will you do with your life then? Well, Netflix has several other series that will fill the void in your life.
The Bridgerton series is based on a series of books penned by Julia Quinn that follows the lives of the Bridgerton family living in Regency London. The first season focuses on the eldest sister Daphne and her quest for a husband. She was highly successful as she nabbed the Duke and became a duchess.
Season 2 will follow the Viscount, Anthony, as he searches for his bride, but he will go about things a bit differently than his sister did. The series has been renewed for an additional two seasons so far, and it is expected that these seasons will follow the books and focus on Benedict and Colin.
Shows to watch if you like Bridgerton
Below are five great series on Netflix that can help you during your Bridgerton hiatus.
Downton Abbey
There are six seasons of Downton Abbey available to stream on Netflix. This series is a historical drama set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey.
The story follows an aristocratic family, the Crawleys, and their domestic servants, between the years 1912-1926, which is about 100 years after Bridgerton’s Regency Era. But, Downton Abbey still features the lavish lifestyle of the aristocrats, the parties, the fashions, and adds in stories of the lifestyle of the servants.
The Crown
The Crown is a period drama that focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The series begins in 1947 with her marriage to Philip the Duke of Edinburgh and follows her reign through the ’90s in season 4. The final two seasons will bring the story into the 21st Century.
This series takes a deep dive into the life of the British Royal family and gives a glimpse behind the curtain of the Royals that many Americans can’t get enough of.
Reign
The series Reign originally aired on The CW from 2013 to 2017. This series reminds one of a period soap opera, which is meant as a compliment. The costumes are amazing, keeping with some of the historical fashions but adding more modern elements to keep it fresh.
Set in the late 16th century, the story revolves around Mary, Queen of Scots, and her rise in the French Court. The series has been praised for the costumes and acting, but it has been criticized for historical inaccuracies. This seems to be the norm for the period pieces but doesn’t take away from the fantastic stories.
The Cook of Castamar
The Spanish period drama, The Cook of Castamar was adapted from the novel by Fernando J. Muñez and has one season on Netflix.
Set in Madrid in 1720, during the reign of Philip V, the story follows Clara Belmonte, a woman who, after losing her father, is employed in the kitchen of the Duke of Castamar, a man who mourns the recent loss of his pregnant wife. This series follows their unlikely love story.
Versailles
The series Versailles has three seasons available to stream on Netflix and is set during the construction of the Palace of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV.
This series begins when Louis XIV is 29 years old and is confronted with rebellion from the nobility. He comes up with a plan to quash the rebellion by renovating his father’s old hunting lodge at Versailles into a fantastic palace. This draws the nobility back into his good graces, practically trapping them in the palace.
What are you watching now you’ve finished Bridgerton? Share your top picks in the comments below.