Period shows have a dedicated fan base who are desperate to get lost in a different era. It’s not just about the extravagant costumes or lavish set designs (though those are bonuses). Historical series provide viewers with a great educational opportunity to learn about how others lived. Filmmakers have been paying attention to the surge of interest in this niche. But not everyone wants to sit through a two-hour movie and wipe their hands clean from the storyline and characters. Which, of course, is where the appeal of series kicks in.
Amazon’s Prime Video is one of the most popular streaming services, bringing its subscribers both original content and classic favorites to its robust catalog. One of the best parts about the historical dramas consumers can find on Prime Video is the variety in length.
So, whether you want a quick one-season miniseries to plow through on a single rainy day or you want a sprawling series that lasted for years, you’ll find great options on the streaming platform. However, the aforementioned robust catalog can be quite intimidating to navigate through. To avoid hours of scrolling the site that could be used diving into your next favorite series, check out these 20 great period dramas on Prime Video.
20 The Tudors (2007-2010)
As the name suggests, The Tudors covers the Tudor dynasty with a particular focus on King Henry VIII. As the king of England, Henry must tackle and prevent threats and catastrophes of all sizes and coming from all directions. The country’s shaky relationship with France is of particular concern and even signing a pact won’t quell his worries. And since he still hasn’t produced a son to take his place, even his marriage is starting to fill him with doubt. Anne Boleyn may be a suitable replacement, though her intentions with the ruler are quickly thrown into question.
Action-Packed Period Drama
Viewers could pore through dry textbooks recounting facts or documentaries that are mainly focused on political events rather than the personal ones in the lives of rulers. Or, they can tune into dramatic and action-packed series like The Tudors. It’s a mistake to believe the inner workings of the court don’t impact how nobility reigns, and shows like this demonstrate why. Romance, familial conflict, betrayal, conspiracies, and more are infused throughout this epic four-season series.
19 Ekaterina (2014-2023)
In recent years, Hulu’s The Great gained lots of recognition for its humorous and (purposefully) historically inaccurate delve into the life of Catherine the Great and Emperor Peter III. A less satirical and more fact-based alternative is Ekaterina. German princess Catherine is selected to marry Peter, the future ruler of Russia. While in her new home, Catherine becomes unsettled by how things are handled and doesn’t believe Peter is the best fit for the job. In fact, she believes she is.
A New Look at a Familiar Story
Even if someone is well acquainted with the story of Catherine the Great—her troubled marriage with Peter, staging a coup, Peter’s eventual assassination, and Catherine stepping into power—this series is worth a watch. While the first season focuses on how she gets to the throne, the subsequent ones tackle other areas of her life. From her early days on the throne, her life before she arrived in Russia, to her strategy about who will succeed her once she passes.
18 Ridley Road (2021)
Vivien Epstein has no intentions to marry the man her father set up for her. Her true love may have left Manchester for London, but that doesn’t mean Vivien is throwing in the towel that early. She strives for agency and thus sets out for London to find work and her beau. The horrors of World War II may have been in the past in the 1960s, but fascist groups are on the rise. And when an opportunity arises for Vivien to pose as a supporter of their regime, it puts her life directly on the line.
More Than it Seems
The start of the first episode may worry viewers that it’s another story of a young woman looking for love. Those stories have their place, but often feel tired and cliché, particularly within the period drama space. Ridley Road is so much more than that. The turn of this period drama into an espionage thriller is exciting, yet not jarring. All the seeds are planted within the first half of episode one that Vivien, while unassuming at first, is the perfect person for the job of infiltrating this fascist group. That it’s based on real events will only encourage audiences to finish the series quicker.
17 War & Peace (2016)
War and Peace is an adaptation of one of Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s most famous works. The novel is a classic, but at nearly 1,400 pages and with a chapter for practically every day of the year, it’s no surprise that many find it intimidating in its original form. The BBC One drama shrinks it down into a more manageable six-episode miniseries. It centers on three young people who come from upper-class backgrounds as they grow into themselves in the early 1800s as France, led by Napoleon, encroach on their country’s borders.
