The problem with the new Netflix series Bridgerton is that it's so good, we've already raced through all eight episodes. While we wait patiently (or not so patiently) for a second season, which we're sure will be full of all kinds of delicious drama, there are a few other ways to pass the time. These shows and movies are perfect for a post-Bridgerton marathon.
There's a little something for everyone on this list. Sexy period dramas, dramatic historical fiction series, movies with swoonworthy love stories, shows about royal romantic intrigue, etc. No matter what any fan loved best about Bridgerton, there's a follow-up film or TV show that they should totally watch next.
Here are 15 of our favorites. They have a lot of the same themes that Bridgerton does (love, sex, scandal), and they'll tide viewers over until the Netflix series returns.
'Gossip Girl'
Bridgerton has been described as a period drama version of Gossip Girl, and we can totally see it. Bridgerton even has an old fashioned gossip pamphlet as an early precursor to the Gossip Girl blog. Once we've all watched Bridgerton, we should definitely watch (or re-watch) Gossip Girl. It's streaming on HBO Max.
'Scandal'
Scandal also comes from Shondaland, the production company behind Bridgerton. The sexy political thriller stars Kerry Washington as a D.C. fixer who's having a relationship with the President of the United States behind the First Lady's back. It may be a little more modern than Bridgerton, but it has all the same intrigue. Check it out on Hulu.
'Dickinson'
Although this Apple TV+ series explores the life of poet Emily Dickinson (played by Hailee Steinfeld), it's not a completely historical retelling. It's a little more punk rock, and many of the scenes also feature modern songs like Bridgerton does. They're both historical fiction with a modern twist.
'Pride and Prejudice'
The Keira Knightley movie is a perfectly fine adaptation of this Jane Austen novel, but the 1995 miniseries is unmatched it in its perfection. It's less overtly sexy, but it has its moments. Never forget when Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy emerges from the lake in a dripping wet white shirt. Check it out on Hulu.
'Outlander'
In Outlander, Claire Randall accidentally travels back in time to Scotland in the 18th century. There, she meets the most handsome and strong Scottish man named Jamie Fraser. She may have been married in the present timeline, but in the past, she can't resist Jamie. Watch all four sexy seasons on Netflix.
'Marie Antionette'
Kirsten Dunst stars as the titular Marie Antoinette in this film as she goes from shy teenager to spoiled French monarch. This movie is so lavish and glamorous that we can almost forget what ends up happening to Marie and her husband King Louis XVI. Almost. Rent the visually stunning biopic on Amazon Prime.
'Harlots'
This Hulu show dives into the world of brothels in 18th century London. Two warring brothels battle it out for the London monopoly, and these women will do whatever it takes to protect their business. The show is a super feminist take on the sex work industry at the time, so it's fascinating to watch.
'Anna Karenina'
The famed Russian book by Leo Tolstoy was made into a 2012 movie starring all kinds of attractive actors like Jude Law, Keira Knightley, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and more. It follows the 19th century tale of Russian high society where the well-to-do Anna Karenina begins an affair with handsome Count Vronsky. Watch it on Hulu or Amazon Prime.
'Camelot'
This Starz series uses the Knights of the Roundtable characters (Merlin, Arthur, Guinevere, etc.) but tells a much darker and sexier story than other projects have. It has Game of Thrones vibes without the dragons, and Bridgerton fans will love the royal intrugue and steamy scenes. Watch it for free on Tubi.
'The Great'
Elle Fanning plays a young Catherine the Great as she rises to power in 18th century Russia. The show is genre-bending like Dickinson and Bridgerton, and it provides a more modernized retelling of the royal tale. It's satirical, raucous, and hilarious. Check out the first season on Hulu.
'Gentleman Jack'
This HBO show tells the true story of one of the first recognized lesbian marriages. Usually period dramas are sorely lacking in representation (of both race and sexuality), but this show seeks to remedy some of that. Suranne Jones stars as Anne Lister, a no-nonsense landlord who won't let anyone stand in the way of her finding true love. Watch it on HBO Max.
'A Little Chaos'
Kate Winslet stars in this love story about landscape artists who fall in love while working on a garden in Versailles. It's fun to watch a movie about regular, everyday people in the orbit of the royal family. The drama isn't centered on the royals, but their presence adds a historical element. See it on Netflix.
'Reign'
This historical fiction show leans heavy on the fiction to tell the story of young Mary, Queen of Scots. Most of the series is focused on the romantic drama of her life and those around her, and the result is a passionately sexy series that ran for four seasons. Missing Bridgerton? Watch Reign on Netflix, ASAP.
'Poldark'
It may have run on PBS, but Poldark was once called "one of the sexiest shows on TV." The series follows the handsome and charming Ross Poldark after he returns home from the American Revolutionary War. He quickly finds himself entangled in a romantic relationship while trying to run his business. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
'The Tudors'
Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer plays Anne Bolyn in this historical fiction series. It follows the young King Henry VIII's exploits that would later threaten the entirety of the British monarchy — just because he couldn't keep his romantic life in check. Check out all four seasons streaming on Amazon Prime.
