Period dramas are a phenomenal form of escapism – back to any time period that fans choose! From all the way back to ancient Rome to the days of sweeping gowns and society intrigue, even up to this century, there’s a period drama for everyone!
Whether searching for the drama or the incredible costuming–and no matter the time period (or the level of violence)–we’ve got the best of the best when it comes to period drama TV series available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Updated on June 13th, 2021 by Kristen Palamara: Amazon Prime Video has countless series and movies to stream on its platform including several period piece series that follow the daily lives of people in another time and place. There are stories of British aristocracy and working class in the 1910s Downton Abbey to the 1960s antics at the advertising firm in Mad Men to the tense action drama series about KGB spies living in America in the 1980s in The Americans Amazon seems to have a series from every era for its viewers to enjoy.
12 Mad Men (2007-2015)
Mad Men is an iconic show that revolves around employees at an advertising firm in the 1960s. The series follows a leading figure at the firm, Don Draper (Jon Hamm), several other characters who work with him, and their respective families.
The show doesn’t shy away from the dark historical moments and what was considered socially normal in the 1960s, which makes it difficult to watch at times but a fairly accurate–and brilliantly-acted–period piece series.
11 Atlantic Crossing (2020)
Atlantic Crossing is a PBS Masterpiece theater miniseries that follows American President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Kyle MacLachlan) in a relatively unknown story about the former President’s life.
The series is inspired by the true-life story of the relationship between Princess Märtha and FDR. The series delves into their relationship which formed in Norway and the U.S. during World War II.
10 A Very English Scandal (2018-2021)
A Very English Scandal takes place in the 1960s and 1970s in England. It is based on the real-life story and scandal of how politician Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) was desperate to keep his affair with Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw) from the public.
Things become more complicated as Thorpe continues to gain political power and eventually Thorpe and others are put on trial for conspiring to murder Scott to keep him quiet.
9 The Americans (2013-2018)
The Americans is set in the 1980s during the height of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The series follows two KGB spies, Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth (Keri Russell) Jennings, who are living in the states just after Ronald Reagan has been elected.
The couple struggles to decide whether to side with the Soviets or the Americans and things are further complicated when an FBI agent moves in next door.
8 Blackadder (1983-1989)
Blackadder is a historical comedy of errors starring Rowan Atkinson as the titular Edmund Blackadder who the audience follows in a different British historical setting from him trying to claim his princely position at the end of the British Middle Ages to him fighting in the trenches in World War I.
The series is meant to have a more comedic approach although there are certainly moments of drama as well, and while it might not be the most historically accurate period piece it’s a lot of fun and is a good first step into getting its audience interested in history.
7 Poldark (2015-2019)
Set in the late 1700s, Poldark has taken fans of period drama by storm. This series follows the titular character, back in Cornwall (the coast of England) after his involvement in the American Revolutionary war.
Expect intrigue, high drama, and of course, romance – all set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, with the kind of sweeping dresses and suits that any period drama fan will love.
6 Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
This may be one of the most well-known period dramas of the past few decades – and with good reason! Starting in 1912, the series follows the fortunes of the Crawley family and the titular abbey where they live.
From the need for an heir to the major events of the time, Downton Abbey covers it all with stunning costumes and incredible wit.
5 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-)
For something a little more modern, take a stroll only a few decades back in time to New York in the 1960s. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is all about the incredible life of the titular character, a Jewish housewife who becomes a stand-up comedian.
Mrs. Maisel is the kind of woman that can only be described as ‘irrepressible’, and paired off with her grumpy manager, this is a show filled with incredible jokes, incredible costumes, and characters that outshine both.
4 Vikings (2013-2020)
Of course, if cute dresses and sweeping gowns aren’t to a fan’s tastes, they should go further back still, to the time of the Vikings. This hit series is based on the real-life heroic figure of Ragnar Lothbrok, who raided the lands of France and England and became a Viking legend.
Get ready for a much more violent kind of intrigue, with romance balanced by epic battles and violent fight scenes. This is a longer series, though, so a binge-watch is definitely more of a commitment, with five seasons finished and a sixth partway through.
3 Brittania (2018-)
The last of our picks that take place this far back in history, Brittania will appeal to fans of Rome and Vikings who are looking for something a little more female-focused. Set in AD 43, the series focuses on the conflict between the Celts and the Romans.
Featuring warrior women, Celtic Queens, and magical Druids, this is a series for anyone who wants well-written female leads and a little bit of fantasy along with their battles.
2 Doctor Thorne (2016)
An adaptation of the novel of the same name, Doctor Thorne comes from the same man behind Downton Abbey, so if those who loved one will probably enjoy the other.
Set in the late 1800s, Doctor Thorne has all the ingredients that fans can expect from a classic period drama – incredible costumes, high society, romance… death, intrigue, and scandal. The series is also very short – making it a perfect binge-watch. And of course, devoted fans can always read the book, too!
1 Home Fires (2015-2016)
Bringing our list back up to more recent times, Home Fires is set during the Second World War, focusing on the efforts of the Women’s Institute in a small town in Cheshire. Expect the kind of wartime nostalgia that period dramas set in this time do so well (and of course, victory rolls at every turn!).
Much of the series takes place at the start of the war, making it a more unique take on the time period. With a focus on the war effort and how it impacts the lives of the women in this rural town, Home Fires is a wonderfully different look at WWII.
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