Better Than the Book?
Natasha, Andrei, and Pierre as just as deftly realized in live-action form as they are in the book. Characterization can often get lost in period shows when so much attention is paid to getting other details right, like costumes, political events, and filming locations. Fortunately, War and Peace gets it all right.
On a rare occasion, some even prefer the adaptation to the novel because of the improved pacing. Whether someone is a fan of the book waiting with bated breath to see how it comes to life on screen, or they’re new to the story, both will walk away appreciating the magnificent storytelling.
16 The Vineyard (2021)
Mauro Larrea and Soledad Montalvo from The Vineyard should’ve never met. Mauro is set to go to Mexico to work in the silver mines. Whereas Soledad, who grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth thanks to her winemaking family, expects to continue her life of comfort. But secrets from her past continue to crop up, as well as a former lover. Both have been through their fair share of obstacles and are continuing to face battles, ones that span continents and countries. Yet when they encounter each other, it presents yet another challenge and the chance to finally find true love.
A Heartfelt Romance
The romance is the heart of this series and viewers will get great enjoyment seeing how the two parties find their way to one another. The diversity in location adds a new layer to this Spanish show. Maura and Soledad venture to Cádiz, London, Havana, and Jerez. Cinematography is top-notch here, but that isn’t the only reason why audiences will have trouble peeling their eyes away. Maura and Soledad are great as individual characters, but their chemistry together is on another level and makes for the best moments in the show.
15 The Collection (2016)
Period shows are notorious for being quite heavy. When you’re dealing with the fates of countries, assassination attempts, and espionage, it’s hard not to be. But The Collection brings viewers back to the days after World War II without getting into the most horrific parts of that period. Paul and Claude Sabine are brothers who both work at their family’s fashion house.
Paul is known for his charm and shines as the face of the business. Whereas Claude, who is hiding his sexuality, has the creative eye. Each member of the Sabine family has an idea of how to propel the business and won’t stop at anything to achieve it, even if it means backstabbing each other.
A Beautiful Look at History
Today, Paris is known as one of the leading fashion capitals of the world. But how did it get that way? The Collection shows how in a tumultuous time people turned to art and fashion in ways unlike any other times. Family dramas guarantee juicy drama, as the blood connection mixed with high emotions is never far away. The series also provides a nice change of pace for period drama lovers who appreciate the glamour associated with other series, but don’t necessarily want to follow royals.
14 Britannia (2018-2021)
If World War II-era period dramas are a bit too recent for your taste, check out Britannia. Set in 43 AD, Kerra and Antedia are part of rival Celtic tribes who live on the land. Normally on opposite sides of various conflicts, the two now share a common threat: the Romans. Julius Caesar failed to conquer the land nearly a century earlier, but General Aulus Plautus is determined to succeed where his predecessor floundered.
A Touch of the Magical
If a society run by warrior women isn’t enough to get viewers to tune into Britannia, perhaps the fantastical elements will be the convincing factor. Historical settings are perfect for adding a bit of magic to stories, as the far-away time periods already feel out-of-reach for audiences. However, there’s no magic system that requires too much complex world-building. It serves to add even more fear for the approaching Romans, who don’t know exactly what to expect from these tribes. Britannia may be too violent for some, but it’ll be the perfect escape for others.
13 Dickensian (2015-2016)
Why luxuriate in an adaptation of one Charles Dickens novel when you can simultaneously enjoy the characters of several of his works? Thankfully, in Dickensian, viewers can do just that. Inspector Bucket (a figure first introduced in Dickens’ Bleak House) lives in London during the Victorian era and is investigating a murder that took place on Christmas Eve. The victim was an associate of Ebenezer Scrooge, and in the backdrop are siblings upset over an inheritance and those who got roped into the conflict.
Worth the Wait
For viewers who are not intimately familiar with Dickens’ works, there is a slight learning curve at the start of this twenty-episode series. Those who stick it out won’t be disappointed with the payoff that comes from having so many dynamic characters forced together. Every side character is the main character of their own story, a sentiment that is nowhere more accurate than in Dickensian. It combines a murder mystery with humor in the best way. By the end, many will be wondering why mashups of iconic authors’ works aren’t more commonplace.
12 The Mill (2013-2014)
Most people know that working conditions in the past were unsafe and cruel. In The Mill, viewers are asked to witness those grueling working conditions firsthand. Children worked upward of ten hours to earn meager salaries in environments that were untied and where abuse ran rampant. Quarry Bank Mill is a textile factory in Cheshire, England during the 1830s. Two of the employees include Esther Price and Daniel Bate. Both are increasingly fed up with mill work and the injustices happening, but speaking up can cost them more than their jobs.
Canceled too Soon
The Mill doesn’t add fluff to extend its episodes and overall run. At just ten episodes, it’s a rather quick watch despite its serious subject matter. Not all period shows capture the atmosphere perfectly, though that’s not the case here. It helps that the series was actually filmed in Cheshire, and the actors did a phenomenal job bringing the unsavory work environment to life. Since a third season wasn’t renewed, a few loose plot threads are waiting to get tied up. Even so, the arc of the first two seasons does enough to satisfy most viewers.
11 The Paradise (2012-2013)
Denise Lovett didn’t imagine coming to England from her small Scottish town to work in the country’s first department store. But after the death of her father, she didn’t have many options. So begins her introduction to the world of The Paradise. Her uncle is a shopkeeper whose business has been impacted by the success of the department store. But the owner of The Paradise sees potential in Denise, making her a target of some of the other workers looking to rise in the ranks.
A Guilty Pleasure
It’s a nice change when the stakes of a period drama don’t revolve around war and humanity. Yes, it’s a quieter story. But who doesn’t want to take a breather every now and then? If viewers can overlook the love interest proclaiming Denise is “not like other girls,” they’ll thoroughly enjoy the other aspects of the show. It’s glamorous, but not so extravagant that it feels unrelatable.
The other ladies who work at the store are a true delight and are more than the lead’s jealous adversaries. Episode by episode, secrets are revealed that invite us to know the parts of these characters they’d rather keep hidden.
10 Legacy (1998-1999)
Legacy centers on the Logan family. They run a horse farm in Kentucky and also grow tobacco, both ventures that have earned them a lot of money and respect in their community. After the American Civil War ended, there are lots of changes happening around them. Ned Logan is the head of the family, and after the death of his wife, leaving behind a positive legacy is top of his mind. However, reigning in his sons to keep control over the talk of the town is difficult, especially with the pressures of running the business weighing heavy on his shoulders.
A Family Saga
This series flew under the radar even when it was released in the late ’90s. Perhaps the categorization of it as a Western turned people off. But don’t fret, there aren’t swashbuckling cowboys present in this one. Instead, it touches on slavery and race relations post-Civil War, the downfalls of greed, and grief. Each Logan family member has a screen-worthy subplot that is then connected to the overall arc involving the farm. And the introduction of an orphan into the family shifts the family dynamics forever. While sometimes it can veer into cheesy category, it won’t go too far off the rails to feel unrealistic.
9 Victoria (2016-2019)
Victoria is about the life of Queen Victoria, who ruled over the United Kingdom and Ireland for a whopping sixty-three years. She’s also, of course, the namesake for the Victorian era in which many period series are set. She is just eighteen years old when she first sits on the throne, and from day one has to fight against people who doubt her capability. Of course, she has a lot to learn. But if it wasn’t clear when she changed her name from Alexandrina to Victoria, this young queen is ready to reinvent herself and the country.
A True Queen
If there’s one word that could describe Victoria, it’s elegant. Jenna Coleman, who played the lead, encapsulated what we all think of when it comes to royals. She was regal, poised, and calculating in the very best ways. The best shows about court intrigue showcase a character who is cunning and willing to bend their values for the betterment of the country or their position. With so much pressure put on women at the time to find a husband to handle the “important stuff,” it’s impressive to see just how much Queen Victoria was able to push back and find her voice.
8 The Last Tycoon (2016-2017)
The Last Tycoon is a Depression-era drama about a man named Monroe Stahr, who works in Hollywood. He is a studio executive and was mentored by his boss Pat Brady. Though the two are close, the differences in how they want to run the studio is causing a huge rift between them. He may get temporarily distracted by the beautiful Irish waitress, Kathleen, but he’s determined to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. The series now follows only Monroe and Pat, but other employees at the studio and the charismatic stars helping to make them lots of money.
Glitz and Glam
It’s always thrilling to pull back the curtains and delve into what happens off-screen in Hollywood. Especially Old Hollywood, with the threat of World War II hanging in the air for viewers. A stellar cast (Matt Bomer, Kelsey Grammer, Lily Collins, etc.) definitely put this series at an advantage, though that’s not all it has going for it. It’s based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last book that he never finished and was published after his death. Despite that, the writers managed to give closure to viewers consuming the story, even with its premature cancelation.
7 The Underground Railroad (2021)
The Underground Railroad is an Amazon original about a Black woman, Cora Randall, living in the Antebellum South. She is forced to work on a plantation in Georgia. However, she and a man named Caesar decide to escape. They seek out the Underground Railroad, a train that will pull them along on a journey to freedom. Or so they hope. Along the way, as they pass through states where slavery is still legal, they must avoid being detected, or they risk not only their freedom but their lives.
A Hard but Necessary Watch
This period show is based on a novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. The actual Underground Railroad is very different from what’s depicted in the series, yet the horrors Cora and others like her face are all too real. Experiencing racism and slavery through these characters is not easy, yet it’s important. The Underground Railroad received numerous accolades with praise going towards the acting performances, writing, and overall storytelling.
6 The Durrells in Corfu (2016-2019)
The Durrells in Corfu, also known as The Durrells, is a British dramedy set in the 1930s. Based on the biography of a British zookeeper and writer, it is about a woman and single mother named Louisa Durrell. She lives in Bournemouth, England with her four children and struggling to stay afloat financially after her husband’s death. Instead of succumbing to her circumstances, she decides to head to Corfu for a reset. But money troubles follow them to the sunny Greek island, where each member of the family struggles to adapt to their new home.
A Genuine Good Time
Humor is missing from so many period shows, and The Durrells makes up for that lack in spades. When viewers discover that the characters are based on actual people, it’ll make the watching experience that much more fun.
Of course, some events were exaggerated for the sake of entertainment, but all four kids and Louisa seem like people we’d encounter in our lives. It’s a shame much of the public outside the U.K. are unfamiliar with the Durrells’ story. Lucky for those unfamiliar with the two siblings who went on to become writers, there is four seasons worth of shenanigans to get acquainted with.
5 Ming Dynasty (2019-2020)
Ming Dynasty takes a real-life figure and imagines what court intrigue took place as she was coming into power. Empress Xiaogongzhang, known here as Empress Sun Ruowei, parents were killed during an insurrection. She and her sister were separated, with Sun Ruowei being raised by a general. As she’s growing up, Sun Ruowei learns to read, write, and fight in martial arts. And now, a decade later, she’s tasked with overthrowing the Yongle Emperor who forever changed her life.
A Different Take
While British and American period dramas are excellent, they can be a tad repetitive. Not only in the real historical figures covered, but also in the scenery, set design, and costumes. Ming Dynasty is a breath of fresh air for those who are a bit burnt out with certain Western stories. But even those who regularly consume Asian or Chinese-based historical dramas will revel in the exploits of Sun Ruowei.
4 Labyrinth (2012)
Labyrinth
- Release Date
- May 22, 2014
- Seasons
- 1
Labyrinth is a criminally underrated series. Perhaps it was overshadowed by the more popular fantasy film from the ’80s of the same name, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Nevertheless, this miniseries deserves attention for its portrayal of two fascinating women on opposite sides of history.
Alice Tanner is an archaeologist working in present-day France when she comes across two bodies and a peculiar ring. Upon slipping it on her finger, she’s transported to medieval France. Switching over to a teenager named Alaïs, she discovers a body and learns her father may have answers. Though the book she’s given about a labyrinth, provides more questions than answers.
Worth the Time
Dual timeline narratives are great narrative devices to allow viewers to compare where we’re at today with the past. Plus, the inevitable fish-out-of-water antics promise a good time. This is the ultimate definition of a miniseries, with just two ninety-minute episodes. But don’t let the length fool you. Getting two perspectives on the happenings in this small town with two very different but equally interesting characters will make time fly. And knowing that the Crusaders are looming in the background, adds more teeth to this already distressing situation.
3 Manhattan (2014-2015)
Manhattan
- Release Date
- July 27, 2014
- Seasons
- 2
If Oppenheimer piqued your interest in the history behind nuclear weapons, now might be a great time to (re-)discover Manhattan. The Manhattan Project was a research effort by the United States to create the first successful nuclear weapons during World War II. Through the use of fictional and real historical figures, viewers see how a group of scientists at Project Y in Los Alamos, New Mexico attempted to pull off this historic feat.
Inspired by Real Events and People
Manhattan is just as smart and thought-provoking as one would anticipate from a series about science and physics. With so much on the line, the government and scientists struggle to trust not only their enemies but each other. Dr. Frank Winter is one of the main characters we follow. Sure, it’s sad that the project has impacted so much of his personal and professional life, but it’s also extremely engaging. The series is proof that a “war story” doesn’t have to take place on the front lines to be filled with tension, intrigue, and high stakes.
2 Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Downton Abbey gets so much right about what lovers of this genre want from historical series. Set in Yorkshire during the early 1900s, it follows the lives of the Crawleys and those who live and visit their picturesque estate. The first season centers on the sinking of the Titanic. Lord Crawley anticipated passing the estate down to a cousin who’d marry his daughter (different times, indeed). However, when he’s killed in the shipwreck, it forces everyone to reconsider what their future and legacy will be.
Lots to Love
The mix of the fading Edwardian era and the oncoming Modern Era is fascinating, showcased in everything from the way of dress to people’s changing mindsets. While some period dramas focus on one pivotal historical event, Downton Abbey explores a wide range of issues. The Spanish flu. World War I. The Teapot Dome Scandal. And so much more. Over the six seasons, fans won’t just walk away with a better understanding of these events, but with a great attachment to the characters.
1 Poldark (2015-2019)
Poldark takes place around the time of the American Revolutionary War. Captain Ross Vennor Poldark knew when he returned home to Cornwall after the war that things would be different. However, he never fathomed just how much change happened during his time away. His father died and he left his son an extraordinary amount of debt and a home in shambles. If that wasn’t enough, he also learns that his first love, Elizabeth, is set to marry none other than Ross’ cousin.
No Shortage of Great Material
It won’t take long to get hooked into the story. Despite the name of the series, there are a handful of characters that viewers will come to love and hate. Demelza, the maid turned potential love interest, Ross’ different family members, and various others. Actor Aidan Turner is amazing in the titular role, which shouldn’t be shocking, since he’s worked on other period dramas in the past.
Captain Ross is a three-dimensional character who routinely finds himself in tumultuous situations. With more than 10 books from the series of novels the show is based on, the writers of Poldark have no shortage of material to deliver entertaining episodes.
